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The oldest culture in the world to
utilize dragons in their mythology
and beliefs, are the Chinese. For
them, the dragon is a divine, mythical
creature that brings good fortune,
prosperity and bounty. It is the symbol
of emperors and imperial rule, and
its legends have shaped a good portion
of modern Chinese culture.
The dragon is a positive force, and
represents power, excellence, and
striving for goals, as well as being
a benevolent force, which radiates
goodwill, good luck, and blessings.
Shrines to them can be found in many
places in China, usually near the
sea, since Eastern dragons tended
to be water creatures.
In Eastern culture, the dragon represents
the essential forces of Nature. While
Emperors consulted them as revered
advisors, they did not always follow
that advice, and consequently the
dragons' anger would either produce
storms and floods though the clouds
they breathed out, or such things
as water shortages, when they beat
their tails about, and emptied lakes
and rivers. A dragon's celestial breath,
known as sheng chi, bestows warmth
from the sun, wind from the ocean,
soil from the Earth, and water from
rain.
The number nine figures in many aspects
of dragon worship in Chinese culture,
for example, the nine ways in which
they are shown:
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On the screws of fiddles because
they are said to like music
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On top of bells and gongs, because
they call out loudly
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On the bottom of stone statues,
since dragons can support heavy
weights
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On the top of writing tablets,
because dragons are fond of literature
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On bridges, because dragons are
associated with water
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On the eaves of temples, because
dragons guard against danger
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On Buddha's throne, where dragons
rest
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On prison gates, which represent
trouble-making dragons
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On the hilt of swords, because
dragons can slaughter their enemies
In Western culture, the dragon developed
a very different persona, which many
aficionados claim is misinterpretation
of the tales in which their stories
are told. Where Eastern dragons are
perceived as good and benevolent,
western dragons are all fire, and
flinging their tails about, and biting
heads off. In reality, if you read
a broad range of literature from both
hemispheres, you'll find that eastern
dragons sometimes took a notion to
be bad characters, and in the west,
there are dragons whose whole existence
was to serve and protect a kingdom,
or prince, and they display the most
sterling qualities of loyalty and
sacrifice.
Part of the reason it is so hard
to define what constitutes a dragon,
is the wide variance in their physical
images. In Eastern culture the dragon
started out as an elongated, almost
serpentine creature, usually, but
not always showing four shortened
legs, and a spaded tail. They were
covered in scales, had a crest on
the head, and were brightly colored
in many hues. In Western culture,
the traditional image of the dragon
is of an almost reptilian animal,
usually green, with wings like a bat,
and breathing fire. Some also have
feathers. Which is likely what leads
to confusing dragons with gryphons
(leonine in the hind quarters and
raptor-like in the front quarters)
and the phoenix (a mythical bird).
As the mythology of dragons in both
cultures became shared through world
travel, the line between the two images
blurred, so that some Western representations,
now show a definite eastern influence.
Today, the popularity of science fiction,
and such role-playing games as Dungeons
and Dragons, means that dragon figurines
are a hot commodity. From pewter or
other metal game pieces, to wood carvings,
Chinese jade and crystal, the dragon
has become a symbol of magic and mystery,
a tangible piece of other worlds,
that can be held in our hand, and
admired for the exquisite craftsmanship
put into every piece. Whether they
are hand cast pottery, or hand-blown
glass, dragon figurines add a splash
of brilliance to a desktop, bookcase,
or display pedestal, where they can
rule over their kingdom.
Notable Dragons
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The Tarasque dragon-like monster
of Tarascon, France, was charmed
and led back into the city by
St. Martha, where he was stoned
to death by the people.
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Dragonroot, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit.
Used for medicinal purposes, but
only after the root is dried.
Taken internally while fresh it
causes death by gastroenteritis.
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Leviathan, a biblical creature
who has wrapped his body around
the Earth, and holds its tail
in its mouth, lest the Earth fall
apart.
About the Author
Johann Erickson is the owner of Online
Discount Mart and TV
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