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Chinese dragon

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Chinese Dragon
The Azure Dragon depicted on the flag of the Qing dynasty
GroupingMythical creature
Sub groupingDragon
FolkloreChinese mythology
CountryChina
Chinese dragon
"Dragon" in oracle bone script (top left), bronze script (top right), seal script (middle left), Traditional (middle right), Japanese new-style (shinjitai, bottom left), and Simplified (bottom right) Chinese characters
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese龍
Simplified Chinese龙
Literal meaningDragon In Asian, including Asian Cultural, Including East Asian Cultural Translations, including Asian Translations, including East Asian Translations
Vietnamese name
Vietnamese alphabet龍
Chữ HánRồng
Korean name
Hangul용
Hanja龍
Japanese name
Kanji竜 / 龍

The Chinese Dragon (simplified Chinese: 龙; traditional Chinese: 龍; pinyin: lóng) is a legendary creature in Chinese mythology, Chinese folklore, and Chinese culture at large.[1] Chinese dragons have many animal-like forms such as turtles and fish, but are most commonly depicted as snake-like with four legs. Academicians have identified four reliable theories on the origin of the Chinese dragon: snakes, Chinese alligators, thunder worship and nature worship.[2] They traditionally symbolize potent and auspicious powers, particularly control over water.[3]

Symbolism[edit]

Bronze dragon from Sanxingdui, Shang dynasty
Jade dragon, Zhou dynasty
Jade dragon pendants, Zhou dynasty
Jade Openwork Disk, Nanyue (203 BC - 111 BC)
Dragon imagery on an eaves-tile
Dragon carving on a tomb, Liao dynasty (916–1125)
Dragon decoration at the base of a pillar, Song dynasty

Historically, the Chinese dragon was associated with the emperor of China and used as a symbol to represent imperial power. Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty, claimed that he was conceived after his mother dreamt of a dragon.[4] During the Tang dynasty, emperors wore robes with dragon motif as an imperial symbol, and high officials might also be presented with dragon robes. In the Yuan dynasty, the two-horned, five-clawed dragon was designated for use by the Son of Heaven or emperor only, while the four-clawed dragon was used by the princes and nobles.[5] Similarly, during the Ming and Qing dynasty, the five-clawed dragon was strictly reserved for use by the emperor only. The dragon in the Qing dynasty appeared on the flag of the Qing dynasty.[6]

The dragon is sometimes used in the West as a national emblem of China, though such use is not commonly seen in the People's Republic of China or Taiwan. Instead, it is generally used as the symbol of culture. In Hong Kong, the dragon was a component of the coat of arms under British rule. It was later to become a feature of the design of Brand Hong Kong, a government promotional symbol.[7]

The Chinese dragon has very different connotations from the European dragon – in European cultures, the dragon is a fire-breathing creature with aggressive connotations, whereas the Chinese dragon is a spiritual and cultural symbol that represents prosperity and good luck, as well as a rain deity that fosters harmony. It was reported that the Chinese government decided against using the dragon as its official 2008 Summer Olympics mascot because of the aggressive connotations that dragons have outside of China and chose more "friendly" symbols instead.[8] Sometimes Chinese people use the term "Descendants of the Dragon" (simplified Chinese: 龙的传人; traditional Chinese: 龍的傳人) as a sign of ethnic identity, as part of a trend started in the 1970s when different Asian nationalities were looking for animal symbols as representations. For example, the wolf may be used by the Mongols as it is considered to be their legendary ancestor.[4][6][9]

State usage[edit]

The dragon was the symbol of the Chinese emperor for many dynasties. During the Qing dynasty, the Azure Dragon was featured on the first Chinese national flag. It was featured again on the Twelve Symbols national emblem, which was used during the Republic of China, from 1913 to 1928.

  • Imperial jade seal, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
    Imperial jade seal, Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
  • Jade seal, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
    Jade seal, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
  • Flag of the Qing dynasty, 1889–1912
    Flag of the Qing dynasty, 1889–1912
  • Seal of Chinese Imperial Post
    Seal of Chinese Imperial Post
  • Flag of the Chinese Eastern Railway, 1897–1915
    Flag of the Chinese Eastern Railway, 1897–1915
  • Flag of the commissioner of Weihaiwei with the Chinese dragon in the center, 1899–1903
    Flag of the commissioner of Weihaiwei with the Chinese dragon in the center, 1899–1903
  • State emblem of Republic of China, 1913–1928
    State emblem of Republic of China, 1913–1928
  • A golden Chinese dragon supported the colonial arms of Hong Kong to the right until its abandonment in 1997.
    A golden Chinese dragon supported the colonial arms of Hong Kong to the right until its abandonment in 1997.
  • A yellow Chinese dragon carried a shield, emblazoned like those depicted on the arms of Portugal, in the coat of arms of Macau under the colonial government until 1999.
    A yellow Chinese dragon carried a shield, emblazoned like those depicted on the arms of Portugal, in the coat of arms of Macau under the colonial government until 1999.

The dragon has been used as a state symbol in Vietnam. During the Nguyễn dynasty, the dragon was featured on the imperial standards. It was also featured on the coats of arms of the State of Vietnam, and later South Vietnam.

