It’s only 8 a.m., but the lines outside Beijing’s post offices are already long, and 2012 has only just begun. People queuing amidst wintry morning temperatures are waiting to buy Year of the Dragon stamps, which went on sale this past January 5.
　　Released annually, Zodiac stamps have always been favored by Chinese collectors. But this year’s dragon stamp has attracted much more attention than previous editions of the postage product.
　　“We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of buyers this year since ‘dragon’ has a special meaning for the Chinese, [culturally],” says Li Ping, who works in China Post’s circulation department.
　　The dragon is an iconic image in China. Its likeness is often used in designs promoting Chinese culture. And Chinese people, both at home and abroad, often regard themselves as “descendants of the dragon.” Its written character, 龙, is included in the names of millions.
　　In the Chinese language, people who are high achievers are often compared to dragons. Many Chinese idioms also make reference to dragons. “Hoping one’s son will become a dragon” is just one of these phrases. The dragon in this instance represents the promise of a bright future.
　　Why are dragons so popular and beloved in China?
　　The Chinese dragon differs greatly from dragons in the Western tradition, which are often seen as evil, warlike, fire-breathing, maiden-eating monsters. Instead, in the East, dragons are symbols of auspicious power, strength, nobility and good luck.
　　“The dragon in Western culture has low cultural rank,” explains Pang Jin, Director of the China Research Center on Dragon and Phoenix Culture. “But in China, it’s a spiritual and cultural symbol representing prosperity and good luck.”
　　Foreigners visiting the Forbidden City in China’s capital of Beijing will find dragon imagery almost everywhere: from pillars that support roofs to carvings on stairs. Emperors’ thrones, historically, have been called “dragon thrones,” and their formal robes referred to as “dragon robes.” Unsurprisingly, the garments are embroidered with golden dragons.
　　This is because the dragon is the symbol of Chinese emperors. Legends tell of the immortalization of Huangdi, the country’s first emperor, who became a dragon as he ascended to Heaven after his reign ended. Other legends detail how emperors may be born with birthmarks in the shape of a dragon.
　　The Chinese dragon is also a symbol of rain and water. In Chinese mythology and folklore, dragons are believed to control water movements (including rain), and many Chinese villages built temples to worship their local Dragon King in centuries past. Whenever there were periods of drought or flooding, it was customary for villagers to offer sacrifices and conduct rites to appease the Dragon King, who could both trigger and halt the flow of water. His main responsibilities were to bring life-giving rains, ward off evil spirits, avoid disasters and bring good luck to people.
　　This year’s Zodiac stamp release heralds the beginning of the Year of the Dragon, which falls on January 23, 2012. Chinese tradition dictates that every lunar year corresponds with a particular animal. The practice runs according to a 12-year cycle, starting with a mouse and progressing from ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and finally, a pig. What sets dragons apart from the 11 other signs is that it considered more than just an animal – it is a deity.
　　People born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to have many positive personality traits. They are typically energetic, decisive and optimistic, but also intelligent and ambitious. Many couples aim to have their babies born under this sign. Even parents with children born in the Year of snake (which follows the Year of the Dragon) prefer to call their offspring small dragons.
　　today, dragons are still honored and celebrated in Chinese art, architecture and customs. Dragon dances, for example, are important events, especially during the country’s spring Festival. Originally performed as a ceremonial offering to please the Dragon King, dragon dances have gradually become a popular ritual in all kinds of festivals. such is the power of this Chinese symbol.