賀正！巳・蛇年2013年！Happy New Year 2013, the Year of the Snake

SerpentNenga2013Lettered　2013年は巳年で、蛇が脱皮をすることから「復活と再生」を連想させ、餌を食べなくても長く生きることから「神の使い」として崇められている。
Welcome to 2013, the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese Zodiac. The Year of the Snake is said to evoke images of rebirth and revival, due to the snake’s repeated shedding of its skin, as well as have a strong connection with the gods due to the reptiles’ ability to live for long periods without eating.
　恐らく海外で最も有名な蛇年生まれのが安室奈美恵、島田順子、香取慎吾と本木雅弘だろう。
Probably the most famous overseas of those Japanese born in the Year of the Snake are singer Namie Amuro, fashion designer Junko Shimada, entertainer and youngest SMAP member Shingo Katori and actor Masahiro Motoki.
　もちろん、オーストラリアにとって蛇も重要な存在だ。
Of course, the snake also plays an important role in Australian mythology.
　それは特に豪先住民にとって言える。
That’s due to the Australian indigenous mythology.
　豪先住民の創造神話である「夢幻時（ドリームタイム）」の中心が「虹蛇」となっている。考えRooのお正月イラストがこの「虹蛇」をモチーフにしている。虹蛇の仲間がユルルングルやエインガナなどもいる。
Australia’s indigenous peoples believe in the Dreamtime myths in which the Rainbow Serpent plays a crucial role. Other prominent snakes in Australian aboriginal mythology include Wagyl, which created the Swan River, Yurlungur and Eingana.
Kangaeroo.com’s New Year illustration derives from images of the Rainbow Serpent.

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