  • A gold dragon seal knob of the King of Nanyue of Zhao Mo of the Nanyue Kingdom
    A gold dragon seal knob of the King of Nanyue of Zhao Mo of the Nanyue Kingdom
  • Imperial standard of emperors Khải Định and Bảo Đại, 1922–1945
    Imperial standard of emperors Khải Định and Bảo Đại, 1922–1945
  • Imperial pennon of Nguyễn dynasty, 1802–1945
    Imperial pennon of Nguyễn dynasty, 1802–1945
  • Vertical imperial pennon of Nguyễn dynasty
    Vertical imperial pennon of Nguyễn dynasty
  • Personal arms of Bảo Đại
    Personal arms of Bảo Đại
  • Coat of arms of the State of Vietnam, 1954–1955
    Coat of arms of the State of Vietnam, 1954–1955
  • Personal standard of Bảo Đại as the Chief of State of Vietnam, 1948–1955
    Personal standard of Bảo Đại as the Chief of State of Vietnam, 1948–1955
  • Flag of the Vietnamese National Army, with a dragon in each corner
    Flag of the Vietnamese National Army, with a dragon in each corner
  • The Chinese dragon was used as the supporter of the coat of arms of South Vietnam, 1967–1975
    The Chinese dragon was used as the supporter of the coat of arms of South Vietnam, 1967–1975

Worship[edit]

Main article: Longshen
Marble statue of double dragons at Jietai Temple

Origin[edit]

The ancient Chinese self-identified as "the gods of the dragon" because the Chinese dragon is an imagined reptile that represents evolution from the ancestors and qi energy.[10] Dragon-like motifs of a zoomorphic composition in reddish-brown stone have been found at the Chahai site (Liaoning) in the Xinglongwa culture (6200–5400 BC).[2] The presence of dragons within Chinese culture dates back several thousands of years with the discovery of a dragon statue dating back to the fifth millennium BC from the Yangshao culture in Henan in 1987,[11] and jade badges of rank in coiled form have been excavated from the Hongshan culture c. 4700–2900 BC.[12] Some of the earliest Dragon artifacts are the pig dragon carvings from the Hongshan culture.

The coiled dragon or snake form played an important role in early Chinese culture. The character for "dragon" in the earliest Chinese writing has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang period.[13]

Ancient Chinese referred to unearthed fossil bones as "dragon bones" and documented them as such. For example, Chang Qu in 300 BC documents the discovery of "dragon bones" in Sichuan.[14] While these "dragon bones" have often been asserted in modern times to be dinosaur bones, according to palaeontologist Mark Witton there is little evidence of this (aside a recent report of villagers collecting dinosaur bones as "dragon bones" from 2007), with historical accounts of "dragon bones" from the 19th century suggest that they were predominantly those of mammals, such as the extinct horse Hipparion.[15]

In mythology[edit]

Dragon crown, Liao dynasty

From its origins as totems or the stylized depiction of natural creatures, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical animal. The Han dynasty scholar Wang Fu recorded Chinese myths that long dragons had nine anatomical resemblances.

The people paint the dragon's shape with a horse's head and a snake's tail. Further, there are expressions such as 'three joints' and 'nine resemblances' (of the dragon), to wit: from head to shoulder, from shoulder to breast, and from breast to tail. These are the joints; as to the nine resemblances, they are the following: his antlers resemble those of a stag, his head that of a camel, his eyes those of a demon, his neck that of a snake, his belly that of a clam (shen, 蜃), his scales those of a carp, his claws those of an eagle, his soles those of a tiger, his ears those of a cow. Upon his head, he has a thing like a broad eminence (a big lump), called [chimu] (尺木). If a dragon has no [chimu], he cannot ascend to the sky.[16]

Further sources give variant lists of the nine animal resemblances. Sinologist Henri Doré [fr] lists these characteristics of an authentic dragon: "The antlers of a deer. The head of a crocodile. A demon's eyes. The neck of a snake. A tortoise's viscera. A hawk's claws. The palms of a tiger. A cow's ears. And it hears through its horns, its ears being deprived of all power of hearing". He notes that, "Others state it has a rabbit's eyes, a frog's belly, a carp's scales".[17]

Yellow dragon on a black vase, Yuan dynasty

Chinese dragons were considered to be physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence (positive) while 36 are of the yin essence (negative). Initially, the dragon was benevolent, wise, and just, but the Buddhists introduced the concept of malevolent influence among some dragons. Just as water destroys, they said, so can some dragons destroy via floods, tidal waves, and storms. They suggested that some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin or in their claws. The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. Chinese art often depicts a pair of dragons chasing or fighting over a flaming pearl.

Chinese dragons are occasionally depicted with bat-like wings growing out of the front limbs, but most do not have wings, as their ability to fly (and control rain/water, etc.) is mystical and not seen as a result of their physical attributes.

Textile with dragon design, Yuan dynasty

This description accords with the artistic depictions of the dragon down to the present day. The dragon has also acquired an almost unlimited range of supernatural powers. It is said to be able to disguise itself as a silkworm, or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water (according to the Guanzi). It can form clouds, turn into water, change color as an ability to blend in with their surroundings, and be an effective form of camouflage or glow in the dark (according to the Shuowen Jiezi).

In many other countries, folktales speak of the dragon having all the attributes of the other 11 creatures of the zodiac, this includes the whiskers of the Rat, the face and horns of the Ox, the claws and teeth of the Tiger, the belly of the Rabbit, the body of the Snake, the legs of the Horse, the goatee of the Goat, the wit of the Monkey, the crest of the Rooster, the ears of the Dog, and the snout of the Pig.

