The Chinese dragon has been around in mythology and folklore for about as long as there's been a Chinese civilization—which is centuries. Many cultures have tales about dragons. The word itself comes from the Ancient Greek word "draconta,

Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year — and 15 days of celebration and tradition. It's the year of the snake, and according to Chinese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador president Francis Tam,

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

In many Asian cultures, the Lunar New Year is a celebration marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar

Also known as Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the lunar new year based on the lunar calendar, typically falling between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20.