dragon
龍
The Chinese dragon is a mythological creature originating in Chinese culture that is described and depicted as a large, powerful and noble being. Although the legends of the Dragons have no recorded beginning, the symbol of the Chinese Dragon has been used since 3000bc. There are many different stories about the Chinese Dragon as well as many beliefs about dragons’ powers and meanings, but the general depiction and representation of the Dragon is that they are made up of a snake’s body, Fish’s scales, rabbit’s eyes, frog’s belly and deer’s antlers. The Chinese Dragon is also one of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. The dragon is a large part of Chinese culture as they are believed to bring blessings in business prosperity and good health and are also a protective token where the symbol is used. As most of China lived and worked on agriculture, the Dragons were a big part of people’s lives as they controlled the weather and the seasons which the Chinese people’s livelihood depended on.
Dragons vary in colour which symbolise different things such as White symbolising purity, red symbolisingFortune, Yellow representing power and black representing vengeance. As well as the colour variations, there are different types of dragons symbolising various areas of wealth and health. Some of the Dragon types include but are not limited to: Spiritual Dragon which is a blue dragon controlling the rain and wind ensuring that humans are blessed by these two elements. The treasure dragon blesses precious metals, money and other personal wealth and the Dragon King, which is the god of the Dragons and is themost powerful of all the Dragons.
Despite the Dragon being such a powerful being in these Chinese myths and legends, they are never at fault for disasters or catastrophise as they are seen as benevolent and wise and have a positive meaning in the culture.
The Chinese Dragons power is such a widely known and respected symbol in Chinese culture and has been for centuries. Emperors in the Imperial Dynasties used the Dragon as a symbol of their own power and authority using it on their furniture, garments and engraved in and around the Imperial Palace.
The Chinese Dragon dance is a cultural performance which is an important part of celebrations and festivals, particularly Chinese New Year, and other milestone events. The dance originated in ancient times when there was no rain for long periods of time and the farmers would welcome the Dragons with a Dragon Dance. This was also a way to protect their agriculture of insect attacks. These days the Dragon dance welcomes wealth and prosperity, physical protection and deters spirits. The dance involves people holding up a Dragon made generally from bamboo, paper and fabrics on poles and making the dragon dance and chase the “Pearl of Wisdom” which is associated with Wisdom, Power and the Moon.
The ancient legend of the Chinese Dragon lives on to this day and is still believed and celebrated in Chinese Culture with the symbol still being commonly used in many settings.
龍
dragon