In some circles,[among whom?] it is considered bad luck to depict a dragon facing downward, as it is seen as disrespectful to place a dragon in such a manner that it cannot ascend to the sky. Also, depictions of dragons in tattoos are prevalent as they are symbols of strength and power, especially criminal organisations where dragons hold a meaning all on their own. As such, it is believed that one must be fierce and strong enough, hence earning the right to wear the dragon on his skin, lest his luck be consumed by the dragons.[citation needed]

According to an art historian John Boardman, depictions of Chinese Dragon and Indian Makara might have been influenced by Cetus in Greek mythology possibly after contact with silk-road images of the Kētos as Chinese dragon appeared more reptilian and shifted head-shape afterwards.[18]

Rule over weather and water[edit]

A dragon seen floating among clouds, on a golden canteen made during the 15th century, Ming dynasty

Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water and weather in popular religion. They are believed to be the rulers of moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls, rivers, or seas. The Dragon god is the dispenser of rain as well as the zoomorphic representation of yang, the masculine power of generation.[19] In this capacity as the rulers of water and weather, the dragon is more anthropomorphic in form, often depicted as a humanoid, dressed in a king's costume, but with a dragon head wearing a king's headdress.

There are four major Dragon Kings, representing each of the Four Seas: the East Sea (corresponding to the East China Sea), the South Sea (corresponding to the South China Sea), the West Sea (sometimes seen as the Qinghai Lake and beyond), and the North Sea (sometimes seen as Lake Baikal).

Because of this association, they are seen as "in charge" of water-related weather phenomena. In premodern times, many Chinese villages (especially those close to rivers and seas) had temples dedicated to their local "dragon king". In times of drought or flooding, it was customary for the local gentry and government officials to lead the community in offering sacrifices and conducting other religious rites to appease the dragon, either to ask for rain or a cessation thereof.

The King of Wuyue in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period was often known as the "Dragon King" or the "Sea Dragon King" because of his extensive hydro-engineering schemes which "tamed" the sea.

In coastal regions of China, Korea, Vietnam, traditional legends and worshipping of whale gods as the guardians of people on the sea have been referred to Dragon Kings after the arrival of Buddhism.[20]

Symbol of imperial authority[edit]

Main article: Yellow Dragon
Double dragons on a piece of textile, Qing dynasty
Bronze dragon, Qing dynasty

According to Chinese legend, both Chinese primogenitors, the earliest Door and the Yellow Emperor, were closely related to the dragon. At the end of his reign, the first legendary ruler, the Yellow Emperor, was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. The other legendary ruler, the Yan Emperor, was born by his mother's telepathy with a mythical dragon. Since the Chinese consider the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor as their ancestors, they sometimes refer to themselves as "the descendants of the dragon". This legend also contributed towards the use of the Chinese dragon as a symbol of imperial power.[citation needed]

Dragons (usually with five claws on each foot) were a symbol for the emperor in many Chinese dynasties. During the Qing dynasty, the imperial dragon was colored yellow or gold, and during the Ming dynasty it was red.[21] The imperial throne was referred to as the Dragon Throne. During the late Qing dynasty, the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. Dragons are featured in carvings on the stairs and walkways of imperial palaces and imperial tombs, such as at the Forbidden City in Beijing.

In some Chinese legends, an emperor might be born with a birthmark in the shape of a dragon. For example, one legend tells the tale of a peasant born with a dragon birthmark who eventually overthrows the existing dynasty and founds a new one; another legend might tell of the prince in hiding from his enemies who is identified by his dragon birthmark.[citation needed]

In contrast, the empress of China was often identified with the Chinese phoenix.

Modern practice[edit]

Worship of the Dragon god is celebrated throughout China with sacrifices and processions during the fifth and sixth moons, and especially on the date of his birthday the thirteenth day of the sixth moon.[19] A folk religious movement of associations of good-doing in modern Hebei is primarily devoted to a generic Dragon god whose icon is a tablet with his name inscribed, for which it has been named the "movement of the Dragon Tablet".[22]

Depictions[edit]

Neolithic[edit]

The C-shaped jade totem of Hongshan culture (c. 4700–2920 B.C.)
Jade-carved dragon ornament from the Warring States period (403–221 BC).
Jade dragon, Warring States period

Dragons or dragon-like depictions have been found extensively in neolithic-period archaeological sites throughout China. Some of earliest depictions of dragons were found at Xinglongwa culture sites. Yangshao culture sites in Xi'an have produced clay pots with dragon motifs. A burial site Xishuipo in Puyang which is associated with the Yangshao culture shows a large dragon mosaic made out of clam shells.[23] The Liangzhu culture also produced dragon-like patterns. The Hongshan culture sites in present-day Inner Mongolia produced jade dragon objects in the form of pig dragons which are the first 3-dimensional representations of Chinese dragons.[24]

One such early form was the pig dragon. It is a coiled, elongated creature with a head resembling a boar.[25] The character for "dragon" in the earliest Chinese writing has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang dynasty. A snake-like dragon body painted on red pottery wares was discovered at Taosi (Shanxi) from the second phase of the Longshan Culture, and a dragon-like object coated with approximately 2000 pieces of turquoise and jade was discovered at Erlitou.[2]

Classical era[edit]

Detail of an embroidered silk gauze ritual garment from a 4th-century BC Zhou dynasty tomb at Mashan, Hubei. The flowing, curvilinear design incorporates dragons, phoenixes, and tigers.
Qin dynasty twin bronze dragons, found near the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
Western Han dynasty tomb mural of a warrior on a dragon, found in Luoyang.
Liu Song dynasty stone-relief of a winged dragon

