Dragons: Chinese Dragon Dance (1)

The highlight of a Chinese New Year parade is the Dragon Dance.  A group of martial artists dance while carrying a dragon “puppet” on long bamboo poles.  Their dance imitates the snake-like movements of the River Dragons of China.  Marching with them are usually musicians playing drums and gongs.  Meanwhile, the onlookers throw fire crackers at the feet of the dancers making this into a more festive occasion.

Many Westerners may not know that the Dragon Dance is not done for entertainment purposes.  Instead it is a sacred ritual to bring happiness and prosperity to everyone, both the dancers and onlookers.  By honoring the dragons with their dancing, the Chinese hope that they will, in turn, reward them with good luck and fortune.

Started during the Han Dynasty, the Dragon Dance was done to ensure a good harvest.  Dragons, according to the Chinese, are the masters of water and the weather. Since the dragons brought the rain, the Chinese reasoned that the dragons would be pleased with their dances.  They also hoped that the dragons would stop sickness in the land.

The dragon of the dance is a “puppet” separated into at least nine sections, with a head and a tail.  (Longer dragons bring more luck to the people.  One dragon at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games was 100 meters (about 50 feet) in length, with fifty people holding the poles.)  Wearing the head, the lead dancer starts each movement.  Leaping, twisting, dipping and crouching, he copies the sinuous actions of the dragons.  The people who are holding the body move with him.  Meanwhile, the person with the tail of the dragon keeps time.  Many hours of practice are needed to coordinate the movements and to build the stamina of the participants.  Therefore many dragon dancers are members of martial art schools (which encourage both).

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EASTERN CORAL SNAKE (AMERICAN COBRA): Evading Confrontation

A Member of the Elapid Family, Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) has toxic venom that attacks the nervous system and kills the prey fast. Eastern Coral Snake's brilliant colors of yellow, red, and black act as a warning. If provoked, this Snake will bring his head in the coils of his body and raise his tail. Then Eastern Coral Snake makes a popping sound. Be mindful of the Snake's warning signs, allow Him to leave, and you will be better off.

This secretive, nocturnal Snake warns people by his bright colors and by his popping noise. The shy Eastern Coral Snake rarely bites people, preferring to avoid a confrontation. When walking where Eastern Coral Snake lives, people should make plenty of noise to allow the Snake to slip away unnoticed.

What Eastern Coral Snake teaches is how to avoid unnecessary confrontations by alerting people to your ability to harm them if provoked. Conversely, by paying attention to warning signs, you can evade confrontations.

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Science Notes:

1.       Coral Snakes are divided into two groups – the Old World Genus (Calliophis) and New World Genera.  The New World snakes are further sub-divided into the Leptomicrurus of the Andes, Micruroides of Arizona (USA), and the Micrurus.

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KING COBRA: Wise Use of Power

The largest venomous Snake in the world is King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) of India. Devout Hindus consider King Cobra to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva – the God of Destruction and Regeneration. In India, this Snake is revered and is a part of many sacred rites. Some consider King Cobra to be the reincarnation of important people called Nagas ('warrior ascetics').

King Cobra is capable of delivering more venom than any other snake except for Gaboon Viper. She attacks the nervous system, and usually kills within fifteen minutes. Mother King Cobra is most aggressive when guarding her eggs. Therefore, in India, if a nest is found near a village, the area will be evacuated.

Shy and solitary, King Cobra is usually reluctant to attack.  However during nesting season, She will confront everyone.  Mother King Cobra zealously guards her eggs.  Because She is apt to eat her young, Mother King Cobra will leave her nest.

King Cobra demonstrates the wise use of power.  Fierce and aggressive when nesting, She knows her limits and leaves her young.  The longest of the venomous Snakes, King Cobra eats other Snakes.  Remember to take care and learn your limits of using power.

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EGYPTIAN COBRA: Power of Protection

The most venomous of the Naja Cobras, Egyptian Cobra (Naja haje) is not afraid of people.  She will enter their houses and gardens at will.  Hunting at night, Egyptian Cobra swiftly searches for Birds, Lizards, and Toads to eat.

In ancient Egypt, this Cobra was a personification of hidden wisdom. Also, the Cobra on the Pharaoh’s crown is Egyptian Cobra, an emblem of royalty. This Cobra was also known as “Asp”, whose bite allegedly killed Queen Cleopatra.

The Cobra Goddess (Wadjet) was the protector and guardian of Lower Egypt.  Part of the Uraesus Crown was adorned with Wadjet who defended the Pharaoh.  The Cobra Goddess would protect the Pharaoh, when he wore this crown, since he represented Egypt. She spat fire at his enemies, immediately destroying them.

Egyptian Cobra offers us protection.  As She defended the Pharaoh, so will She defend us.  Remember though to treat Egyptian Cobra with respect unless you want to risk death.

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COBRA FAMILY (ELAPIDAE): Power of Life and Death

The Cobra (Elapidae) Family, comprising of Cobras, Coral Snakes, Mambas, and Kraits, are the most deadly of Snakes. People should understand that “Cobra” is a common name for a wide variety of hooded snakes.  The genus, Naja, contains the species that most epitomize “Cobras”—fast, graceful, and with an extended hood. Most people are familiar with Cobras, through the pictures of snake charmers.

Living everywhere except in Europe, Elapidae are active hunters who possess large hollow fangs, that contain venom.  All these Snakes can kill in a single bite.  The “spitting” Cobras that actually squirt their venom are dangerous as well.  All the Elapidae are fatal to humans.

The Cobra Family does teach about the power of life and death. Knowledge of their habits can save your life. Remember to learn all you can before going into a dangerous area.

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