THE TALE OF THE DRAGON

 

Legend has it Buddha called the animals in the kingdom for a meeting. Rat came first, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. These animals became the twelve symbols of Chinese astrology.

One day, the animals walked in line in search of a miracle, carrying red lai-see packets stuffed with money as gifts for the Grand Duke of Destiny.

Dragon in the rear looked ostentatiously odd. Flaring horse nostrils exhaling smoke and fire, he waddled along on four legs and five claws, twisting and turning his monumentally long, extravagantly scaled serpent body to mincing, marching steps.

‘Don’t make trouble, Dragon!’ Rat called out from the front. ‘If you do, a miracle won’t happen.’

‘Yeah, keep your fiery trap shut,’ Dog added. ‘Leave the charm offensive for the experts.’

‘I’ll lead,’ said Tiger. Immediately Ox passed him two extra red packets with double the money for the Grand Duke for good luck.

Rabbit, Rooster and Goat applauded in unison. Snake slithered back, glad to get out of the way, while Pig nodded in pleasing agreement.

Monkey, astride tolerant Horse, was laughing mischievously when the wind suddenly rose with a terrific howl, sending their red packets flying. The animals ran for cover. They turned up their coat collars and buttoned them tight.

‘Talk about bad luck,’ said gentle Goat, retreating to the back.

Without warning, a Voice boomed.

‘Have you forgotten who you are? You have offended the Grand Duke!’

The creatures froze, petrified, clutching at each other.

Dragon’s eyes lit up. He moved forward swiftly to the front. His great, coiled body flamed into the air. Scales gleaming, tongue bursting fire, he soared with magnificence, and swooped up the lai-see packets with a powerful whip of his legendary tail.

‘The miracle has happened,’ said Monkey.

Ten thousand times the red packets gathered were scattered back to earth, and in each lai-see was a note:

‘Don’t hold back! Be your own leader! In the Year of the Dragon – Be you!’

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The Tale of the Dragon by Bon-Wai Chou is inspired by Chinese astrology and the twelve animal symbols. Red packets or envelopes (lai-see in Cantonese, hong bao in Mandarin) filled with money, symbolising good luck, happiness and prosperity, are given during the Lunar New Year. Generally, red packets are given by the older to the younger, the more senior to the junior and by those who are married to those who are single. The Grand Duke of Jupiter (Tai Sui) is a body of energy, a Force, influencing people’s destiny. Legend goes if you clash with Tai Sui in a particular year you may counteract obstacles by paying attention to personal health and rearranging your home to invite more balance and positive energy.