In the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the only zodiac animal that is not a real animal.
The dragon occupies the fifth position in the traditional 12-animal cycle. Unlike the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig, it is a legendary creature rather than a zoological species. Chinese dragons are usually portrayed as long, snake-like beings with four legs and may combine features associated with several animals.
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is generally an auspicious and powerful figure connected with water, rain, rivers, weather, authority, and imperial symbolism. This differs from many European stories, where dragons are often portrayed primarily as dangerous fire-breathing monsters. Chinese dragons traditionally do not need wings to fly.
The zodiac dragon should not be confused with a real animal sometimes called a “dragon,” such as the Komodo dragon or a flying lizard. Those are living reptiles, but they are not the creature represented by the Chinese zodiac sign. The dragon year is also culturally popular, and birth rates often rise in communities where dragon years are considered especially lucky.