Carrying the dragon spirit across generations

Although for her family, it wasn’t just another birthday — it was the continuation of a story unfolding for nearly 200 years, a story of dragons, destiny and a heritage unlike any other.

If you’ve heard of the ‘years of the animals’ but aren’t quite sure how it works, here’s a breakdown.

There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat (or sheep), monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

Each animal has its own personality traits, symbolism and myths, and the cycle repeats every 12 years.

Last year was the Year of the Dragon, and this year it’s the snake’s turn.

However, the dragon is the only mythical creature in the zodiac — all the others are real, and because of this, being born in a dragon year is seen as especially powerful.

That’s why a fifth-generation dragon such as Eleanor is so remarkable: it represents five cycles of good fortune, strength and cultural significance, all lining up perfectly.

Eleanor’s lineage comes from both sides of her father’s family.

Each generation had a dragon child roughly 12 years after the previous one, starting with her great-great-grandfather.

The line continued through her great-grandfather, her grandfather, her father, and now Eleanor.

On her grandmother’s side, Lachlan’s mum, the tradition works a little differently: each parent was 36 when their dragon child was born, except for Eleanor’s father, who was 24 when she arrived.

This line includes her great-great-grandfather Leonardo Draghi — whose surname literally means ‘dragon’.

With both branches carrying the dragon legacy, Eleanor is a rare fifth-generation dragon, who continues this remarkable tradition.

“She is the happiest, most endearing, cheekiest little girl we’ve ever met,” mother Chelsea Sims said.

“She knows exactly what she wants and how to get it,” father Lachlan Sims added.

“She carries the fire of all the many dragons before her and does not let her big brother, Leon, get away with pushing her around or taking her toys.”

Although the year of any zodiac animal comes from Chinese tradition, Eleanor’s parents have looked extensively into the traits and characteristics of the Year of the Dragon — all while having no Chinese heritage themselves.

Over the generations, many stories have been passed down about the ‘powers’ of these dragon children, linking them to the unique and magical qualities traditionally associated with dragons.

“I’ve been told stories about my grandfather, Lachlan Sims, being the strongest man in Pine Lodge,” Lachlan said.

“Flexing his strength at agricultural shows and community events, and my mum has told a story about David Boschetti being one of the only men able to climb a greased telephone pole for events like the Shepparton Show and school fetes.

“Even though the family heritage isn’t Chinese, we celebrate Chinese New Year each year in Chinatown, Melbourne.”

Life for little Eleanor is already full of personality.

And at just one year old, she may be small, but her parents say she is loud, determined, and very clear about what she wants — and what she doesn’t.

“She is incredibly strong and powerful,” Lachlan said.

“We hope Eleanor remains as determined as she is now and always stays headstrong, fighting for what she believes, and she knows the strength and fire she carries.

“I carry a lot of pride and confidence when I share my story of our dragon legacy, and I hope both my children know that, through their genes, they carry a powerful presence and a determined mindset.

“With these qualities, they can truly make the world their oyster.”