Chinese literature and myths refer to many dragons besides the famous long. The linguist Michael Carr analyzed over 100 ancient dragon names attested in Chinese classic texts.[26]

  • Tianlong, celestial dragon that guards heavenly palaces and pulls divine chariots; also a name for the constellation Draco
  • Shenlong, thunder god that controls the weather, appearance of a human head, dragon's body, and drum-like stomach
  • Fuzanglong, underworld guardian of precious metals and jewels, associated with volcanoes
  • Dilong, controller of rivers and seas
  • Yinglong, winged dragon associated with rains and floods, used by Yellow Emperor to kill Chi You
  • Jiaolong, hornless or scaled dragon, leader of all aquatic animals
  • Panlong, lake dragon that has not ascended to heaven
  • Huanglong, hornless dragon symbolizing the emperor
  • Feilong, winged dragon that rides on clouds and mist; also a name for a genus of pterosaur (compare Feilong kick and Fei Long character)
  • Azure Dragon, the animal associated with the East in the Chinese Four Symbols, mythological creatures in the Chinese constellations
  • Qiulong, contradictorily defined as both "horned dragon" and "hornless dragon"
  • Zhulong was a giant red draconic solar deity in Chinese mythology. It supposedly had a human's face and snake's body, created day and night by opening and closing its eyes, and created seasonal winds by breathing. (Note that this zhulong is different from the similarly named Vermilion Dragon or the Pig dragon)
  • Chilong, a hornless dragon or mountain demon

Fewer Chinese dragon names derive from the word long 龍:

Some additional Chinese dragons are not named long, for instance,

Chinese scholars have classified dragons in diverse systems. For instance, Emperor Huizong of Song canonized five colored dragons as "kings".

  • The Azure Dragon [Qinglong 青龍] spirits, most compassionate kings.
  • The Vermilion Dragon [Zhulong 朱龍 or Chilong 赤龍] spirits, kings that bestow blessings on lakes.
  • The Yellow Dragon [Huanglong 黃龍] spirits, kings that favorably hear all petitions.
  • The White Dragon [Bailong 白龍] spirits, virtuous and pure kings.
  • The Black Dragon [Xuanlong 玄龍 or Heilong 黑龍] spirits, kings dwelling in the depths of the mystic waters.[27]

With the addition of the Yellow Dragon of the center to Azure Dragon of the East, these Vermilion, White, and Black Dragons coordinate with the Four Symbols, including the Vermilion Bird of the South, White Tiger of the West, and Black Tortoise of the North.

Dragons were varyingly thought to be able to control and embody various natural elements in their "mythic form" such as "water, air, earth, fire, light, wind, storm, [and] electricity".[28] Some dragons who were able to breathe fire were thought to be exiled from tiān and banished to Earth.[29]

Nine sons of the dragon[edit]

Main article: Nine sons of the dragon
Pulao on a bell in Wudang Palace, Yangzhou
Qianlong era Bixi near the Marco Polo Bridge in Beijing

Several Ming dynasty texts list what were claimed as the Nine Offspring of the Dragon (龍生九子), and subsequently these feature prominently in popular Chinese stories and writings. The scholar Xie Zhaozhe [zh] (1567–1624) in his work Wu Za Zu Wuzazu [zh] (c. 1592) gives the following listing, as rendered by M.W. de Visser:

A well-known work of the end of the sixteenth century, the Wuzazu 五雜俎, informs us about the nine different young of the dragon, whose shapes are used as ornaments according to their nature.

  • The [Pulao, four leg small form dragon class which like to scream, are represented on the tops of bells, serving as handles.
  • The [qiú niú 囚牛], which like music, are used to adorn musical instruments.
  • The [Chiwen, which like swallowing, are placed on both ends of the ridgepoles of roofs (to swallow all evil influences).
  • The [cháo fēng 嘲風], beasts-like dragon which like adventure, are placed on the four corners of roofs.
  • The [yá zì 睚眦], which like to kill, are engraved on sword guards.
  • The [xì xì 屓屭], which have the shape of the [chī hǔ 螭虎 (One kind small form dragon)], and are fond of literature, are represented on the sides of grave-monuments.
  • The [bì àn 狴犴], which like litigation, are placed over prison gates (in order to keep guard).
  • The [suān ní 狻猊], which like to sit down, are represented upon the bases of Buddhist idols (under the Buddhas' or Bodhisattvas' feet).
  • The [Bixi, also known as [bà xià 霸下], finally, big tortoises which like to carry heavy objects, are placed under grave-monuments.

Further, the same author enumerates nine other kinds of dragons, which are represented as ornaments of different objects or buildings according to their liking prisons, water, the rank smell of newly caught fish or newly killed meat, wind and rain, ornaments, smoke, shutting the mouth (used for adorning key-holes), standing on steep places (placed on roofs), and fire.[30]

The Sheng'an waiji (升庵外集) collection by the poet Yang Shen (1488–1559) gives different 5th and 9th names for the dragon's nine children: the taotie, form of beasts, which loves to eat and is found on food-related wares, and the jiāo tú (椒圖), which looks like a conch or clam, does not like to be disturbed, and is used on the front door or the doorstep. Yang's list is bì xì, chī wěn or cháo fēng, pú láo, bì àn, tāo tiè, qiú niú, yá zì, suān ní, and jiāo tú. In addition, there are some sayings including [bā xià 𧈢𧏡], Hybrid of reptilia animal and dragon, a creature that likes to drink water, and is typically used on bridge structures.[31]

