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Chinese dragons are believed to be water gods.
They reside in every drop of water, from the dew on every flower
petal to the vast expanse of oceans.
Dragons are wise and caring.
They watch over the wind, rain, rivers, precious metals and gems. During the Han Dynasty, when plagued with arid weather and
crops began to fail, people would perform the dragon dance to summon
clouds and rain.
Unlike
their fearsome western cousins, everything associated with the Chinese
Dragon, or Lung, is blessed. Those
born under the astrological sign of the Dragon (Every twelve years) is
said to enjoy health, wealth and long life.
Dragons
are referred to as divine mythical creatures which bestow humanity with
ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune.
Being thus, it is the emblem of royalty, the good emperor whose
wisdom assured the well being of his subjects.
Any sighting of a dragon during a particular ruler’s reign
boded well, for it meant that heaven was pleased with the job he was
doing.
Although
the exact origin of the Chinese dragon myth is unknown, we find a
representation of it as far back as the Huaxia tribe, a prehistoric clan
who used the symbol of a ‘dragon’ for their guardian god.
Since that time dragons have been an important aspect of art,
literature, architecture and songs.
Dragons are also an important symbol of folk tradition still seen
in dragon-boat races, dragon lanterns, dragon parades, dances and
festivals.
There are
nine ways the Chinese have historically represented these dragons.
In fact, according to legend, Dragon had nine sons to represent
each aspect of its personality:
Hoaxian
– reckless and adventurous is found on prison gates
Pulao
– carved on the tops of bells and gongs because he is fond of roaring
loudly when attacked
Yazi
– carved on the hilts of swords for he is valiant and capable of
slaughter
Qiuniu
– a common figure carved onto the bridge of stringed instruments for
he is fond of music
Baxia
– a good swimmer and resides in water so marks the beams of bridges
Chiwen
– loves high places and gazing into the distance, his appearance marks
pinnacles
Bixi
– strong and accommodating so is found stitched to panniers
Suanmi
– whose image graces the legs of incense burners is fond of smoke and
fire
Jiaotu
– tight-lipped, the keeper of secrets, his likeness is found carved
onto doors
So
profoundly does Dragon play a part in Chinese culture that, to this day,
Chinese proudly proclaim themselves “Lung Tik Chuan Ren”,
People of the Dragon.
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