ABSTRACT
The Chinese saying, “Changing from fish to dragon” (鲤鱼跳龙门, Li Yu Tiao Long Men) has cultural/mythological roots representing courage, perseverance, and accomplishment. The saying is based on an old and enduring image of a carp fish jumping over a gate put up by a dragon, a mythical creature symbolizing a great Chinese Emperor. The “Dragon’s Gate” is located at the top of a waterfall which is cascading down from a legendary mountain. Many carp fish swim upstream against the strong currents of the waterfall, but few are strong, brave, and persistent enough to make the final leap over the waterfall. When a carp fish is finally successful in making the difficult jump, it is transformed into a powerful dragon.