The oldest known attestation of the "children of the dragon" list is found in the Shuyuan zaji (菽園雜記, Miscellaneous records from the bean garden) by Lu Rong (1436–1494); however, he noted that the list enumerates mere synonyms of various antiques, not children of a dragon.[32] The nine sons of the dragon were commemorated by the Shanghai Mint in 2012's year of the dragon with two sets of coins, one in silver, and one in brass. Each coin in the sets depicts one of the 9 sons, including an additional coin for the father dragon, which depicts the nine sons on the reverse.[33] It's also a Chinese idiom, which means among brothers each one has his good points.[citation needed]

Dragon claws[edit]

16th century five-clawed dragon on porcelain ball, Qing dynasty
Reverse of bronze mirror, 8th century, Tang dynasty, showing a dragon with three toes on each foot

Originally, early Chinese dragons are mostly depicted with three claws, but they can range from two to five claws. Different countries that adopted the Chinese dragon have different preferences; in Mongolia and Korea, four-clawed dragons are used, while in Japan, three-clawed dragons are common.[34] In China, three-clawed dragons were popularly used on robes during the Tang dynasty.[35] The usage of the dragon motif was codified during the Yuan dynasty, and the five-clawed dragons became reserved for use by the emperor while the princes used four-clawed dragons.[5] Phoenixes and five-clawed two-horned dragons may not be used on the robes of officials and other objects such as plates and vessels in the Yuan dynasty.[5][36] It was further stipulated that for commoners, "it is forbidden to wear any cloth with patterns of Qilin, Male Fenghuang (Chinese phoenix), White rabbit, Lingzhi, Five-Toe Two-Horn Dragon, Eight Dragons, Nine Dragons, 'Ten thousand years', Fortune-longevity character and Golden Yellow etc."[37]

The Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty emulated the Yuan dynasty rules on the use of the dragon motif and decreed that the dragon would be his emblem and that it should have five claws. The four-clawed dragon would be used typically for imperial nobility and certain high-ranking officials. The three-clawed dragon was used by lower ranks and the general public (widely seen on various Chinese goods in the Ming dynasty). The dragon, however, was only for select royalty closely associated with the imperial family, usually in various symbolic colors, while it was a capital offense for anyone—other than the emperor himself—to ever use the completely gold-colored, five-clawed Long dragon motif. Improper use of claw number or colors was considered treason, punishable by execution of the offender's entire clan. During the Qing dynasty, the Manchus initially considered three-clawed dragons the most sacred and used that until 1712 when it was replaced by five-clawed dragons, and portraits of the Qing emperors were usually depicted with five-clawed dragons.[38]

In works of art that left the imperial collection, either as gifts or through pilfering by court eunuchs (a long-standing problem), where practicable, one claw was removed from each set, as in several pieces of carved lacquerware,[39] for example the well known Chinese lacquerware table in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.[40]

Cultural references[edit]

Number nine[edit]

The number nine is special in China as it is seen as number of heaven, and Chinese dragons are frequently connected with it. For example, a Chinese dragon is normally described in terms of nine attributes and usually has 117 (9×13) scales—81 (9×9) Yang and 36 (9×4) Yin. This is also why there are nine forms of the dragon and nine sons of the dragon (see Classical depictions above). The Nine-Dragon Wall is a spirit wall with images of nine different dragons, and is found in imperial Chinese palaces and gardens. Because nine was considered the number of the emperor, only the most senior officials were allowed to wear nine dragons on their robes—and then only with the robe completely covered with surcoats. Lower-ranking officials had eight or five dragons on their robes, again covered with surcoats; even the emperor himself wore his dragon robe with one of its nine dragons hidden from view.

There are a number of places in China called "Nine Dragons", the most famous being Kowloon in Hong Kong. The part of the Mekong in Vietnam is known as Cửu Long, with the same meaning.

A close up view of one full dragon (and the tail end and claw of another) from the Nine Dragons handscroll painted in 1244 by Song dynasty artist Chen Rong

Chinese zodiac[edit]

Main article: Dragon (zodiac)
Wall tile depicting the Azure Dragon of the East, Ilkhanate

The dragon is one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac which is used to designate years in the Chinese calendar. It is thought that each animal is associated with certain personality traits. Dragon years are usually the most popular to have children.[41] There are more people born in Dragon years than in any other animal years of the zodiac.[42]

Constellations[edit]

See also: Five elements (Chinese philosophy)

The Azure Dragon is considered to be the primary of the four celestial guardians, the other three being the Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise. In this context, the Azure Dragon is associated with the East and the element of Wood.

Dragon boat racing[edit]

Main article: Dragon boat
Dragon boats racing in Hong Kong (14th century painting)

At special festivals, especially the Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat races are an important part of festivities. Typically, these are boats paddled by a team of up to 20 paddlers with a drummer and steersman. The boats have a carved dragon as the head and tail of the boat. Dragon boat racing is also an important part of celebrations outside of China, such as at Chinese New Year. A similar racing is popular in India in the state of Kerala called Vallamkali and there are records on Chinese traders visiting the seashores of Kerala centuries back (Ibn Batuta).[citation needed]

Dragon dance[edit]

Main article: Dragon dance

On auspicious occasions, including Chinese New Year and the opening of shops and residences, festivities often include dancing with dragon puppets. These are "life sized" cloth-and-wood puppets manipulated by a team of people, supporting the dragon with poles. They perform choreographed moves to the accompaniment of drums, drama, and music. They also wore good clothing made of silk.

