2013: Year of the Snake
The signature of Lucas Cranach the Elder (1514) of a winged snake with a ruby ring, which he used on his paintings from the year 1508 onward.
Snakes, Albertus Seba (illustrations 1734-65)
CHINESE NEW YEAR 2013
Year of the Snake begins February 10, 2013
The snake is sometimes referred to as the “junior dragon” because of its dragon-like appearance and predatory nature. What the snake lacks in limbs, it makes up for in trickery, deception, and lethal mastery. Picking up scents with its forked tongue, the snake slithers its way toward its victim, masking itself with chemicals produced by musk glands, slyly and stylishly slithering its way toward mate or prey.
People born during the year of the snake are said to be sophisticated, calm, somewhat unemotional, and perhaps a little paranoid. However, they are also known to be determined, quick-thinking, sharply enthusiastic, and able to create their own destinies.
祝贺大家新年好！
Albrecht Dürer: The Sun, the Moon, and a Basilisk (drawing, 1512).
Interpretation from the British Museum: these three symbols in combination - the sun, the moon and basilisk (half-eagle and half-serpent, hatched from a cock’s egg by a serpent) - represent Eternity.
(2012: Year of the Dragon.)
To attract good fortune, spend a new coin on an old friend, share an old pleasure with a new friend, and lift up the heart of a true friend by writing his name on the wings of a dragon. ~Chinese Proverb
2012, Year of the Dragon, starts January 23rd.
Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still. ~Chinese Proverb
Winter Crocus.
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~ Chinese Proverb.
Pinus virginiana ‘Wate’s Golden’ (Golden Virginia Pine)
Sage advice. Year of the Dragon 2012 starts January 23rd. Happy New Year!
2012. Year of the Dragon begins January 23rd.
Illustration by Ulisse Aldrovandi, from his opus magnus Historia serpentum et draconum (1640)
