The Chinese Zodiac calendar has twelve years. These years are identified by various common animals: pig, rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, and dog. Then the twelfth year is the supposed mythological creature, the dragon. Logically, why would the Chinese have a calendar consisting of common animals and then one mythological dragon? This indicates the cultures knowledge and experience with this animal just as with the other “common” animals.
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In Chinese culture, many believe that the sign of the dragon represents the highest authority as evidenced by the Chinese emperors being called the Son of Dragon (天子 [tiān zǐ]). The dragon is believed to have the gift of flying, breaking-out fire and summoning wind and rain. This mystical animal with powerful abilities gave people a belief that a dragon could bless and protect them from natural disasters and other manmade calamities.
