Chinese Dragon
As one of the twelve members of the Chinese zodiac, dragon is a central figure in Chinese culture.
The Chinese dragon is a mythical creature in Chinese legend, which has been a crucial component of religion and culture in China since the dawn of civilizations. In contrast to the evil image of European dragon, the noble Chinese dragon is a symbol of wisdom, power, benevolent and good fortune.
What is a Dragon?
Appearance
According to mythology, the Chinese dragon was a hybrid of several different animal species. A dragon is a serpent-like creature with clawed feet that can fly high in the sky and dive deep in the water.
Folklore
As per traditional folklore, the ancient Chinese emperors of every dynasty often regarded themselves as the incarnation of the dragons, and the Chinese people also referred to themselves as descendants of the dragons.
Power
Unlike dragons in western cultures, Chinese Dragons are not fearsome monsters with the power of fire-breathing, but semi-divine beings with the ability to control weather. As such, dragon is a kind of auspicious beast, which ensures favourable weather for the crops and bringing prosperity for the country.
