Slithering into celebration: Chinese people embrace snakes as new zodiac symbol

TRADITIONAL SYMBOLISM

Snakes, among the oldest creatures on Earth, have held significant cultural roles worldwide, with their symbolism varying widely across regions.

In the Western culture, snakes are often associated with temptation, sin and evil forces, famously symbolized by the serpent in the Bible who lured Eve into eating the forbidden fruit.

It is also associated with medicine and the medical profession, appearing on emblems of institutions including the World Health Organization. This imagery traces back to Asclepius, the ancient Greek god of healing, whose worship involved the use of snakes.

In early Chinese mythologies, snakes are depicted as divine beings and worshiped as totems. Fuxi and Nyuwa, mythological figures said to be the progenitors of the Chinese people, are often depicted as half-human, half-snake.

Some historians also believe the national emblem of China -- loong, or Chinese dragon -- is based on images of snakes, which explains why people in many places still call snakes "lesser dragons."