The oldest culture in the world to utilize dragons in their
mythology and beliefs, are the Chinese. For them, the dragon is
a divine, mythical creature that brings good fortune, prosperity
and bounty. It is the symbol of emperors and imperial rule, and
its legends have shaped a good portion of modern Chinese culture.
The dragon is a positive force, and represents power, excellence,
and striving for goals, as well as being a benevolent force, which
radiates goodwill, good luck, and blessings. Shrines to them can be
found in many places in China,usually near the sea, since Eastern
dragons tended to be water creatures.
In Eastern culture, the dragon represents the essential forces of
Nature. While Emperors consulted them as revered advisors, they
did not always follow that advice, and consequently the dragons’
anger would either produce storms and floods though the clouds they
breathed out, or such things as water shortages, when they beat their
tails about, and emptied lakes and rivers. A dragon’s celestial breath,
known as sheng chi, bestows warmth from the sun, wind from the ocean,
soil from the Earth, and water from rain.
The number nine figures in many aspects of dragon worship in Chinese
culture, for example, the nine ways in which they are shown: 1)On the
screws of fiddles because they are said to like music 2)On top of bells
and gongs, because they call out loudly 3)On the bottom of stone statues,
since dragons can support heavy weights 4)On the top of writing tablets,
because dragons are fond of literature 5)On bridges, because dragons are
associated with water 6)On the eaves of temples, because dragons guard
against danger 7)On Buddha’s throne, where dragons rest 8)On prison
gates, which represent trouble-making dragons 9)On the hilt of swords,
because dragons can slaughter their enemies.
In Western culture, the dragon developed a very different persona,
which many aficionados claim is misinterpretation of the tales
in which their stories are told. Where Eastern dragons are
perceived as good and benevolent, western dragons are all fire,
and flinging their tails about, and biting heads off. In
reality, if you read a broad range of literature from both
hemispheres, you’ll find that eastern dragons sometimes took a
notion to be bad characters, and in the west, there are dragons
whose whole existence was to serve and protect a kingdom, or
prince, and they display the most sterling qualities of loyalty
and sacrifice.
Part of the reason it is so hard to define what constitutes a dragon,
is the wide variance in their physical images. In Eastern culture the
dragon started out as an elongated, almost serpentine creature, usually,
but not always showing four shortened legs, and a spaded tail. They were
covered in scales, had a crest on the head, and were brightly
colored in many hues. In Western culture, the traditional image
of the dragon is of an almost reptilian animal, usually green,
with wings like a bat, and breathing fire. Some also have feathers.
Which is likely what leads to confusing dragons with gryphons (leonine
in the hind quarters and raptor-like in the front quarters) and the
phoenix (a mythical bird).
As the mythology of dragons in both cultures became shared through world
travel, the line between the two images blurred, so that some Western
representations, now show a definite eastern influence.
Today, the popularity of science fiction, and such role-playing games
as Dungeons and Dragons, means that dragon figurines are a hot commodity.
From pewter or other metal game pieces, to wood carvings, Chinese jade and
crystal, the dragon has become a symbol of magic and mystery, a tangible
piece of other worlds, that can be held in our hand, and admired for
the exquisite craftsmanship put into every piece. Whether they are hand cast
pottery, or hand-blown glass, dragon figurines add a splash of brilliance
to a desktop, bookcase, or display pedestal, where they can rule over their
kingdom.
Notable Dragons: The Tarasque dragon-like monster of Tarascon, France,
was charmed and led back into the city by St. Martha, where he was stoned
to death by the people. Dragonroot, also known as Jack-in-the-pulpit.
Used for medicinal purposes, but only after the root is dried.
Taken internally while fresh it causes death by gastroenteritis.
Leviathan, a biblical creature who has wrapped his body around the Earth,
and holds its tail in its mouth, lest the Earth fall apart.
