by R.L Hanlon

Created on: November 01, 2008

The dragon; a mythical creature depicted as having a scaly body, sharp talloned feet, fire-breathing jaws, huge tails and sometimes appears with wings, is a common feature in Chinese literature, mythology, cosmology and ceremonies and celebrations.

Symbolic in art and literature, recognizable within the landscape and revered within the culture, the dragon represents strength and wisdom and is the supreme being of protection. The dragon, or Lung as it is called in China, appears within many stories in Chinese myths and legends.

Over the years, several relics that date over 6000 years old have been found depicting the dragon. Some of these relics are hand carved ornaments, cutlery with dragons etched upon their surface and art with pictures of dragons.

The Chinese dragons' physiology is made of several different creatures. It is said to have the head of a camel, the ears of a cow, the horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a rabbit, the neck of a snake, scales like a carp, a belly much like a clam, the feet of a tiger and the claws of a hawk. Rich in folklore and culture, the dragon is said to have had 117 scales in total, 81 yang infused whereas the remaining 36 were yin, balancing the temperament of the dragon.

THE SYMBOLISM OF THE DRAGON

The Chinese dragon, being a supreme being had great powers that allowed them to control the weather including rains and storms. Dragons were the beings that transported humans to the celestial realms after death, guiding their safe arrival. They are beings that represent wealth and good luck.

Dragons also had amazing abilities. They could fly, change in shape and size, change color or become invisible. They were the protectors of the Gods and the beings who overruled the wind and the rain, the jewels and precious gems. Dragons were energetic and represented the ability to overcome all obstacles to achieve success.

This is why they are revered within the Chinese culture still to this day. People call themselves "The descendents of the Dragon" so they can utilize everything the dragon represents within their own lives.

In summary, the dragon represents everything that the earth can bestow including good weather and bad weather, fire and rain, wind from the seas and growth from the earth.

THE MAGICAL NUMBER NINE

The Chinese believe the number nine is the most auspicious number. Within dragon mythology you will still find strong associations to the number nine. The dragon has a physiology made up of nine different animals, there are nine different

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