From evil to good snake: how the zodiac animal became a righteous figure in Chinese mythology

The snake may be less celebrated in Chinese culture than, say, the dragon – the coming Year of the Snake does not have quite the same ring to it as the Year of the Dragon.

But the reptile is just as rich in symbolism and lore as the mythical beast, appearing in mythology, literature and art, representing both good and evil.

Nüwa, the mother goddess credited with creating humanity in Chinese mythology, is often depicted with a human head and serpent-like body, reflecting the snake’s association with reproduction and life.

Perhaps the most famous representation of snakes is the Legend of the White Snake, one of China’s four great folktales. The story describes a romance between a mortal man and a white snake spirit who has transformed into a beautiful lady. Many centuries later, it continues to captivate audiences and inspire adaptations.

But the tale did not start as a love story, and the snake was not always regarded as resilient and righteous. In fact, like in many other ancient cultures, snakes were once viewed negatively in China.

The first written version of the Legend of the White Snake, from the early 9th century, recounts the tale of a man whose body weakens and turns into water after a sexual encounter with a beautiful woman dressed in white, who was ultimately revealed to be a giant white snake.