With fenghuang[edit]

See also: Fenghuang

Fenghuang (simplified Chinese: 凤凰; traditional Chinese: 鳳凰; pinyin: fènghuáng; Wade–Giles: fêng4-huang2), known in Japanese as Hō-ō or Hou-ou, are phoenix-like birds found in East Asian mythology that reign over all other birds. In Chinese symbolism, it is a feminine entity that is paired with the masculine Chinese dragon, as a visual metaphor of a balanced and blissful relationship, symbolic of both a happy marriage and a regent's long reign.

As nāga[edit]

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol Naga emerging from mouth of Makara

In many Buddhist countries, the concept of the nāga has been merged with local traditions of great and wise serpents or dragons, as depicted in this stairway image of a multi-headed nāga emerging from the mouth of a Makara in the style of a Chinese dragon at Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol on the premises of Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Vararam in Nong Phok District, Roi Et Province, Thailand.[citation needed]

With tigers[edit]

The tiger is considered to be the eternal rival to the dragon, thus various artworks depict a dragon and tiger fighting an epic battle. A common chengyu to describe equal rivals is "dragon versus Tiger". In Chinese martial arts, "Dragon style" is used to describe styles of fighting based more on understanding movement, while "Tiger style" is based on brute strength and memorization of techniques.[citation needed]

Botany[edit]

'Dragon's-Claw Elm', Fengtai, 1908

The elm cultivar Ulmus pumila 'Pendula', from northern China, called 'weeping Chinese elm' in the West, is known locally as Lung chao yü shu ('Dragon's-claw elm') owing to its branching.[43][44]

Language[edit]

A number of Chinese proverbs and idioms feature references to a dragon, such as "Hoping one's child will become a dragon" (simplified Chinese: 望子成龙; traditional Chinese: 望子成龍; pinyin: wàng zǐ chéng lóng; Jyutping: mong6 zi2 sing4 lung4).[citation needed]

In popular culture[edit]

See also: List of dragons in popular culture

As a part of traditional folklore, dragons appear in a variety of mythological fiction. Chinese dragons appear in innumerable media across popular culture today, including but not at all limited to: Japanese anime films and television shows, manga, and in Western political cartoons as a personification of the People's Republic of China.[citation needed]

  • In the classical 16th century novel Journey to the West, the son of the Dragon King of the West was condemned to serve as a horse for the travelers because of his indiscretions at a party in the heavenly court. Sun Wukong's staff, the Ruyi Jingu Bang, was robbed from Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea.
  • In Fengshen Yanyi and other stories, Nezha, the boy hero, defeats the Dragon Kings and tames the seas.
  • The Chinese respect for dragons is emphasized in Naomi Novik's Temeraire novels, where they were the first people to tame dragons and are treated as equals, intellectuals, or even royalty, rather than beasts solely bred for war in the West.
  • Manda is a large Chinese dragon that appears in the Godzilla storyline.
  • A golden three-headed dragon also appears in the comic book series God Is Dead.
  • The red dragon is a symbol of China which appears in many Mahjong games.
  • A Chinese water dragon cast by a rebel mermaid named Aurora is the main antagonist in Season 3 of the Australian television series Mako Mermaids. The dragon is heavily based on Chinese mythology to coincide with a new Chinese mermaid on the show.
  • The main antagonist of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, Yan-Lo, is a Chinese dragon. Despite the fact that he is deceased during the events of the film, he continues to hatch evil plans in the form of a spirit.
  • In Monster High, Jinafire Long is the daughter of a Chinese dragon.
  • The 1982 Rankin/Bass Productions animated TV movie The Flight of Dragons features a Chinese dragon being the steed for Lo Tae Zhao, the Golden Wizard whose realm is light and air.
  • Eddie Murphy voices Mushu, a red Chinese dragon in the 1998 Disney animated film Mulan and its 2004 sequel, Mulan II.
  • Chinese dragons heavily influenced the dragons, including Fang, on Avatar: The Legend of Aang and The Legend of Korra.
  • In the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, the Great Protector is a Chinese water dragon that protects the realm of Ta Lo. Statues of Chinese dragons were also featured in the throne room of Trevor Slattery, Aldrich Killian's pawn, when posing as the Mandarin; long before finding the real version, Shang Chi's father.
  • The iconic Mortal Kombat logo depicts a silhouette of a traditional Chinese dragon. The character of Liu Kang also transforms into a Chinese dragon and chomps onto his defeated opponent as one of his fatalities.
  • "Eastern Dragons" are one of the four types of dragons in the game Shadowrun, along with Western Dragons, Leviathans, and Feathered Serpents.
  • Unicode included two emoji symbols for Chinese Dragon, they are U+1F409 🐉 DRAGON and U+1F432 🐲 DRAGON FACE.[45][46]

Related myths[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Architecture[edit]

Textile[edit]

Painting[edit]

  • Man riding a dragon, Warring States period
    Man riding a dragon, Warring States period
  • Azure Dragon of the East, Han dynasty
    Azure Dragon of the East, Han dynasty
  • Dragon in a scroll painting, Jin dynasty
    Dragon in a scroll painting, Jin dynasty
  • Boats with dragon heads, Yuan dynasty, 14th century
    Boats with dragon heads, Yuan dynasty, 14th century
  • Cloud Dragon by Anonymous, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century
    Cloud Dragon by Anonymous, Ming dynasty, 15th-16th century
  • Dragon clouds and waves, 16th-17th century
    Dragon clouds and waves, 16th-17th century
  • Constellation deity riding a dragon, Ming dynasty, 16th century
    Constellation deity riding a dragon, Ming dynasty, 16th century
  • Water-Land Ritual painting of Four Dragon Kings, Qing dynasty.
    Water-Land Ritual painting of Four Dragon Kings, Qing dynasty.

