China and Dragons

By Richard Monk

China and dragons are synonymous in modern lore. Even today, you will find dragons throughout China, although mostly in statutes and paintings.

China and Dragons

When one thinks of mythical creatures, dragons are some of the first images that come to mind. Whether you're reading a tale of King Arthur's medieval exploits, or stories from the East and Asia, dragons play a significant role in the fables and fairy tales of many cultures. Chinese dragons are some of the most well known of the dragon creatures, and with good reason: the myth of the dragon originated here.

Chinese dragons are the type of dragon depicted on many different Asian tapestries, paintings and ink drawings. These dragons are long and almost snake like, with many claws extending off of small arms. The modern version of a Chinese dragon was developed as a mythical creature in the Han Dynasty. Here, the dragon has turned into a creature with a snake's body, scales and a tail from a fish, the face of a camel, ears from a bull and horns from a stag, eagle's talons and the feet of a tiger. Along with these various parts, it is also said that the dragon has the eyes of a demon, and carries a flaming pearl under its chin.

The development of Chinese dragons is believed to have started with an actual animal, the crocodile. As crocodiles are known to be able to sense changes in weather, such as impending rain, this may be the reason for the dragon's believed ability to control the weather. Chinese dragons have always been associated with water and weather control, and in ancient times, villages would dedicate sacrifices and other religious rites to the “dragon king” in order to hopefully appease him. The dragon took on imperial proportions when the emperor Huang Di was said to have turned into a dragon upon his death. For dynasties after this, the dragon became a symbol of the emperor and of imperial authority.

Today, Chinese dragons are no longer a symbol of power or a real creature to be believed in. Dragons do still, however, play a large role in some celebrations and ceremonies, such as the Chinese New Year. Dragon puppets controlled by a team of people are often seen as the major attraction of Chinese New Year celebrations. Dragons have intrigued, and even ruled, cultures for thousands of years. Today, the dragon may not be seen as a literal force to be reckoned with, but they are still seen as a symbol of power and all things Chinese.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything.

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What is 'Y Ddraig Goch' - the Welsh Red Dragon?

By Ashley Shameli

The red dragon was introduced to Britain during Roman times. It is possible that the Romans learned of the dragon from the Persians. Initially the ‘draco’ was used as a standard by the Roman army but over time it was adopted by the Welsh people as their national flag. It is possibly the oldest national flag in use today.

The earliest recorded use of the red dragon symbolising Wales is in the ‘Historia Brittonum’ otherwise known as the ‘History of Britain’. This was written early in the ninth century. It describes a battle between red and white dragons. Initially the white dragon dominated but finally the red dragon won. The fight was said to symbolise the struggle between the Welsh and English and prophesised that after years of oppression the Welsh would drive the English from their lands.

The great Welsh king, Cadwaladr, carried the dragon standard as a symbol of bravery and fierceness. Welsh princes and warriors continued the tradition. At the Battle of Crecy in 1346 Welsh longbow men serving in the English army carried the standard. Henry Tudor, who claimed descent from Cadwaladr, carried the dragon banner into battle at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. When he became Henry VII he decreed that the red dragon should appear on the Welsh flag. In 1959 Queen Elizabeth II declared that the red dragon on a green and white field should become the official symbol of Wales.

Today, despite the continued strength of the white dragon, the Welsh people maintain their language, culture and sense of Welsh identity. Welsh regiments serving overseas proudly fly their flag.

Ashley Shameli, the author of this article, is a director of http://www.purdicejewellery.co.uk. He also helps run the Purdice Home & Jewellery eBay shop at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Purdice-Home-and-Jewellery

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What's Your Dragon?

By Kay Swanson

What is the fascination with all things 'dragon"? Well, I had the time, so I decided to find out.

After doing a lot of reading online about dragons, (there is a massive amount of information out there) I found there are essentially two major categories of dragons; Eastern and Western. These categories were established many centuries ago and they have distinct differences which are reflections of the culture of the region.

Eastern (Oriental) dragons are mainly benevolent while Western (European) dragons are the ones who want to do harm, the 'mean' ones. Eastern dragons have long, snake-like bodies with four legs and they do not fly nor do they usually breathe fire like their Western counterparts. Most often Eastern or Oriental dragons are depicted with a pearl in their mouth, in their claws or even under the chin. The dragon receives its power to get to heaven from the pearl. I also learned that there are both male and female dragons; the male holds a war club in its tail while the female holds a fan.

