As many may be aware, according to the Chinese version of the zodiac, this year is the year of the dragon. The dragon is a very potent symbol in Chinese culture, with quite an auspicious meaning. In the past, the dragon was the symbol of the emperor (only the emperor was allowed to use a five-clawed dragon), decorating his clothes and his residence. Children born in the year of the dragon are considered to be especially lucky. Moreover, for many Chinese, the dragon has become a symbol of the Chinese nation itself. A popular song, written actually by a musician from Taiwan I believe, refers to the Chinese people as the "children of the dragon." This generally positive view of the dragon contrasts considerably with that of Western culture, in which dragons are often seen as symbols of evil, no doubt at least part due to the fact that in the Book of Revelation in the Bible the dragon represents Satan.
Thus, the dragon as a symbol is a very g9od example of the differences between Western and Chinese culture. In addition, it helps illustrate the often counter-cultural nature of the Christian faith. While it is true that many Chinese view the dragon in a positive light, this is not true for many Chinese Christians. Influenced by the association of the dragon with Satan in the Bible, many Chinese believers are opposed to the use of its image. In fact, many years ago, when I was dating a Chinese woman who was a believer, she insisted that I get rid of a framed papercut of a dragon I had hanging on the wall of my apartment, a gift from some former English students of mine in Taiwan. I complied--although I must confess later having some mixed feelings about doing so since it had been a gift!