Dragons in Chinese mythology and art: Here’s all you need to know
What comes to your mind when you think of a dragon? Probably a giant creature that causes havoc and breathes fire. Most dragons in the western culture are pictured as frightening and fire-breathing creatures. However, in China, they are associated with luck and virtue! Typically, a Chinese dragon has hawk-like, sharp claws and an elongated body resembling a snake. According to Chinese legends, they can change their physical appearance! What’s more, dragon is a prominent sign in the Chinese zodiac. Let’s find out more about the myths and legends associated with Chinese dragons!
Dragons are graceful in Chinese mythology
According to Chinese mythology, dragons bring in profits in businesses, rich harvests, good health and protection. Owing to these positive attributes, dragons were frequently associated with the emperors during the ancient times. Legends would also have us believe that dragons can control the weather and seasons, change rain patterns and even fly despite lacking wings. Also, there are stories of how dragons have often helped humans in events of natural disasters.
The legend of dragon king
In Chinese mythology, the dragon king is the strongest and wisest dragon. It can take many forms, including human shape. It is believed to have complete control over all of China’s seas.
According to another popular legend, the world’s Four Seas (there were four, not seven seas according to ancient Chinese legend) are each ruled by a dragon king. Ao Kuang ules the East, Ao K'in rules the South, Ao Jun rules the West and Ao Shun rules the North. Although Ao Kuang is at the top of the hierarchy among the four dragon kings, all of them obey the Jade Emperor (ruler of heaven). They pay respect to Jade Emperor in the third month of the year, as this month witnesses the heaviest downpour. Locals also believe that all nearby water sources are homes to dragons. So, it’s no wonder that over 40 Chinese rivers have the term ‘dragon’ in their names.
Different colours of Chinese dragons
In the Chinese culture, dragons are of different colours, including blue, green, red, black, white, yellow and golden. These colours carry different symbolic interpretations. For example, the red dragon is a symbol of luck. Black dragons are commonly associated with revenge as well as natural disasters such as storms and floods. The white Chinese dragon represents virtue and purity. A blue-green dragon represents the impending arrival of spring, implying new life and plant development. Yellow dragons serve as the emperor’s symbol and depict knowledge, fortune and strength. Golden Chinese dragons are linked to powerful deities or the harvest.
Dragons in Chinese art
Chinese art is brimming with dragons! You will find them engraved in jade stone, painted on fine ceramics and carved on stones too! In ancient China, they were also engraved on weapons and armour while being featured in paintings, wall hangings and jewellery pieces. The earliest known Chinese dragon portrayed is a twisted, C-shaped engraving on jade stone. It was a part of the Hongshan civilisation, which existed in eastern Inner Mongolia between 4500 and 3000 BCE. The Hongshan figure is still the most well-known representation of a dragon.