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So, the Dragon in Chinese astrology is a bit like the star of a rock band: flamboyant, charismatic, and always ready to make sparks. But concretely, in the order of Chinese signs, it comes in fifth place . And no, this is not a coincidence, nor a simple design choice of the Asian zodiac.
Before diving into the mythical nature of this revered creature, let's first look at where this ranking comes from, and why the Dragon finished fifth when it seems to be everyone's favorite.
No need to break out your encyclopedia or your third eye to understand this. The story is simple: a race, twelve animals, a finish line, and a slightly mischievous celestial emperor. To determine the order of the zodiac, legend has it that the Jade Emperor invited the animals to race across a river. The first twelve to finish would earn their place in the calendar. Today, this tradition even inspires Chinese costumes that proudly represent each of these legendary animals.
The Rat, despite being the smallest, played a clever game. He asked the Ox to carry him on his back across the river. Arriving just before the finish line, he jumped off the Ox's head and took first place. Hats off to the artist.
And what about the Dragon? Why so low in the rankings? He can fly, glide, and breathe flames (well, okay, especially in the movies), so he should have come first, right?
Well, no. According to legend, the Dragon took the time, right in the middle of the race, to help a drought-stricken village by summoning rain. As a result, he came in fifth , behind the Rat, the Ox, the Tiger, and the Rabbit. A good sport, right?
In Chinese culture, the Dragon has nothing to do with the ugly flying monster guarding treasures in Western tales. Here, it's a symbol of power, luck, and nobility—much like one of the famous Chinese hats , which, when worn on the head, bring wisdom and prestige. In fact, being born under the sign of the Dragon is a bit like winning the karmic lottery.
It has no real equivalent, unlike the other signs, which are all very real animals (well, the pig, okay, we don't come across them every day in the wild, but you get the idea). The Dragon is a mix of snake, eagle, tiger, and other powerful creatures. A best-of animal, in a way.
Every time the Year of the Dragon approaches, in China as elsewhere, there's a tidal wave of births. Couples rush to conceive Dragon children, convinced that they'll have brighter, richer, more... epic lives. And who knows? Maybe they'll get a better haircut, too.
In Chinese astrology, every position has a meaning , and the fifth place is nothing trivial. It corresponds to a time of balance, transition, and radiance.
Fifth place is the heart of the zodiac. Neither too early nor too late. The Dragon arrives as a stylish interlude in this animal farandole, much like an elegant men's Chinese shirt that brings style and character to the heart of the party. It's a bit like the moment when the party is in full swing.
The Dragon, in fifth place, acts as a link between the Tiger's brutal strength and the Snake's ingenuity. He brings a touch of magic and grandeur, without being the fastest or most cunning. He embodies flamboyant, yet selfless, excellence .
The Dragon's placement in the order isn't just a detail: it also influences their temperament. Those born under the Dragon (born in the years 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024, etc.) carry this dynamic of the middle ground: neither tyrannical leader nor self-effacing follower.
The Dragon loves to shine. He hates routine and loves to be noticed. But be careful, it's not just a need for flattery: he wants to inspire . He's one of those people who wants to change the world, but in his own way, that is, with panache.
He's not one to give up. The Dragon advances, even if no one follows him, playing his game like a game of marbles : with patience and precision. This fifth place gives him a balanced posture, but he remains driven by an inner fire, an appetite for greatness and slightly crazy projects.
The Dragon is never alone in this celestial circle. He is flanked by two very different signs, which influence his personality somewhat.
The Rabbit is calm, diplomatic, and strategic. The Dragon, just behind, seems to be the complete opposite. And yet, this succession shows a transition from quiet cunning to flamboyant brilliance .
The Serpent is observant, silent, almost secretive. The Dragon, in the middle, seems to be constantly shouting "look at me!" But this sequence creates a balance. We move from calm to chaos, then to calculation. A pretty stylish trio, when you think about it.
Many consider the Dragon to be the best sign of the Chinese zodiac. But beware: every coin has its downside, much like a parasol, sunshade, or Chinese umbrella , which protects from the sun but can also impair vision. Being a Dragon also means living with high expectations, boundless ambitions, and sometimes, cosmic fatigue.
Natural Charisma : The Dragon walks into a room, and everyone turns around.
All-consuming ambition : no question of settling for less.
Limitless creativity : a head full of ideas, sometimes too many.
Assumed leadership : he likes to guide, motivate, train.
Tendency to arrogance : he sometimes thinks he is always right (and he says so).
Impulsiveness : thinking before acting? Not his thing.
Difficulty accepting failure : he falls from a great height when things don't work out.
It's no coincidence that many charismatic personalities were born under the sign of the Dragon. Coincidence? Perhaps. But you have to admit, it's thought-provoking.
Bruce Lee (1940) : a Dragon in martial arts mode, who literally left his mark on the world.
John Lennon (1940) : creative, daring, with a style all his own.
Salvador Dalí (1904) : exuberant, original, eccentric, but always fascinating.
Even fiction adores Dragons: in films, series, and games, they always symbolize power, mystery, and grandeur. Like Chinese fans , which elegantly display their beauty, they perfectly embody what the Chinese sign wants to represent.
Falling in love with a Dragon is like riding a ride that never stops. Intense, sometimes dizzying, but never boring.
Rat : intelligent, pragmatic, it balances the fire of the Dragon.
Monkey : funny and curious, he understands the Dragon's madness.
Rooster : ambitious, he shares the same dreams of grandeur.
Dog : suspicious, too down-to-earth, he risks slowing down the Dragon.
Taurus/Ox : Steady but sometimes too slow to keep up.
Yes, 2024 is a year of the Wood Dragon. Translation? An ideal time to plant new seeds , undertake ambitious projects and try crazy things.
Wood represents growth, expansion, and evolution. Combine it with the energy of the Dragon and you have a year that pushes you to step out of your comfort zone .
Even if you're not a Dragon, this year can take you to new heights. As long as you dare. Because the Dragon doesn't wait to be followed; it leads the way. It's up to you to jump on the bandwagon. Click here .
So yes, the Dragon is fifth in the Chinese zodiac. But don't let that number fool you. It remains the most flamboyant, the most admired, the most mythical sign . It inspires, it fascinates, it inspires dreams. It's halfway through the zodiac, but at the top of the list.
And if you were born under this sign yourself, don't be surprised if people find you magnetic, intense, or sometimes a little... excessive. It's in your nature.
In short? The Dragon is not just a number. It's a state of mind .