While Europe’s shining knights spent their lives slaying dragons, the Chinese sought after and worshiped Eastern dragons as the most benevolent, wise, and generous of all creatures. Indeed, to be called “dragon face” was a great honor, and it was believed that emperors received counsel and aid from dragons in times of need.

A few emperors even proudly claimed to be direct descendants of dragons. Pairings between humans and dragons were thought possible, since dragons were capable of changing their shape and size to assume whatever form they desired.

Unlike the fierce western dragons who hoarded treasure and demanded virtuous young women as sacrifices, the dragons of Chinese legend showed tenderness toward humans, and even acted in their behalf many times, sometimes at great cost.

This is seen in one of the oldest legends about the Four Dragons. According to this legend, China once had no rivers. The people were dependent on the gods to send rain for their crops.

One year the ruler of the gods, Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti, or the Jade Emperor, did not send rain in due season. As the crops began to wither and die, the people turned to the heavens for help.

In the Eastern Sea lived four dragons which heard the cries of starvation, and were moved with compassion. Eagerly they left their comfortable underwater home and sought out the mighty Jade Emperor. In behalf of the starving people below, the dragons pleaded with the emperor to send rain and save the crops. But the emperor was not pleased with the dragons and he refused their request.

Ten days passed, and still no rain fell. The people were so hungry they were eating bark, grass roots, and white clay. Undeterred by the cruel and selfish emperor, the dragons devised a plan to create a rainstorm and thus save the villagers. Rushing to their home in the Eastern Sea, they scooped up the water and sprayed it into the sky. The water fell like raindrops over the crops, and the hopeful people leaped with joy.

But when the sea god told the Jade Emperor what the dragons had done, the emperor grew very angry. How dare the dragons rebel against his word! He was in charge of all the affairs of heaven, earth, and sea, and did not like his authority to be questioned. The dragons were arrested and taken to the heavenly palace. Then the Jade Emperor ordered the mountain god to separate the four dragons in different corners of the country and imprison each under a mountain.

The four dragons were unrepentant, and as the mountains were pressed upon them they thought of yet a new way they could help the people. So each dragon transformed itself into a river, winding out of its mountain prison back to the people and their crops.

The black dragon in the far north became the Heilongjian, the yellow dragon and the long dragon in central China became the Huanghe and the Changjiang (Yangtze), and the pearl dragon in the south became the Zhu. And this, according to legend, is how the four great rivers in China were formed.

As in the ancient telling of the four dragons, water and rain were often associated with Eastern dragons. It was believed at one time that dragons existed in every storm and pool of water. Although they sometimes caused severe rains that destroyed houses, uprooted trees, and flooded inhabitants, the Chinese never regarded the dragon as malevolent.

Because of the prevalent belief in yin and yang, it was accepted that to reap the benefit of the storm, one had to survive the horror of it. In this way Eastern dragons were seen as the givers of life while at the same time the cause of great death and destruction.

About the Author:

Francesca Black has long been interested in the history of dragon and lore http://www.dragon-gifts.com and http://www.mystical-creatures.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragons in the East

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Author: Suzanne

The influence of symbolism in Vietnamese art has been in vogue since prehistoric times. One of the most supernatural of all creatures, dragons and fairies, symbolized various instances of Vietnamese art.

From the Dong Son civilization to the modern Nyugen Dynasty, the dragon motif has been used in various forms and shapes in sculptures, paintings, palaces, and different religious or architectural structures. The evolution of the dragon symbol portrayed the changing beliefs and culture of the people from time to time.

The Dong Son civilization (400BC to 200AD) saw the reptile version of the dragon, also known as the “Giao Long” dragon. This symbol was found etched on a number of bronze urns and weapon hatches.

The following period (Dai La) witnessed Vietnam under Chinese colonization from the first to the tenth century. This period had a profound impact on Vietnamese art. This is clearly evident from the decorative tiles found at Co Loa, where the Dai La dragon shows remarkable resemblance with its Chinese counterpart.

