Asian, Oriental Dragons

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Introduction
Physiology
Types
Maturation
Chinese Dragon & Pearl
Chinese Dragon Bones
Ancient China
Dragon Colors & Meaning
Elemental Dragon Types
Conclusion

Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The Chinese sign for the dragon first appeared upon turtle shields as a tribal totem way back during the Yin and Shang dynasties, and was eventually emblazed on the national flag during the Qing Dynasty [1644-1911 AD].

Chinese mythology is rich with the artwork, tales and depictions of dragons. Dragons are thought to give life, hence their breath is called "sheng chi" or divine energy. They are essentially benevolent and associated with abundance and blessing. They were helpful, wise and generous with their gifts when people encountered them.

The Rising Celestial Dragon. Details of a mandarin robe of embroidered silk, Chia-ching period (1796-1820), Qing Dynasty.

Known as the sons of heaven and the governors of rainfall, they symbolise royalty, nobility and good fortune. Some possessed great powers that allowed them to make rain and control floods, hence the dragon is a symbol of the natural world as well.

Physiology

Wang Fu [Han dynasty 206 BC - AD 220], was the scholar who recorded the anatomy of the Chinese dragon in extensive detail. Chinese dragons have nine characteristics which are a complex combination. They have a camel's head, a demon's eyes, a cow's ears, a deer's horns, a clam's belly, a snake's neck, an eagle's claws, a tiger's paws and 117 carp scales.

Chinese dragons are physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence [positive] while 36 are of the yin essence [negative]. This malevolent influence [which is thankfully the smaller ratio] accounts for their destructive and aggressive side. Just as water destroys, so can the dragons in the form of floods or droughts, tidal waves and storms. Legend has it that they caused the droughts by eclipsing the sun. Some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Nine Types

There are a total of nine types of classical Chinese dragons.

Chinese scholars categorized the dragons according to their cosmic tasks:

1. The Celestial Dragon [t'ien-Lung/literally "heaven dragon"] is the ruler of the dragons, in charge of protecting the heavens and homes of the deities.

2. The Spiritual dragon [shen-lung/literally "spirit dragon"] controls the weather and had to be appeased, or weather conditions would turn disastrous. A special rank of these dragons is known as Imperial Dragons that have five toes*. The only place they could be depicted on was imperial insignia.

3. The Earth dragon [ti-lung] controls rivers. It spends springtime in heaven and autumn in the sea.

4. The Underworld dragon [fu-ts'ang lung] is the guardian of precious metals and jewels buried in the earth. Volcanoes are said to be created when they burst out of the ground to report to heaven.

Other distinct species include:

5. The Horned Dragon. Considered to be the mightiest.

6. The Winged Dragon. The only dragon with wings. Believed to be a powerful servant of Huang Di, the yellow emperor, who was later immortalized as a dragon. One legend states that Yinglong helped a man named Yu stop the Yellow River from flooding by digging long channels with his tail .

7. The Coiling Dragon. Dwells in the ocean.

8. The Yellow Dragon. A hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge. Emerged from the River Luo to show Fuxi the elements of writing.

9. The Dragon King. Really four dragons that were respected and honoured as these were the dragons people approached when there was no rain. Each of these rules over one of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north.

* Some sources say that these are the only dragons with five claws/toes, others say that all Chinese dragons have five toes. I guess it's because the Chinese believe that all Eastern dragons originated from China. They believed that when the dragons flew away, they began to lose their toes. The further the dragons flew, the more toes they lost. That is why Korean dragons have four toes, and Japanese dragons have three.

Decorative finials on roof ridges symbolize the importance of the building. Those used by the emperor would have nine figures. © Travel China Guide

Maturation of Chinese Dragons

The process for Chinese dragons to progress from hatchling to mature dragon is a lengthy one. They could take a whole millennium just to hatch! A millennium was needed for the dragon to grow scales and develop the head of a carp. Transformation of a fishlike nature would continue throughout the next millennium, and in the last 1000 years, the dragon would finally acquire the general appearance of an Oriental dragon.

A detailed description: a dragon is called a kiao, or scaled dragon, after the first five hundred years of its life. After another 1000 years, it is considered a lung, or proper dragon. An additional five hundred years and it becomes a kioh-lung, or horned dragon. Another 1000 years after that, it becomes ying-lung, or a winged dragon.

Chinese Dragons and the Pearl

Many pictures of Oriental dragons contain a pearl. Dragons with this dragon pearl, found normally under their chin, would be filled with the power to ascend to heaven [the Eastern dragon ascending in a cloud or in the sky can be taken to be symbolic of "success in life"]. The pearl would multiply whatever it touched and is said to contain the dragon's immense wisdom. Hence it is also known as the Pearl of Knowledge. Some also believe that it symbolises the dragon as the "keeper of the Tao", Tao referring to the perfectly balanced Yin and Yang symbol. The pearl is also associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

Chinese Dragon Bones

The Chinese believed the bones of Oriental dragons had vast healing powers. They were also thought to be the most effective. Dragon bones, said to be sweet, and dragon teeth would be used to treat a multitude of physical ailments. Prolonged intake would enable one to calm the spirit and lengthen his lifespan. Bones from China's West and South provinces were known for their high quality. The teeth and bones were crushed into a powder and boiled for some time before other ingredients were added for a specific concoction.

