Dragons are not real animals, but look like a combination (组合体) of many animals such as snakes, fish and deer. They have two horns (角) and a long moustache (胡子). With fantastic powers, they can fly in the sky or swim in the sea. They can make rain, too. The Chinese dragon is a symbol of strength and good luck. The emperors of ancient China loved dragons. Their clothes were covered with pictures of dragons.
We are proud to call ourselves the “descendants (传人) of the dragon”. In Chinese, “excellent” people are often called “dragons”. A number of Chinese sayings and idioms talk about dragons, for example, “Hoping one’s child will become a dragon,” which means he or she will be successful. It is said that people born in the Year of the Dragon have certain characteristics. They are creative, confident, brave and quick-tempered. There are some famous “dragons” who have done excellent things, for example, Deng Xiaoping, and the famous businessman Li Jiacheng. They are all successful.
There are also some traditional festivals about dragons in China, such as Dragon Head-Raising Day and Dragon Boat Festival. We have different kinds of activities to celebrate them. These two festivals come every year, but the Year of the Dragon comes every twelve years.
The dragon is very important in Chinese culture. As the “descendants of dragon”, it is necessary for us to know the views on dragons in our culture. It can help us understand why our parents always want us to be “dragons”.
2024 will be the Year of the Dragon. Good luck to you!
【小题1】In ancient China, why do the emperors’ clothes covered with pictures of dragons?| A．Because dragons look cool. |
| B．Because they hope to fly, swim or make rain like dragons. |
| C．Because dragons mean good luck and strength. |
| D．Because dragons are special animals. |
| A．龙马精神 | B．望子成龙 | C．龙飞凤舞 | D．龙腾虎跃 |
| A．Creative, independent, brave, quick-tempered. |
| B．Confident, brave, quick-tempered and creative. |
| C．Successful, lucky, confident and creative. |
| D．Powerful, confident, brave and quick-tempered. |
| A．1998. | B．2008. | C．2012. | D．2002. |
| A．The Year of the Dragon | B．Dragon Boat Festive |
| C．Great China | D．The culture of the Chinese dragon |
