The Chinese dragon has been around in mythology and folklore for about as long as there's been a Chinese civilization—which is centuries. Many cultures have tales about dragons. The word itself comes from the Ancient Greek word "draconta,

Lunar New Year celebrations begin Wednesday. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake.

In many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar.

Lunar New Year starts this week, marking an important holiday in China and other Asian communities. Lunar New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days, starting on the new moon between late January and mid-February. The exact date varies each year based on the lunar calendar.

Chinese New Year 2025 begins on January 29, marking the Year of the Wood Snake. Celebrations include family reunions, red decorations, lion and dragon dances, and gift-giving with red envelopes. Attributes of the Wood Snake emphasize flexibility,

Over 1 billion people celebrate the holiday, which marks the transition from cold winter to a season of renewal and ushers in one of 12 Chinese zodiac signs.

In honor of the Year of the Snake, let’s appreciate the strange anatomy and evolution of these slithery reptiles