The Chinese dragon has been around in mythology and folklore for about as long as there's been a Chinese civilization—which is centuries. Many cultures have tales about dragons. The word itself comes from the Ancient Greek word "draconta,

Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year — and 15 days of celebration and tradition. It's the year of the snake, and according to Chinese Association of Newfoundland and Labrador president Francis Tam,

Cuba’s small Chinese community celebrated the Lunar New Year overnight, ushering in the Year of the Snake with a vibrant parade, glowing lanterns, and dragons winding their way through the narrow streets of Chinatown.

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday. (AP video shot by Syawalludin Zain, Taijing Wu)