Editor's note: According to Chinese lunar calendar, 2013 is the Year of the Snake. For most the image of a snake creates an instant reaction of fear as it ranks high as one of the world’s biggest phobias. But from snake charmers, ancient emperors, medicine, myth and the beginning of time, the snake has a long and winding history in Chinese culture and history. Here, in our special report, we unravel the myths and legends about the charm and fear of the slivery serpent. 

China's creator had snake body

Peace-loving Nuwa delighted in making things. She molded figures from the yellow earth and gave them life and the ability to bear children, creating humanity. >>

Great snakes!: The Chinese have an irrational fear of the snake, yet the representation of the zodiac animal includes a bittersweet tale of vows and hearts broken and love transcending disaster,Raymond Zhou reports. Let's face it: The snake has an image problem. >>

Snake curls Greek god of healing

In Greek mythology, Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, was almost always depicted as a middle-aged man holding a rod with a snake wrapped around it. The snake rod has inspired a number of fascinating legends throughout history.

Some legends say the snake symbolizes its bite, the worst kind of poison someone could get in ancient times and often deadly. However, Asclepius had the power to heal a venomous bite, hence the almighty healing power of Asclepius. >>

Legend of the white snake

The legend of the white snake, also known as Madame White Snake, is one of the Chinese famous four folk legends.

The story depicts a white snake, which was practicing Taoist magical arts and finally became an immortal, who can take human form after centuries of training and cultivation. She transforms into a beautiful woman Bai Suzhen while another green snake transforms into a young lady Xiaoqing after 500 years of training.  >>

"Draw a snake and add feet to it"is a set phrase, coming from Intrigues of the Warring States. It means to besuperfluous or try to be smart but end up making a fool of oneself.

Long ago, the story goes, there was a man called Zhang San. He often tried to show off his skills. Once, his friends bring a pot of wine for him. "Come one, I have got a pot of wine here, let us share it together," said Zhang. "It is such a small pot, if each of us just drinks a little bit, no one would feel gratified. I suggest we solve this by doing a little game, each of us draws a piece from the ground, and whoever completes the picture first has the pot of wine," one of his friends said. >>

The Snake Hunter written by Liu Zongyuan tells a story of a labor's tragic life. >>

Bencao Gangmu, also known as theCompendium of Materia Medica, is Chinese medical material written by Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). >>

Bi She is a small poem written by Zheng Banqiao (Qing Dynasty, 1644-1911) in painting and calligraphy. >>

 Every snake part is useful

Every part of a snake is useful. Using snakes as medicine has a long history in China and is recorded in detail in many ancient classics of Chinese traditional medicine, including Compendium of Materia Medica by Li Shizhen. The book narrated 17 kinds of snake medicines, most of which about the flesh of a snake.

Fresh snake flesh has a better potency than dried. The flesh of snakes, such as cobras, kraits, vipers, Ptyas korros, Zaocys, etc., can effectively cure rheumatic arthritis, leprosy, ringworm, diabetes, acute poliomyelitis and its sequela, heat rash and so on. >>

Snake village in China

Zisiqiao, a once impoverished village in Zhejiang province where people used to fish to make a living, has now become the number one snake-breeding industry town in China. A step into the homes of any of the farming families here brings visitors eye-to-eye with thousands of some of the world's most feared creatures -snakes, many of them poisonous. >>

Mercedes-Benz Snake Year Edition

The German luxury automaker's lifestyle brand has also cooperated for the first time with the Chinese jewelry designer Wan Baobao to design a special New Year edition for Chinese consumers, with a bright yellow and deep blue color scheme.

The special edition is also marked with a snake-shaped logo tag designed by Wan in celebration of the coming Chinese Year of the Snake. >>

Characters of Year of Snake people

Occupying the 6th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Snake symbolizes such character traits as intelligence, gracefulness and materialism. Snake people are born charming and popular. Snakes are spotlight magnets, and they will not be ignored.

Snakes are the deepest thinkers among all the twelve zodiacs. When it comes to decision-making, Snakes are extremely analytical and as a result, they don’t jump into situations. They are effective at getting the things they want, even if it means they have to scheme and plot along the way. They are not at all communicative. Snakes understand the concepts and ideas very fast but are unwilling to let the world know about that. Snakes enjoy their private world more than anything else and they are always very unruffled and isolated. >>