Vietnam breathed the air of independence with the dawn of the Ly Dynasty. This period can also be termed the ‘golden period’ for Vietnamese art as it reached the peak of excellence. Water dragons symbolizing the God of Rain found way into Vietnamese art during this period.

Some of the distinguishing features of this dragon in contrast to the Chinese creature were: thin and long body; undulated body contours of a serpent; small head with long whisker and mane and fine legs with small claws. The Chuong Son tower now showcases an extraordinary example of the Ly dragon carved on stone.

The heritage of the Ly Dynasty was transferred to the later Tran Dynasty (13-14th century). The fire-gurgling creature during this period still appeared with a small head and body; an instance of which can be found in the Pho Minh temple.

The influence of Chinese culture and heritage rose profoundly in the later Ly Dynasty, with Chinese emperors adopting Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. As a consequence, the dragon symbol came to be associated with the emperor and his authoritative powers.

The dragon motif then began to be extensively used in tombs, and religious temples. Dragons of the later Ly Dynasty also owes greatly to the Chinese influence. Large head, gigantic body, thick scales, long sharp claws, thick mane, and a beastly glance summarize the appearance of the Ly dragon.

The modern Nyugen Dynasty hails from the “Tu Linh”- the four mythical Chinese creatures namely the phoenix, the dragon, the lion, and the tortoise. These creatures were collectively portrayed in numerous paintings, sculptures, royal palaces, and tombs in Hue.

These fiery dragon motifs have attracted the attention of connoisseurs all over the world. Art gallery in Vietnam showcases these mythical creatures in their changing moods. Imbibing the Chinese motif, Vietnamese art have become even more alluring.

About the Author:

Suzanne Macguire is an expert writer with keen interest in contemporary art.

You can also find this article here: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=959440

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art

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Cover of Reign of Fire

Author: John Hill

They fill the air with fire,
They soar above the tallest tower,
They glisten with emerald-scaled attire
They inspire awe and terror whenever they glower…Dragons!!

Dragons are more than just creatures of myth; they are beings of legend. They are even considered gods in some cultures. Dragons of ancient times garner fear and respect but dragons of modern times entertain and inspire the imagination.

Take a look at some of the more popular dragons of modern times:

Dragons in Movies

Dragonheart: Based on the concept that dragons were being hunted to extinction, this movie has heart. Literally. During this time, one lonely dragon was sought out to save the life of the king’s son. This noble dragon gave this young prince a piece of his dragon heart.

The problem was, with a dragon’s heart beating in his chest, he couldn’t die. This prince turns into one of the worst villains the world had ever known. He is eventually brought down when the dragon sacrifices himself to allow his dragon heart to die.

Dragons, in this film, are seen as noble, valiant creatures with true compassion.

Reign of Fire: This is one of those movies that does a splendid job of picturing dragons as vicious and hungry creatures. Twenty years after his mother inadvertently awakens a fire-breathing dragon, Fire Chief Quinn must do all he can to save the remaining human population from total eradication by the dragons.

Dragons in Literature

There are no cultures in the world that feature the dragon more prominently than the cultures of Japan and China. In Japanese and Chinese literature, dragons are spirits and gods of ancient times with untold power and supernatural wisdom.

Dragons feature greatly in their religious beliefs and cultural ceremonies and rituals. When written and drawn with an Eastern pen, dragons hold immense magic and fantastical power.

Dragons in Animation

Talented and imaginative, animators from all over the world have dipped their pens into the same ancient inkwell and have conjured for us fearsome creatures and loyal friends.

Disney animators have crafted generations of movies that either feature dragons as the main character, as in their movie Mulan or they have dragons as secondary characters as in Sleeping Beauty where Maleficent transforms into a dragon to keep Philip from Aurora and the Sword in the Stone wherein Madam Mim transforms into a dragon during her wizards duel with Merlin.

