The Chinese dragon, long, brings rain and stands for strength, success and good fortune. It lives in rivers, seas and clouds, and through most of China's imperial history it was the emblem of the emperor. It is also the fifth animal of the Chinese zodiac.
A creature made of nine animals
An old description attributed to the Han dynasty scholar Wang Fu gives the dragon the horns of a deer, the head of a camel, the eyes of a demon, the neck of a snake, the belly of a clam, the scales of a carp, the claws of an eagle, the paws of a tiger and the ears of an ox. It flies without wings and is often shown chasing a flaming pearl.
The dragon and the emperor
The emperor was called the true dragon and sat on the dragon throne. Under the Ming and Qing dynasties the five-clawed dragon was reserved for the emperor and his family. Paired with the phoenix, the dragon stands for the emperor and empress, and the dragon and phoenix together are still a wedding symbol of a happy marriage.
The dragon in Buddhism
When Buddhist texts were translated into Chinese, the serpent beings called nagas became dragons. Dragon kings guard the teachings, and a well-known story tells of the naga king Mucalinda, who coiled around the meditating Buddha and spread his hoods over him to shelter him from a storm.
The Azure Dragon and the four guardians
In Chinese astronomy the Azure Dragon rules the east and spring, alongside the White Tiger of the west, the Vermilion Bird of the south and the Black Tortoise of the north. Feng shui keeps the dragon on the left and the tiger on the right, a pairing of yang and yin.
Year of the Dragon
Recent Dragon years are 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012 and 2024. Each starts at Chinese New Year, so people born in January or early February belong to the sign before. Dragons are said to be confident and ambitious.
Chinese parents speak of hoping their children will "become dragons," and in legend the koi that leaps the Dragon Gate turns into one. Dragon charms are carved in jade, cast in metal and set beside the Pixiu, the guardian of wealth.
Dragons at Buddha.store
- Jade Dragon Pendant Necklace, Chinese Zodiac Amulet
- 925 Sterling Silver Dragon and Phoenix Peace Buckle Necklace
- Chinese Dragon Bracelet with Pixiu Charms
- Black Obsidian Phoenix Dragon Bracelet
- Four Guardian Beast Ring, carved with all four guardians.
- Copper Dragon Om Mani Padme Hum Bracelet for Men
