Renewing Oneself by Shedding the Old

In Chinese literature, snakes are not only associated with numerous unique images but also carry many elegant names. Besides being referred to as "Shengqing," they are also known as "Yujingzi" (Son of the Jade Capital) and "Yuhui" (Jade Viper). According to legend, a snake transforms into a jiao after five hundred years, and it takes another thousand years for a jiao to become a dragon, thus dragons are also considered products of the snake totem. ...

In the mural of the Eight Classes of Celestial Beings in Cave 158 at the Mogao Caves, Mahoraga, a guardian deity depicted as a musician with a human body and a snake's head, is also called an earth dragon. There are also many deities with human bodies and snake heads in ancient mythology, such as Fuxi, who is widely recognized as the supreme deity leading multiple tribes of dragons and snakes. To this day, some regions in Fujian province still preserve traditional Min customs like the snake lantern parade.

The decorative snake patterns on bronze ritual vessels are also known as coiled viper patterns, depicting small serpents that wind and curl with mouths at both ends. These patterns symbolize protection and communication between heaven and earth; in the Zhou Dynasty’s rites, the curves of snake patterns symbolize the power of yin, balancing the dynamic and static forces within the universe.

Among snakes, only Shengqing is considered benevolent. The "Guangdong Elegant Hall Collection" associates Shengqing with auspiciousness and joy. Therefore, there are records in ancient poetry that describe the gracefulness of snakes: “Far away, the green dragon valley shines; nearby, the snake willows sway.” Here, the agile and leisurely movement of snakes comes vividly alive through the text. At this moment, if one could witness it, surely they would perceive the imagery of ascending into the sky, exclaiming how naturally content and free it seems.

In the Year of the Snake, together we look forward to shedding the old for renewal, seeking bliss and wandering freely!