The new series of Animal Tales from the Bermuda SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), have kindly been sponsored by Noah’s Ark.
You don’t really need an excuse to enjoy a delicious Chinese meal, but now is a particularly appropriate time since we are celebrating the 2012 Chinese New Year.
The Year of the Dragon officially began on January 23 and will last for a week.
Legends
The dragon is a symbol of power and untold riches, which should give us all cause for optimism whilst this current recession drags on, seemingly without end.
Dragons of course are legendary creatures, usually serpentine or reptilian-like beasts.
They feature in many cultures. Such cultures can be divided into two distinct regions: The European dragon with its links to Greek and Middle Eastern mythologies; and the Chinese dragon, with its branches in Japan, Korea and other countries.
European dragons are often depicted with broad wings and lacking forelimbs, whilst Chinese dragons resemble large snakes.
Sometimes they are held in fear (especially those which breath fire), whilst other times they are venerated as a primal force of nature.
In Chinese culture, male dragons lead with their left foot, and female dragons with their right.
This has been carried over to modern times, and hence in China today you will always find the Ladies’ bathroom to the right of the Men’s.
To quote an old Chinese proverb, “Women are always right.”