Dragons of Sydney

Bill, born 1953

“Snakes are classy, responsive and easy to get on with. We get along really well with monkeys and oxen - our character just works well with these people. In fact, my partner is an ox!

“I love this time of year. Chinatown, it’s such a buzz. I love the zodiac animals and the lanterns that go up. That’s pretty cool.”

Mel, born 1977

"I have a deep love for snakes and a strong appreciation for Lunar New Year and Asian cultures.

"I’ve visited a snake farm in Thailand and I’m a registered WIRES rescuer with the goal of eventually training to become a snake handler - when time permits. I’ve even helped my dad relocate a diamond python from his yard!"

Charlotte, born 2013

“We celebrate by making dumplings and my grandparents give out red envelopes, which have money inside. I give it to my mum and I don’t know what she does with it. This time of year makes me feel really special and connected to Chinese culture.”

Ada, born 1989

"My mum told me that before I was born, a snake visited our house where we lived in the countryside. Normally, snakes there would harm the livestock but this one was peaceful and left the next day without causing any trouble.

"Maybe in my previous life, I was a snake and that snake was one of my relatives."

Ratih, born 1965

"Being a snake holds deep significance for me. The concept of ‘shedding skin’, like a snake, resonates strongly, as there have been several pivotal chapters in my life where I reinvented myself and honed new skills. These moments of transformation have shaped me into the person I am today.”

Anita, born 1941

“I celebrate the Lunar New Year by cooking lots of food. Like fish and sea cucumber with chicken. But the most important is long life noodles! When we eat long life noodles, we have long, happy and healthy lives.

“All my family come along and I cook a lot.”

Lucy - Earth Dragon, 1988

"Lunar New Year is a strong family tradition for us. We usually come into the city to see the lanterns, the lion dancing, and of course have a New Year's banquet.

"Sydney is such a diverse place and I love to see people from so many backgrounds come out to celebrate. It's also home to such a range of Asian cultures, and Lunar New Year is when we see all the Asian cultures coming together to celebrate as one."

Tayla - Water Dragon, 2012

"The dragon represents power, wisdom and strength. It also symbolises good luck, fortune and prosperity. I hope that being born in the Year of the Dragon will bring me success in life.

"Lunar New Year is all about celebrating your culture, through traditions like the lion dance, and the dragon dancing as well."

Joy - Wood Dragon, 1964

"Being a dragon, to me, means being independent, energetic, sometimes quick tempered, but fair and generous.

"Lunar New Year is all about the family reunion for me, we go out, eat at Chinese restaurant."