While the Snake has a poor reputation in Christian countries, in Asia it is held in high regard for its wisdom, foresight and strength of will. The Snake man is sentimental and pleasant company, and he has a sense of humour. The Snake woman is beautiful and often succeeds precisely because of her beauty. In Japan, when people wish to pay a woman a compliment, they usually say: "My dear, you are a true Snake". In Western countries that compliment would sound rather different.