Dragons in Ancient China

In ancient China, nobody had any doubts about the existence of dragons.

A fine example of Jingdezhen porcelain, featuring dragons.
© Travel China Guide

Wooden bicycle in dragon form, made for Emperor Pu Yi.

People showed great respect for any dragon depicted in pictures, carvings and writings, and even the emperor prostrated himself before the image of a dragon with reverence and awe.

Emperors in many Asian countries claimed to have dragon ancestors. Thus, everything they used was decorated with dragons and described in terms of the dragon: dragon-throne, dragon-robe, dragon-bed, dragon-boat. Calling an emperor "dragon-face" was a supreme compliment. People believed that rulers could change themselves into dragons.

Eastern Dragon Colors and Meaning

Dragons and the accompanying colours have different meanings in Eastern mythology. These are the common colors:

· Yellow is superior, imperial, a symbol of the centre of the Earth, linked to the spleen and stomach. A yellow dragon robe was reserved for the Emperor (the Son of Heaven) and his family alone.

· Gold coloured dragons are also special. They have special attributes such as wealth, wisdom, kindness and the ability to face challenges head on.

· Blue and Green are symbols of the East, the chief spirits of the Spring. The blues are pure azure. Green represents good fortune, good health, or luck.

· Red is associated with storms, the South, Summer, the heart and large intestine, fire, passion, activity, and good fortune.

· Black is associated with storms, the North, winter, vengeance, and worry.

· White represents the West, Autumn, mourning, and death. To my own knowledge, it's different from the association of the color white with purity.

Dragon at temple, Penang

[full size] At a temple I went to in Penang.

Elemental Dragon Types

Dragons also appear in Chinese Astrology. It appears fifth in the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

The traits of each elemental Dragon-type are as follows.

ASTROLOGY - THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

1904 - Wood Dragon

1916 - Fire Dragon

1928 - Earth Dragon

1940 - Metal dragon

1952 - Water dragon

1964 - Wood Dragon

1976 - Fire Dragon

1988 - Earth Dragon

2000 - Metal Dragon

2012 - Water Dragon

WOOD DRAGON: The Wood Dragon is creative, imaginative, and inquisitive. He is both a thinker and a doer and is capable of brilliant new concepts. Every move is guided by sound logic. His drive and ambition allow him to put many of his ideas into practice. Nevertheless this Dragon is capable of concealing his domination and tries not to offend. He will even compromise if it is advantageous. Although not as self-centered as other Dragons, he is still outspoken and fearless when challenged.

FIRE DRAGON: The Fire Dragon is the most extroverted and competitive Dragon. He tends to push too hard and expects a lot from everyone. His criticisms are objective and he has the ability to arouse massive popular support. His insatiable ambition can make him short-tempered and intolerant. He is an empire builder who needs to master his less favorable traits and learn how to communicate more humbly with people as individuals.

EARTH DRAGON: The Earth Dragon is a quieter, more reflective Dragon. She will be appreciative of others' opinions even if she fails to agree with them. She is reasonable in her approach to problems and her leadership is less dictatorial. She is not given to outbursts of temper, but at the same time demands respect. She knows the value of cooperation and is more diplomatic than the other Dragons. She's ambitious, but her initiatives are more carefully thought out.

WATER DRAGON: The Water Dragon is less selfish and opinionated than the other Dragons. She is more inhibited and less power-hungry. She can accept defeat without recriminations. She makes a good negotiator as she knows when, where, and how to apply pressure. She has a tendency to be over-optimistic and needs to learn how to relinquish what is unfeasible so she can concentrate her energies on the most rewarding endeavors.

METAL DRAGON: Metal Dragons are the most strong-willed Dragon. They're inflexible, unbending, and combative. They can give little regard to the feelings of others. This ruthlessness can result in a rapid rise to a position of authority, but often at the cost of destroying important relationships. They will go their own way if they can't gain support. They succeed because they refuse to accept failure. The Metal element also represents purity and precision.

THE DRAGON - Personality Traits

Dragon people are self confident and impulsive and consequently does not always listen to the advice of others. They are also perfectionists and set high standards for themselves.

Although strong and decisive the Dragon person is not manipulative or sly. They enjoy being in command and like an emperor holding court, they eliminate obstacles until success is theirs!

FAMOUS DRAGON PEOPLE

Famous Dragon People include Ringo Starr, Dr. Seuss, John Lennon, Helen Keller, Salvador Dali, Susan B. Anthony, Joan of Arc, Orlando Bloom, Sigmund Freud, John Lennon, Florence Nightingale, Keanu Reeves, Ronaldo, and Mae West.

Ref: Crystal Dragon of Taiwan

Long Live Dragons..

Dragons are an important part of Chinese culture and mythology. They are the dragons with the most recorded history in the world. Today, spectacular dragon dances are still celebrated (especially during Chinese New Year) in parades around the world.

The dragons in the East have been seen as friendly and helpful creatures. They have proved to remain a symbol of strength, good fortune, wisdom and longevity.

References:

Books:

Dragons: A Natural History - Dr. Karl Shuker

Websites:

>Chinavoc.com >DRAGON'S BONES AND TEETH >Dragons Unlimited >Asian Ideas > On Earth as it is in Heaven > Dragons & Dragon Lore > The Serene Dragon > Dragons of the Far East