As the Spring Festival is around the corner, the world is expecting a unique Year of the Dragon associated with this auspicious symbol. Of all the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac system, only the dragon is mythical, giving it a special seat in traditional culture. 

Chinese people love this 10,000-year-old totem, as they have long proudly referred to themselves as "descendants of the dragon." However, outside of the Asian context, the term "dragon" is anything but a positive symbol, making the Chinese dragon a perfect case of being "demonized in translation." Now, a spontaneous campaign is on to clear its name.

Children learn to identify different kinds of ingredients prepared to make Laba porridge at Intelligent Star Kindergarden, in the Dongchangfu district of Liaocheng, Shandong province on Jan 17, 2024. [Photo by Zhang Zhenxiang/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Year of the Dragon collectibles on offer. [Photo provided to China Daily]