Famous symbols in both the East and the West, dragons are viewed quite differently in each of those regions. In the East, especially in countries like China, Japan and Korea, dragons have long been admired and respected.
In China, dragons symbolize power, strength and good fortune. In fact, the emperor’s seat translates as the “dragon chair” in English, reflecting the dragon’s association with power. The Chinese word for dragon even remains a popular choice in many male names today due to its connection with prosperity and success. Children born in the Year of the Dragon are considered particularly fortunate. They are believed to possess wisdom and natural leadership qualities, making this zodiac year highly desirable.
Across East Asia, dragon myths share certain common characteristics that emphasize the creature’s kind and friendly nature. Moreover, dragons play a vital part in traditional celebrations. During the Dragon Boat Festival, for instance, people race in highly crafted dragon boats, representing the dragon’s protective spirit against floods. During Lunar New Year, there are energetic dragon dances, with many performers controlling a long dragon figure. This is said to bring luck and financial success to those in the crowd watching.
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
In addition to Chinese dragons, Japan and Korea have their own versions. In terms of appearance, Japanese dragons share some similarities with the Chinese ones. However, they are often shown as having bodies that are more like a snake, and scales that are less vivid in color. Korean dragons, on the other hand, typically have shorter bodies and bigger heads. Their distinct appearances and roles in folklore and tradition highlight the significant cultural influence of dragons across these Eastern societies.
龍在東方和西方都是著名的象徵，但那兩個地區對龍的看法卻大相徑庭。在東方─尤其是在中國、日本和韓國等國家—龍長久以來受到人們的崇拜和尊敬。
在中國，龍象徵權力、力量和好運。事實上，皇帝的寶座（編按：又稱為「龍椅」）翻譯成英文即為「龍的座椅」，反映了龍與權力的關聯。由於龍與繁榮和成功的關聯，中文裡的龍字如今仍然是許多男性名字的熱門選項。龍年出生的孩子被認為特別幸運。他們被認為擁有智慧和天生的領導特質，使得這個生肖年非常令人嚮往。
Photo: AdobeStock 照片：AdobeStock
在整個東亞地區，龍的神話都有一些共同的特點，強調龍善良和友好的本性。此外，龍在傳統慶祝活動中扮演著重要角色。例如，在端午節期間，人們會乘坐精心製作的龍舟競渡，代表了龍抵禦洪水的保護精神。在農曆春節期間，會有充滿活力的舞龍表演，許多表演者控制著一個長龍形體。據說這會為在人群中觀賞的人帶來好運和財運。
除了中國龍，日本和韓國也有自己的版本。就外形而言，日本龍與中國龍有一些相似之處。不過，牠們的身體大多更像蛇，鱗片的顏色也較不鮮豔。另一方面，韓國龍往往身體較短、頭部較大。牠們在民間傳說和傳統中的不同形象和角色，凸顯出龍在這些東方社會中的文化影響之大。
★To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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Words in Use
1. admire vt. 崇拜，敬仰
Many people admire artists for their talents.
許多人因為藝術家的才華而崇拜他們。
2. strength n. 力量，力氣
Hebe doesn’t have the strength to move heavy boxes like those.
希比沒有力氣搬像是那些那麼重的箱子。
3. reflect vt. 反映，顯示
Sam’s facial expression reflected how terrible the dish was.
山姆的臉部表情顯示了那道菜有多糟糕。
4. prosperity n. 繁榮，昌盛
People enjoyed a long period of prosperity under the king’s reign. 在該國王的統治下，人們享受了很長一段時間的繁榮。
5. possess vt. 擁有，具有
The collector is proud to possess rare and valuable antiques.
那位收藏家對於擁有稀有且珍貴的古董而自豪。
6. desirable a. 令人嚮往的，有吸引力的
Being a celebrity may not be as desirable as most people think.
成為名人可能不如一般人想得那麼令人嚮往。
7. characteristic n. 特點，特色
Spicy and strong flavors are characteristics of Indian cuisine.
辛辣、重口味是印度料理的特色。
8. energetic a. 充滿活力的
I can feel energetic after a good night’s sleep.
在一覺好眠後，我就會覺得充滿活力。
9. financial a. 財務的；金融的
Jill has extensive experience in the financial industry.
吉兒在金融業有廣泛的經驗。
10. similarity n. 相似處
The two paintings share many similarities, but they were created by separate artists.
那兩幅畫有諸多相似處，但它們是由不同藝術家所創作。
11. vivid a.（色彩、光線等）鮮豔的∕明亮的
You shouldn’t wear shoes that have such a vivid color; they clash with your outfit today.
你不該穿顏色這麼鮮豔的鞋子；它們與你今天的服裝不搭。
12. distinct a. 明顯不同的
Each snowflake is distinct with a unique pattern.
每片雪花都有著獨一無二的圖案而有所不同。
13. highlight vt. 使突出；強調
The tour guide highlighted the historical significance of each destination we visited.
導遊強調出我們造訪的每個目的地的歷史重要性。
Practical Phrases
1. translate as... in + 語言 在某語言中譯為…
Amigo is a Spanish word that translates as “friend” in English.
Amigo是一個西班牙語單字，在英文中譯為「朋友」。
2. play a + adj. + part in...
在…中扮演……的角色
Communication plays a major part in building strong relationships.
溝通在建立堅實的關係方面扮演重要的角色。
3. in terms of... 就……而論；在…方面
Todd’s current job is good in terms of its pay, but it takes him an hour to go to the office.
陶德目前的工作就薪資來說不錯，但他到辦公室要花一小時。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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