Metalwork[edit]

Jade[edit]

  • Jade cloud dragon, Warring States period
    Jade cloud dragon, Warring States period
  • Jade belt clasp, Northern and Southern dynasties period
    Jade belt clasp, Northern and Southern dynasties period
  • Jade belt plaque, Yuan dynasty
    Jade belt plaque, Yuan dynasty
  • Jade belt plaque, Ming dynasty
    Jade belt plaque, Ming dynasty
  • Jade belt plaque, Ming dynasty
    Jade belt plaque, Ming dynasty
  • Jade seal with dragon handle
    Jade seal with dragon handle
  • Jade vase
    Jade vase

Ceramics[edit]

  • Pot with black dragon design, Song dynasty
    Pot with black dragon design, Song dynasty
  • Dragon on blue and white vase from the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), Jingdezhen, unearthed in Jiangxi.
    Dragon on blue and white vase from the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), Jingdezhen, unearthed in Jiangxi.
  • Lidded jar with yellow dragon, Ming dynasty
    Lidded jar with yellow dragon, Ming dynasty
  • Blue-and-white porcelain plate with a dragon, Ming dynasty
    Blue-and-white porcelain plate with a dragon, Ming dynasty
  • Cup depicting a seaside dragon, Ming dynasty
    Cup depicting a seaside dragon, Ming dynasty
  • Plate with two dragons, Qing dynasty
    Plate with two dragons, Qing dynasty
  • Bowl with red dragon, Qing dynasty
    Bowl with red dragon, Qing dynasty
  • Porcelain jar depicting a red dragon, Qing dynasty
    Porcelain jar depicting a red dragon, Qing dynasty

Modern artwork[edit]