Everyone remembers the fire breathing dragon guarding the tower in which Aurora slept. Everyone giggles when they catch a glimpse of the laughable and delightful Mushu.

Overall, Disney has created a new look for the dragon that will last generations to come. Animators have a rare chance at crafting an image of dragons that is truly unique

Popular media is filled with all types of dragons little and large; ferocious dragons whose very breathe can fill you with dread. Since the very beginning, dragons have held man captive with their fiery breath and hair-raising tales; it is likely to be that way till the fire dies away, if it ever will.

About the Author:
Hedgepig Gifts offers dragon gift ideas including dragon figures, dragon collectables & many more dragon gift ideas.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragons: Media Magic!

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Author: Naveen Marasinghe

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon has an interesting history. Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, villagers of mainland China were attacked with a plague. They called upon the Buddha to protect them, by parading a large statue of the Buddha through village streets. During the procession, a python (believed to have been sent from heaven) blocked their way. A drunken monk is then said to have cut the python into three pieces, and dancing in glee, threw the pieces into the river.

The river water turned red from the python’s blood and then the python is said to have re-emerged from the river and flown in to the skies. This was assumed as a sacred omen, since the python was believed to be a sacred dragon sent from heaven. After this the villagers discovered that the weeds growing in the river had accrued certain medicinal values that could cure plague.

Since then, the Feast of the Drunken Dragon is celebrated in the Chinese cities of Macau, Zhuhai and Zongshan where people dance the ‘drunken dragon dance’, in processions, while drinking and spitting out Chinese rice wine.

In Macau, the Feast of the Drunken Dragon has been regularly held for the past fifty years, on the eight day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. This day also coincides with the birthday of the Buddha and the feast of God Tam Kung. It begins with the traditional Chinese custom of eye-dotting which takes place at the Kuan Tai Temple in Senado Square. After this, the procession progresses to every fresh food market in Macau.

Another tradition during the Feast of the Drunken Dragon involves giving out “longevity rice” in lunch boxes (for free of course). This rice is supposed to give a long life and many offspring to the eater. Such lunch boxes are given out at Iao Hon, Holland Garden, Toi San and Patene along with Red Market and Sao Domingos Food Market.

If you stay at a http://www.sands.com.mo/” luxury Macau hotel you can enjoy the festivities of this event first hand. The hotel will arrange all your itineraries if you so require, even allowing you to participate in the celebrations. The http://www.sands.com.mo/ Sands Macao Resort Hotel is especially recognized for its concierge services, besides the luxury accommodations and ultra-modern conveniences.

About the Author:

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Do the Dragon Dance at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon in Macau

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Author: John Hill

Descriptions of dragons run the gamut from diabolical and vile to gentle and mild. However, no matter how cunning and cruel or naïve and good, one thing has remained unchanged throughout the long history of dragons – they are always depicted as majestic creatures and a force to reckon with.

Legend has it that while all dragons have a choice as to whether they want to be good or evil, there are some general predispositions based on type. Modern fantasy has grouped dragons into two main categories – the good, kindly and courageous metallic dragons and their evil counterparts, the chromatic dragons.

Hearts Of Gold – Metallic Dragons

There are 5 different kinds of metallic dragons: gold, silver, bronze, brass and copper, each of which is distinctly different in physical appearance as well as in nature.

- Gold Dragons: With large twin horns that are metallic and smooth gold dragons are resolute in their allegiance to quash evil and often embark on self-appointed missions to promote good.

- Silver Dragons: Extremely sensitive in nature, silver dragons are committed to protecting the innocent and helping the meek. They have strong chins, pointed tongues and beaklike noses.

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- Bronze Dragons: With an innate sense of justice, bronze dragons are intolerant of any anarchy or cruelty and wage a constant battle against malicious sea creatures. They have smooth, flat scales; webbed feed and a beaklike snout.

- Brass Dragons: The most extroverted of all dragons, brass dragons are noted for their penchant for conversation and sunlight. The adult brass dragon has brass-like scales that have a warm, burnished appearance.

