Appreciate a Dragon Day is celebrated annually on January 16. With loud flapping wings, flaming breath, and steely scales, dragons are viewed as unstoppable masters of chaos. However, they are also presented as tamable and friendly creatures that can be great buddies with humans. This day is set to encourage people worldwide to appreciate the history and socio-cultural significance of the mythical creatures.
History of Appreciate a Dragon Day
The word ‘dragon’ first entered the English language in the early 13th century from Old French dragon, which in turn comes from Latin’s ‘draconem,’ meaning ‘a serpent of huge size.’
Dragons have always been a part of world history, with the first depiction of dragons being as far back as 4500 B.C. during the times of the Romans and Egyptians. Since then, dragons and dragon motifs have featured in many works of modern literature, particularly within the fantasy genre.
Appreciate a Dragon Day was created in 2004 by Donita K. Paul. The author was promoting the release of her novel “DragonSpell,” which is part one of a five-book series. The book is about a former slave that changes her fate and is the savior of dragons. It is a celebration of dragons in literature, as well as literacy in general and pop culture.
Dragons are diverse in presentation with the fire-breathing variety, some like gargoyles found in medieval churches. Others are many-headed hydras that pop out of the ocean. Others are wyverns, basilisks, and other mythical creatures with loose connections to the real world.
Ultimately, the idea of dragons interacting with humans fills our minds with awe and inspires us to delight our minds with fancy.
Appreciate a Dragon Day timeline
The oldest recognizable image of a modern, western dragon is in a medieval bestiary.
The Nine-Dragon Wall is built in Datong, China, by the Ming Dynasty.
Arizona’s “The Tombstone” paper reports two cowboys shooting down a ‘winged dragon.’
The movie –— based on an old poem of a warrior who defeats a dragon —– is released.
Appreciate a Dragon Day FAQs
Are there dragons in the “Bible”?
Yes. The scriptures employ dragon imagery as symbolic metaphors to describe sea monsters, serpents, and sinister cosmic forces. Different terms translated as dragons appear more than 20 times in the Old Testament and four times in the New Testament.
Is there a dragon religion?
Dragon worship, known as Dragonoph, is a polytheistic religion based around the belief that dragons are the original creators of the world and that God is the first dragon Glaurung.
Where do dragons live in real life?
There isn’t any specific place of habitation; it is not swamps, mountain lairs, dark caverns, or even dense forests contrary to what has been suggested by stories about dragons. However, they exist in our imaginations, as no one so far has proved them to be real.
How to Celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day
Watch a dragon-themed movie
It is a perfect day for some movie time with friends and family. Grab your buckets of popcorn and settle for a flick with some dragons. Some suggestions are; “Eragon,” “Harry Potter,” and “Merlin.”
Draw and paint your favorite dragon
Bring out the artist in you by putting your skills to work with a pencil or pen and paintbrushes to doodle some dragons. You will, without a doubt, have an enjoyable time doing this.
Visit an amusement park
You can visit an amusement park with a dragon-themed section, such as Playland in Rye, New York, and ride the Dragon Coaster. Go ahead and experience a thrilling ride that takes you through a dragon’s body.
5 Facts About Dragons That Will Blow Your Mind
Highly valued by the Chinese
They are regarded as extraordinary creatures in China.
They represent honor and courage
Dragons are used as warlike emblems, appearing on shields and ships, including the symbol of the imperial family and the Chinese flag for a time.
They vary in types
There are two types of dragons depicted in art and literature — Western dragons have bat-like wings and can be fearsome, whereas Eastern dragons have snake-like features with no wings and are associated with royalty and heavenly forces.
Mentioned in the “Bible”
The “King James Version Bible” actually mentions dragons at least 35 times.
They are symbolic
The Uroboros – a tail-biting dragon — symbolizes the eternal circle of life and is also an important symbol for medieval alchemists.
Why We Love Appreciate a Dragon Day
It brings people together
This day is a rallying point for friends, family, and strangers alike to come together to show their love for dragons. They can jointly have a show, see a movie or engage in other activities themed around dragons.
Showcases the beauty of dragons in literature
Dragons, with their celestial ways and otherworldly presence, make our lives a lot more interesting. Their sheer bodily structure and capabilities amaze the mind and help us to see just how fascinating they make our stories.
It Inspires creativity
Through the activities engaged in on this day, people get to bring out their creative sides. Who knows, it might just be the beginning of becoming renowned artists and creatives for some.
Appreciate a Dragon Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 16 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 16 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 16 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 16 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 16 | Tuesday |
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