Dragons are important mythological creatures in Chinese culture. Entertaining and decorative dragon costumes often make an appearance in performances during certain celebrations, such as National Day and Chinese New Year. These costumes and the creatures they represent have large symbolic significance. The legends that surround Chinese dragons are intriguing and occasionally even surprising.
Positive Connotation
In Chinese mythology, dragons have a very positive connotation. They are strong, powerful creatures that are seen as signs of good fortune. They are also symbols of powerful figures, such as political leaders and warriors.
- Dragons are important mythological creatures in Chinese culture.
- In Chinese mythology, dragons have a very positive connotation.
Chinese Dragons and Water
Chinese dragons are associated with bodies of water such as the East China Sea, and weather events such as tsunamis and monsoons.
Chinese Dragons and Yin Yang Philosophy
In yin yang philosophy, yin represents female energy and darkness, whereas yang represents male energy and light. Chinese dragons are yang and the phoenix is yin. The phoenix is gentle and graceful, opposed to the powerful dragon.
- Chinese dragons are associated with bodies of water such as the East China Sea, and weather events such as tsunamis and monsoons.
- In yin yang philosophy, yin represents female energy and darkness, whereas yang represents male energy and light.
Chinese Dragons and Emperors
Several Chinese emperors are identified with the dragon, by either their subjects or themselves. Among these are Emperor Huang Di, called the Yellow Emperor, and his brother Emperor Yan Di, who were the first and second emperors of ancient China.
Dragon in Chinese Language
In the Chinese language, there are many words for dragon, most of which end in "-long". For example, "shenlong," means "god dragon" and "dilong," means, "earth dragon."
Chinese Dragons and the Zodiac
The dragon also figures significantly into the Chinese Zodiac and the Chinese calendar. It is one of the 12 animals of the zodiac. Those who follow the Chinese Zodiac view people who are born in a "Year of the Dragon" as potentially great, passionate leaders, who can also be tactless and arrogant.
Chinese Dragons and Number Nine
Chinese dragons are associated with the number nine. Dragons are often displayed in sets of nine or with nine features.
Chinese Dragon Boat Racing
Dragon boat racing, a type of boat racing using boats specially decorated with a carved dragon's head, is an annual event held during Chinese New Year.
Chinese Dragon Artwork
Ancient and modern Chinese artists and sculptors often depict Chinese dragons as an amalgam of several different creatures. Sculptures and paintings depict dragons as winged, horned creatures with hawk-like claws and tigerlike paws.
- The dragon also figures significantly into the Chinese Zodiac and the Chinese calendar.
- Ancient and modern Chinese artists and sculptors often depict Chinese dragons as an amalgam of several different creatures.
Chinese Dragons and Religion
The dragon is worshipped as a holy creature in some traditional Chinese religions.