Chinese Dragon and Snake Connection – The snake in the Chinese and foreign cultures

EVENT DESCRIPTION

2025 is the yisi Year of the Snake, so the Museum has selected a series of snake-related objects and placed them on display. As well as introducing the long history of Chinese and Western culture related to snakes, we also wish our visitors a Happy New Year in which all their aspirations are met and their plans are realized.

The snake, as one of the ancient totems of Chinese civilization, embodies fertility and the power of reproduction. In Chinese mythology, the human ancestors Fuxi and Nuwa are depicted with human heads and snake bodies. The snake may also serve as the primary model for the dragon totem. Chinese people often affectionately refer to snakes as“ little dragons”. Placing the dragon and snake in the twelve zodiac signs further underscores this connection.

During Ming and Qing dynasties, dragons and snakes frequently adorned the ceremonial attire of rulers and officials. The dragon’s image was a privilege of the imperial family, while the python, as one of the snake species, was crafted into ceremonial robes. The combination of the snake and turtle became one of the traditional four directional Chinese deities, representing the northern Xuanwu, which is believed to ward off evil and bring blessings.

In ancient Egypt, the snake was the pharaoh’s guardian god; The ancient Greeks believed the snake was the symbol of immortality; The ancient Romans showed it in many statues; In pre-Christian Europe, the image of two snakes was carved on envoys’ crutch to manifest their power, as the snake was also a symbol of authority.

Its scales glisten brightly, and as it glides lively, the snake carries with it a mysterious beauty.