Snake Patterns in Eurasia/Japan and Their Implications

Szaniszlo Bérczi¹, Osamu Sano² and Ryuji Takaki³

¹Department G. Physics, Eötvös University, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
²Faculty of Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
³Faculty of Technology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8588, Japan

(Received July 31, 2001; Accepted October 10, 2001)

Keywords: Snake, Serpent, Dragon, Wave, Eurasia, Pattern

Abstract. This paper discusses on the differences and similarities among snake patterns (or dragon patterns) in Eurasia and Japan and their implications in human lives in both worlds. It is composed of contributions by three authors from Hungary and Japan, so that snake patterns can be discussed on different standpoints. People in the world have been conscious about snakes, because they have given a lot of effects on human lives of people. Therefore, their patterns in designs, symbols, etc. are quite abundant. This is why we have chosen snake patterns for comparison of cultures in the western and eastern worlds. In the main text snake (or snake-like) patterns in Eurasia, spiral patterns in Japanese crests and potteries, and Chinese characters for snake and dragon are introduced. Their implications in human lives and cultures are discussed.