Dragon

The origin of the Chinese Dragon is uncertain, but many scholars agree that it originated from totems of different tribes in China. Some have suggested that it comes from a stylized depiction of existing animals, such as snakes, fish, or crocodiles. For example, the Banpo site of the Yangshao culture in Shaanxi Province featured an elongated, snake-like fish motif. Archaeologists believe the “long fish” to have evolved into images of the Chinese Dragon.

The association with fish is reflected in the legend of the carp that saw the top of a mountain and decided to reach it. It swam upstream, climbing rapids and waterfalls letting nothing get in the way of its determination. When it reached the top there was the mythical “Dragon Gate” and when it jumped over it became a Dragon. Several waterfalls and cataracts in China are believed to be the location of the Dragon Gate. It is worth noting that Dragon Gate Taoism is currently the largest existing Taoist branch in the world, according to Wikipedia.

Fundamentally, this legend is used as an allegory for the drive and effort needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

An alternative view, advocated by He Xin, is that the early Dragon depicted a species of ancient, giant saltwater crocodile, the precursor to today’s Crocodylus porosus, the largest living reptile. The crocodile is known to be able to accurately sense changes in air pressure, and, therefore, to sense coming rain. This may have been the origin of one of the Dragon’s mythical attributes to control the weather, especially the rain. In addition, there is evidence of crocodile worship in ancient Babylonian, Indian, and Mayan civilizations. The association with the crocodile is also supported by the ancient view that large crocodiles were a variety of Dragon. For example, in the Story of Zhou Chu, about the life of a Jin Dynasty General, he is said to have killed a “Dragon” that infested the waters of his home village, which appears to have been a large crocodile.

Some support for the crocodile hypothesis may come from the fact that the Marsh dragon, jiǎo lóng (湫㡣), in ancient Chinese legend is known as the ‘Water Dragon’. Its habitats are mostly ponds, valley lakes or deep under the rivers and streams (not sea) which are far away from residents.

The coiled snake or Dragon form played an important role in early Chinese culture. Legendary figures like Nüwa (女媧), the mother goddess of Chinese mythology (credited with creating humanity), and the sister and wife of Fuxi (伏羲), the emperor-god, are depicted as having snake bodies. Some scholars report that the first legendary Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang Di (黃帝 – The Yellow Emperor) used a snake for his coat of arms. Every time he conquered another tribe, he incorporated his defeated enemies emblem into his own. This may explain why the Dragon appears to have the features of various animals.

There is no apparent connection to the western Dragon. For one thing, Chinese Dragons do not need wings to fly. In fact, if anything Chinese Dragons are opposites as Western Dragons are generally seen as evil.

For superb examples of Western Dragon, please reference Smaug from The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien which was stunningly re-imagined by Peter Jackson for the big screen and by Alan Lee for the illustrated books.

There are a variety of interpretations to explain the number of claws that an Oriental Dragon might have. I have pulled together a few here. Again, if you know more then please let me know.

Five-clawed Imperial Yellow Dragon

As discussed earlier, the crocodile, and therefore, the Dragon have the power to control the weather. This means that Chinese Dragons move through the air, not by beating wings (which they do not need) but freely as if swimming, their incredibly flexible bodies twisting and turning without effort.

Their long bodies undulate, swirl and loop through the air while their legs can be seen to flail in all directions, almost as if disconnected from their bodies. Tip: This can make it easier to paint them. Their claws are hyperactive and wide open as if ready to take prey, or to grasp a huge pearl…

Chinese Dragons are the ultimate symbols of cosmic energy. The Dragon is said to be the most potent symbol of good fortune in the Chinese pantheon of symbols. As one of the four creatures of the world’s directions, the Azure Dragon of the East stands for new beginnings. The others are the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise (also called “Black Warrior”) of the North. The Dragon has the power to release water to parched lands which means it stands for abundance and relief. Continued success, high achievement, and prosperity are also listed among the Chinese Dragons arsenal of good qualities, which rank it one of the most popular of Chinese signs.

Clouds are symbols of celestial mobility because many gods and immortals used clouds as vehicles on which they travelled. Arguably, the most famous is the Monkey King who could summon a cloud with a special whistle (see The Journey to the West). Cloud is also considered a portent of good luck, carrying much needed rains that enable the growth of abundant crops. When clouds are combined with auspicious Chinese Dragons, this makes a perfect emblem to manifest positive effects in your life.

A pearl is often depicted with a Chinese Dragon. The pearl is sometimes thought to represent the moon. In fact, one legend has it that some Dragons had become infatuated with the moon, and went insane trying to steal it from the sky. Other tales depict the pearl as an egg placed beneath the Dragons neck or chin. The Dragon is said to carry the egg away until it is ready to hatch. By far the most agreed upon tale is that the pearl represents the Dragon’s wisdom, hence the term: “pearls of wisdom”…

These two great forces of the universe reflect the primordial Yin and Yang of existence. To the Chinese, the Tiger is the emblem of dignity, and courage. This, combined with the abundance, luck, and Yang energy of the Chinese Dragon is a combination that is hard to beat.

Together, the Dragon and Phoenix symbolise Yin and Yang i.e. perfect balance. Standing alone, each symbol is hugely powerful. Together they represent a powerful union of success, prosperity, friendship, love, and enlightenment. The union of these two highly symbolic creatures at wedding festivities suggests a match that is blessed with money and incredible luck. Furthermore, it denotes the beginning of a dynastic family with the Dragon symbolising the patriarch and the Phoenix signifying the matriarch.

1. P’u-lao: Alerts one to danger, and serves as a protector. Often engraved on bells, sacred singing bowls, and gongs

2. Ch’iu-niu: Creator of Yang energy through the use of ancient dragon music

3. Pi-his: Provider of knowledge, luck and upholds the virtue of finer education

4. Pa-hsia: Provider of strength and support when called upon during times of need

5. Chao-feng: Guardian of the holy places, sacred lands, and holy temples

6. Chih wen: Symbolizes the power of water over fire

7. Suan-ni: Mighty protector and emblem against theft, loss or betrayal of any kind

8. Yai-tzu: Protector and guardian against any physical harm

9. Pi-kau: Defends again litigation, verbal disputes, or false accusations.