Now, the Western dragons are very different; they are cruel, breathe fire and ice and sometimes spit acid. Dragons are used to frighten people by warning that one could be eaten by a dragon! What child would not be afraid, but there are also adults who worry they might run into a dragon on the hunt for a tasty human since humans are their diet of choice. The Western dragon is the one most often thought of when people hear the term 'dragon'. They are depicted as reptilian beasts with wings like bats and four legs and they may walk on all fours or on the hind two legs only and use their forelegs. Their heads are crocodile shaped and most often have horns or elaborately shaped, colored ears.

How do cultures vary in their attitudes about dragons? Of course, there are many who fear them but another culture believes the dragons are superior to human beings and that they would bring gifts if you were able to slay one. They also believe that after eating the heart of a dragon (Ugh!) you would understand the birds. Now what is the attraction there? There is also a belief that by rubbing dragon blood on your skin you could get some protection from stab wounds though how you would know you were about to be stabbed and where you could readily get a little dragon blood is not explained. Now here is one that you might find helpful in some relationships since it would give you the power to win in a battle of words How? Just eat the tongue of a dragon. Make sense?

Eastern dragons, in contrast, are loved, revered and are very often the objects of prayer. They are gentle, beautiful and wise as opposed to the ugly, threatening and feared Western dragons.

While Western dragons live in caves and hoard all of the riches they have accumulated, the softer, gentler Eastern dragons are usually found near water and most live in the water. Even today there is a place called the "Isle of the Temple", in Japan's Inland Sea, where pilgrims often stopover to meditate and pray to their dragon deities. It is believed that both male and female dragons have mated with humans and that these descendants became great rulers. Hirohito, the famous Emperor of Japan, traced back through 125 generations of his ancestry to the Princess Fruitful Jewel, daughter of a Dragon King of the Sea. Many Emperors of Asian countries have claimed to have some dragon ancestors.

So, what did I learn? I found that Eastern and Western dragons are not only different in physical appearance, but their demeanor, actions, life styles and their perception by humans are totally different.

I'm not done yet. There's lots more to read about in the world of dragons such as "Why are there so many colors of dragons and what do they represent?" and " How are dragons named?" I'd better get started, so I'll talk to you later.

www.justperfectgifts.com

K. Swanson is retired. lives in a small town/rural area and knows how to enjoy winter from inside the house! Birdfeeders: http://www.justperfectgifts.com/default.asp?dept_id=2025&nopopup=1

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kay_Swanson

Dragon Myths and Legends

By Fran Black

Much folklore about dragons was believed throughout time. In Egyptian mythology, the god of the underworld, Osiris, is sometimes represented by a dragon. In Greek mythology, dragons are always guarding something or eating someone. In European mythology, a dragon is a serpent-like legendary creature. In both Eastern and Western mythology, the dragon is believed to be responsible for eclipses.

In Bulgarian legend, dragons are three headed, winged beings with snake's bodies. There is also a white dragon, which according to legend can transform into a bird called O-Goncho. The dragon also plays a vital role in Arthurian legend.

In Romanian folklore, even the snake, which in certain conditions, has the ability to turn into a dragon, has a strong malefic meaning. The ancient Greeks and Romans, who revered dragons for their wisdom but feared them for their tremendous powers, shared this belief. Similarly, in the Babylonian creation myth, Tiamat the embodiment of chaos is portrayed as a terrible dragon. This myth is almost as hard to kill as the dragon itself was. For this reason, the dragon symbol is the sign of authority, often being worn on the robes of the Imperial family and nobility.

Dragons have long been considered evil, maiden-stealing, village destroying, fire-breathing beasts. This lead to many brave knights attempting to hunt down and slay dragons, as recounted in many medieval writings. When knights began inventing stories about them defeating such dragons, the dragon and knighthood peak was reached.

Almost every country in the world as some sort of dragon story. Legends and myths are filled with stories of dragons. In European mythology, a dragon is a serpent-like legendary creature. In many legends dragons personify evil, and are vicious beasts who live to wreak havoc and must be pacified by human sacrifice. One of the most feared monsters of the Greeks and Romans was the Hydra, a dragon with multiple heads and poisonous breath.

In fairy tales and in medieval poetry in the Western world dragons are dangerous, untrustworthy creatures. Medieval people liked to scare each other with dragons. All people are drawn by the dragon's aura of mystery, its ancient magic, its nobility; its awesome might and power.

Francesca Black has long been a fan of dragons with Dragon Gifts http://www.dragon-gifts.com and http://www.mystical-creatures.com

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