  • Ziwei Chenheng, an armillary sphere with dragons holding it up
    Ziwei Chenheng, an armillary sphere with dragons holding it up
  • Non-Imperial Chinese dragon in Shanghai
    Non-Imperial Chinese dragon in Shanghai
  • Mini-Sculpture of a Dragon on top of a temple in Hsinchu, Taiwan
    Mini-Sculpture of a Dragon on top of a temple in Hsinchu, Taiwan
  • Giant dragon statues surrounded by the sea at Sanggar Agung Temple, Surabaya, Indonesia
    Giant dragon statues surrounded by the sea at Sanggar Agung Temple, Surabaya, Indonesia
  • The Chinese dragon statue at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
    The Chinese dragon statue at Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ Lau, Chris (16 February 2024). "Happy New Year of the Dragon - or should that be 'Loong'?". CNN. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c Meccarelli 2021, pp. 123–142.
  3. ^ Carlson, Kathie; Flanagin, Michael N.; Martin, Kathleen; Martin, Mary E.; Mendelsohn, John; Rodgers, Priscilla Young; Ronnberg, Ami; Salman, Sherry; Wesley, Deborah A. (2010). Arm, Karen; Ueda, Kako; Thulin, Anne; Langerak, Allison; Kiley, Timothy Gus; Wolff, Mary (eds.). The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images. Köln: Taschen. p. 48. ISBN 978-3-8365-1448-4.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b Dikötter, Frank (10 November 1997). The Construction of Racial Identities in China and Japan. C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd. pp. 76–77. ISBN 978-1-85065-287-8.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c Kouymjian, Dickran (2006). "Chinese Motifs in Thirteenth-Century Armenian Art: The Mongol Connection". Beyond the Legacy of Genghis Khan. pp. 303–324. doi:10.1163/9789047418573_018. ISBN 978-90-474-1857-3.
  6. ^ Jump up to: a b Sleeboom, Margaret (2004). Academic Nations in China and Japan Framed in concepts of Nature, Culture and the Universal. Routledge publishing. ISBN 0-415-31545-X
  7. ^ "Brand Overview", Brand Hong Kong, 09-2004 Retrieved 23 February 2007. Archived 23 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ "Fiery Debate Over China's Dragon", BBC News, an article covering China's decision not to use a dragon mascot and the resulting disappointment.
  9. ^ "The Mongolian Message". Archived from the original on 13 June 2019. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
  10. ^ Dr Zai, J. Taoism and Science: Cosmology, Evolution, Morality, Health and more. Ultravisum, 2015.
  11. ^ Howard Giskin and Bettye S. Walsh (2001). An introduction to Chinese culture through the family. State University of New York Press. p. 126. ISBN 0-7914-5047-3.
  12. ^ "Teaching Chinese Archeology" Archived 11 February 2008 at the Wayback Machine, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
  13. ^ Salviati, Filippo (2002). The Language of Adornment: Chinese Ornaments of Jade, Crystal, Amber and Glass, Fig. 17. Ten Speed Press. ISBN 1-58008-587-3.
  14. ^ Dong Zhiming (1992). Dinosaurian Faunas of China. China Ocean Press, Beijing. ISBN 3-540-52084-8. OCLC 26522845.
  15. ^ Witton, Mark (26 March 2021). "Mark P. Witton's Blog: Dinosaur fossils and Chinese dragons: ancient association or modern wishful thinking?". Mark P. Witton's Blog. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  16. ^ Visser 1913, p. 70.
  17. ^ Doré 1917, p. 681.
  18. ^ Boardman, John (2015). The Greeks in Asia. Thames and Hudson. ISBN 978-0-500-25213-0.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b Tom (1989), p. 55.
  20. ^ 李 善愛, 1999, 護る神から守られる神へ : 韓国とベトナムの鯨神信仰を中心に, pp.195-212, 国立民族学博物館調査報告 Vol.149
  21. ^ Hayes, L. (1923). The Chinese Dragon. Shanghai, China: Commercial Press Ltd.
  22. ^ Zhiya Hua. Dragon's Name: A Folk Religion in a Village in South-Central Hebei Province. Shanghai People's Publishing House, 2013. ISBN 7-208-11329-7
  23. ^ Hung-Sying Jing; Allen Batteau (2016). The Dragon in the Cockpit: How Western Aviation Concepts Conflict with Chinese Value Systems. Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 978-1-317-03529-9.
  24. ^ John Onians (26 April 2004). Atlas of World Art. Laurence King Publishing. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-85669-377-6.
  25. ^ "Jade coiled dragon, Hongshan Culture (c. 4700–2920 B.C.)" Archived 13 March 2007 at the Wayback Machine, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Retrieved 23 February 2007.
  26. ^ Carr, Michael. 1990. "Chinese Dragon Names", Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area 13.2:87–189. He classified them into seven categories: Rain-dragons, Flying-dragons, Snake-dragons, Wug-dragons [wug refers to "worms, bugs, and small reptiles"], Crocodile-dragons, Hill-dragons, and Miscellaneous dragons.
  27. ^ Adapted from Doré 1917, p. 682.
  28. ^ Carlson, Kathie; Flanagin, Michael N.; Martin, Kathleen; Martin, Mary E.; Mendelsohn, John; Rodgers, Priscilla Young; Ronnberg, Ami; Salman, Sherry; Wesley, Deborah A. (2010). Arm, Karen; Ueda, Kako; Thulin, Anne; Langerak, Allison; Kiley, Timothy Gus; Wolff, Mary (eds.). The Book of Symbols: Reflections on Archetypal Images. Köln: Taschen. p. 704. ISBN 978-3-8365-1448-4.
  29. ^ Hua, Sara Lynn (28 June 2016). "Difference Between A Chinese Dragon and A Western Dragon". TutorABC Chinese China Expats & Culture Blog. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
  30. ^ Visser 1913, pp. 101–102. The primary source is Wu Za Zu, chapter 9, beginning with "龍生九子...". The title of Xie Zhaozhe's work, Wu Za Zu, has been variously translated into English as Five Assorted Offerings (in Xie Zhaozhe), Five Sundry Bands (in "Disease and Its Impact on Politics, Diplomacy, and the Military ...") or Five Miscellanies (in Changing clothes in China: fashion, history, nation, p. 48).
  31. ^ 吾三省 (Wu Sanxing) (2006). 中國文化背景八千詞 (Eight thousand words and expressions viewed against the background of Chinese culture) (in Chinese). 商務印書館(香港) (Commercial Press, Hong Kong). p. 345. ISBN 962-07-1846-1.
  32. ^ 九、龙的繁衍与附会 – 龙生九子 (1) ("Chapter 9, Dragon's derived and associated creatures: Nine children of the dragon (1)"), in Yang Jingrong and Liu Zhixiong (2008). The full text of Shuyuan zaji, from which Yang and Liu quote, is available in electronic format at a number of sites, e.g. here: 菽園雜記 Archived 6 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  33. ^ CCT4243: 2012 lunar dragon nine sons of the dragon 20 coin set Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  34. ^ "Famous Japanese Dragons". 9 January 2021.
  35. ^ Michael Sullivan (1992). The Arts of China. University of California Press. p. 214. ISBN 978-0-520-04918-5.
  36. ^ 《志第二十八 輿服一》. The History of Yuan.
  37. ^ 《本紀第三十九 順帝二》. The History of Yuan, Emperor Shundi (元史·順帝紀), compiled under Song Lian (宋濂), AD 1370. 禁服麒麟、鸞鳳、白兔、靈芝、雙角五爪龍、八龍、九龍、萬壽、福壽字、赭黃等服
  38. ^ Roy Bates (2007). All About Chinese Dragons. Lulu.com. p. 20–21. ISBN 978-1-4357-0322-3.
  39. ^ Rawson, Jessica (ed). The British Museum Book of Chinese Art, p. 177, 2007 (2nd edn), British Museum Press, ISBN 978-0-7141-2446-9
  40. ^ Clunas, Craig and Harrison-Hall, Jessica, Ming: 50 years that changed China, p. 107, 2014, British Museum Press, ISBN 978-0-7141-2484-1
  41. ^ "Why Chinese children born in years of the dragon are more successful". The Economist. 4 September 2017.
  42. ^ Mocan, Naci H.; Yu, Han (May 2019) [August 2017]. "Can Superstition Create a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy? School Outcomes of Dragon Children of China" (PDF). The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER Working Paper No. 23709): 13, 47. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
  43. ^ U. pumila 'Pendula', ' "Inventory of Seeds and Plants Imported ... April–June 1915"Archived 11 February 2008(Date mismatch) at the Wayback Machine (March 1918)
  44. ^ "U. pumila 'Pendula'" 中国自然标本馆. Cfh.ac.cn. Retrieved 30 August 2013.
  45. ^ "Dragon Emoji". Emojipedia. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  46. ^ "Dragon Face Emoji". Emojipedia. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.

Sources[edit]

External links[edit]

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