- Copper Dragons: Incorrigible pranksters, copper dragons love to ask riddles and tell jokes. Their enormous shoulders and thighs are good for jumping and climbing.

The Color of Evil – Chromatic Dragons

The five different kinds of chromatic dragons include black, white, red, blue and green.

- Black Dragons: Evil tempered, abusive and malevolent, with hearts as black as their slimy black scales, black dragons are obsessed with death. They have a grim, skeletal frame, two great horns that curve forward and down and eyes that lie deep in the socket. They breathe a venomous, sizzling acid and feel most powerful and confident in the darkest hour of the night.

- White Dragons: Small and intelligent, white dragons have sharp, intelligent eyes, wide feet with sharp claws and scales that resemble fur. They have an aura of icy coldness around them and even breathe a chilling frost. White dragons have a strong proclivity for chilled food and will pack their victims away in the snow until they are properly frozen.

- Red Dragons: Insatiably avaricious and fiercely territorial, red dragons are obsessed with increasing their hoards of treasure. They have extended wings, two long horns and a long, red forked tongue. Smelling of sulfur and smoke, red dragons breathe a deadly fire and love to dine on blood. Tiny flames often dance in their nostrils when they are angry and their eyes gleam with unrepressed greed upon spotting any treasure.

- Blue Dragons: Large and vibrant, blue dragons have frilly ears, glossy eyes and a single horn upon their head. They are brooding, vain and have an air of regality around them as they sit and reflect. They are good at tracking and prefer to ambush caravans and lone travelers as they cross the land.

- Green Dragons: Belligerent and cruel, green dragons are champions of intrigue and politics. They are not overtly aggressive; preferring instead to devise elaborate schemes to acquire wealth and power with minimal fuss and effort. Acutely envious and obsessed with life, green dragons aspire to live eternally. They have an elongated neck and multiple hornlets on their head and breathe a toxic gas.

Whether large or little, sinner or saint; there’s nothing drab or dreary about dragons. Fiery and feisty, dragons are brimming with charisma and intrigue.

About the Author:
Hedgepig.co.uk offers a range of dragon gifts including dragon figures, dragon collectables and many more dragon gift ideas.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Do You Really Know Your Dragons?

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Author: Jenny Lin

The mighty and magnificent Dragon of mythical folklore never ceases to enchant or stir the imagination. The Dragon is one of the four celestial animals and is important and powerful symbols in Feng Shui.

The Dragon represents the ultimate ‘Yang’ symbol, male vigor, courage and bravery. It is magnanimous and full of vitality and strength. Affiliated with the cardinal direction “East” based on Landscape Feng Shui, the Dragon becomes a very powerful and potent symbol when placed in this sector, although it can be placed in any other directions.

In Chinese culture and in Feng Shui, the dragon is the most auspicious and magnificent, mightiest and most sacred of all creatures and to be treated with great respect. Through generations, the dragon has been the ultimate symbol of power, abundance, good luck and honor. In ancient times, the Emperors of China regarded themselves as the Dragons and the symbol of Dragons can only be used by the them and no one else.

The Dragon is said to create the precious cosmic Chi or known as the ‘Sheng Chi’ which brings good fortunes into our homes and workplaces, making it an all-rounder bringer of good luck. The Dragons are a powerful cure and enhancer for business luck, brings foresight and wisdom for the elderly, brings honor to the family, protects the wearer and paves the way for more accolades in coming years.

The Dragon frequently appears in carvings or statues holding a ball, or pearl. This can symbolize success and victory in wealth attainment and career achievement..

In Chinese Astrology, the Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac and its intrinsic element is earth. The compass direction of the Dragon is 97.5 degrees to 127.5 degrees. Its allies are the Rat and the Monkey and the Rooster is its secret friend.

In Feng Shui, Dragons can be placed in many areas of the home or office to guard, protect, bring strength and fortune, and to activate masculine energy. Here is how you can use the Dragon to Feng Shui your way to a better life.

1. For people born in the year of Dragon, place the Dragon on your work or study desk, in the sector between 97.5 degrees to 127.5 degrees of your house, or in the Rat or the Monkey sector (allies of Dragon) to energize your personal good wealth luck.

2. Based on the Pakua’s 8 Life Aspirations Method, place the Dragon in the Northwest sector of your home to favor patriarch’s luck. This will also bring powerful friends, mentors and advisors into your life.

3. Place the Dragon near your water features like aquarium or fountains for those craving for good fortune, advancement in their career or seeking fame and recognition. You will experience new opportunities and better luck.

4. Place the Dragon in the North sector to enhance your career luck. It will help you up a few prongs of your career ladder.

5. It is an excellent idea to activate the dragon by placing a dragon in the East sector of your home or living room to bring good health and harmony to the residents of the house.

6. For career luck and those seeking continuous achievement, place a Dragon figurine on the table, cabinet or in the East sector of your office or study. Your professional luck will look rosy.

7. In Flying Star Feng Shui, the Dragon made from metal (brass, bronze, pewter, cloisonné etc.) can be used to ward-off the evil influences of the malignant #5 yellow star and #2 black star. The #2 black star is also known as the ‘Sickness Star’ which brings illnesses and ailments to occupants while the #5 yellow star is the ‘Disaster Star’ that instigates fights, accidents and death. Placing the metallic Dragon in the affected sectors will dissolve these adverse energies.

* Do not place any representation of the dragon inside the bedroom as the Dragon is the ultimate ‘yang’ symbol and is not suitable for a place of rest where ‘yin’ is preferred.

** Try not to place the Dragon higher than our eye level to ensure they are under our control.

** Never place the Dragon in the toilet of bathroom.

About the Author:

Jenny Lin is the author of Feng Shui Products for a Better Life, an online Feng Shui Shop offering a wide variety of Feng Shui Dragon.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragon – the Ultimate Good Fortune Feng Shui Symbol

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Author: Fran Black

The Dragon has played an important part in myths and religions since pre-historic times. The history of dragons goes back at least six thousand years, and there are dragon tales and legends from every continent except Antarctica.

In almost every culture, and all throughout history, there are stories of these mythical and magical creatures called dragons. Different people have various theories of why so many cultures developed such a long lasting belief in dragons; however, none can actually be proven.

Many believe that dragons were what we now call dinausaurs. It may be that dragon stories partly grew out of people finding dinosaur bones. The thought is that when dragon bones were dug up later, they were given the new classification of dinosaur.

Many evolutionists believe that dinosaurs became extinct millions of years before man walked the planet, while others claims dispute this. It is said that dinosaur fossils, which have been discovered along with human footprints and remains, add proof to the ancient people’s history of dragons. Others feel that people forgot that dragons were ever real, and quickly faded into mythology.

In almost every culture and all throughout history there are stories of these magical creatures called dragons. Later, in Europe these dragons in art forms were thought to be real life animals rather than symbols of evil.

Throughout many cultures, dragons may have appeared different, but they have always retained the same basic core elements. When most people think of dragons they generally think of fire breathing monsters, but originally dragons were usually connected with water. To the ancient Chinese, dragons were not creatures of fire, as so many would think, but rather creatures of water.

The dragon of the Chinese resided in rivers, lakes, pools and rose in great clouds of mist to promote rainfall. In earlier Mideast stories, the dragons are most often associated with water and wisdom. Historians use this conection with water to distinguish dragons from other mythical animals.

While the east feels that the dragon is a divine, mythical creature that brings good fortune, prosperity and bounty, western dragons are viewed differently. They are connected to the element fire, and they fling their colossal tails about, and viciously create destruction.

The contrary views of the east and the west indicate opposing views where humans viewed dragons as a symbols of wisdom and peace, or symbols of chaos and evil. Neither would disagree that dragons were viewed as powerful creatures. This, along with the wide variance in the physical description of dragons, contributes to confusion in the definition of a dragon.

The humans revered the dragons, some clans even calling them gods. Hence, dragons were held in high regard, and their images kept and worn, to win their approval. Originally, it was believed that dragons were the ones who talked directory to the Gods.

It was also thought at this time that earthquakes were caused by battles between dragons and gods. In history, many different cultures began to adopt the idea of gods fighting with dragons to restore order.

The dragon may be ancient, but it remains as influential today as it did four thousand years ago. Today, the popularity of fantasy, and such role-playing games as Dungeons and Dragons, means that dragon figurines are a hot commodity.

Online stores promoting dragon items have popped up including http://www.dragon-gifts.com

About the Author:

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

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragons Through History

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When we think of dragons, most of us imagine them as huge creatures that breathe fire. That is the image and concept that most people have of dragons.

There is a great deal of symbolism in the fire dragon, especially in Chinese culture. Calling someone a fire dragon means they move quickly from being calm and easy-going to furious and outraged. It means people tend to walk on egg shells around them because their moods are so unpredictable.

In Chinese history, the fire dragon is a very serious force to be reckoned with. That is represented by the people that fall into the behaviors of fire dragons. It is said in traditional Chinese culture that they are their own worst enemy.

Of all the dragons in Chinese literature, the fire dragon is the most dangerous. Fire dragons are dangerous not only to other people and the surroundings but to themselves as well. They tend toward self destruction.

In history and myths, it is the ability of a dragon to breath fire that makes it so mysterious and also so powerful. Breathing fire allows the dragon to ward off enemies and to protect itself.

Many people dream of being powerful enough to be able to cause their enemies to run for cover. That is why they may find they look up to the dragon and closely identify with it.

There is no evidence to suggest that fire dragons, or any dragons for that matter, actually existed. They are believed to be an image that developed from beliefs about or memories of snakes, dinosaurs, and even other smaller reptiles.

Yet this concept of the fire dragon has been passed down for centuries in cultures around the world. It is more prevalent in some cultures, of course, than  in others.

There is no shortage of books, artwork, and stories about fire dragons. Some of them portray fire dragons as mythical creatures that were very wise. Yet the dragons succumbed to the fears of the villagers. They also fell victim to various hunters who wanted to be recognized for destroying them.

In other stories, though, the fire dragon is portrayed as something evil and to be feared. There is definitely a mystery that still surrounds dragons, even today.

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The Chinese dragon is a very common symbol in Chinese culture. It is often shown as a very long animal that is very similar to the form of a snake. Yet it has four legs, and feet with claws. It may be depicted with a very small flame be shooting from the mouth.

In the Chinese culture, the dragon is a very powerful symbol of strength. It is a common part of their celebrations, and the dragon is also one of the animals that their years are named after.

The Chinese do not believe that dragons once roamed the Earth, though. Instead dragons are a symbol of the mystical part of life that often cannot be explained.

In many of the early writings the Chinese dragon is believed to be the bearer of the water and the rain. This is why many of the traditional celebrations honor the dragon for what it has offered to the land.

There is material to suggest that the Chinese dragon was the official symbol of early Emperors. It is believed that this was done to remind people of the power that this person held. It also resulted in many of the people making art of dragons in order to honor their respect for the Emperor.

If you take a close look at many forms of early art work and architecture in China, you will see many detailed works of dragons. Many of them have been well preserved over the years as well. They want to be able to continue showing their respect to this type of creature.

For those Chinese people that get tattoo work done, the dragon is the most common. Males often want the dragon on their body as a symbol of strength and honor.

It is common for families of the same origin to have a particular dragon tattoo on them. This is a way to continue showing their pride in their heritage.

The dragon is still an important part of the Chinese culture. It is disrespectful to destroy anything with a dragon image on it.

They also have plenty of advertisements that include dragons. Of course, they only show them in the very best views. They do not allow disrespect of dragons to be shown in movies or films either.

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