The Importance of Chinese Dragons

Chinese dragons are thought to come from an ancient crocodile that could predict rain. As Chinese dragons control moving water, including rain, this link is highly possible. In many cultures dragons are evil beings but to the Chinese the dragon is very powerful and for the most part is desired. The Chinese dragon is present in many aspects of Chinese life including folklore and art. The male or yang, is Chinese is depicted by the dragon.

Historically emperors were the only ones allowed to use the symbol of the dragon. Though as the world has progressed and governments changed the dragon as dropped out of sight. Dragons are frequently with war and aggression and China has been changed to using a Panda as a more peaceful symbol to present to the world.

Dragons control all moving water, including waterfalls, rivers and the four seas surrounding China. Some of the most horrific floods, remember all of the floods of the Yellow river, that occurred in china are believed to be caused because someone angered a dragon. The dragon is also worshiped for its ability to bring rain, as China is largely and agricultural country.

As emperors could only use dragons, both emperors and dragons are also associated with the lucky number nine. Nine can be seen in the make up of dragons, as dragons can be described using nine attributes. The break down of their scales, 81 that are positive and 36 that are negative are factors of nine. The most important officials would wear robes decorated with nine dragons.

Besides controlling the weather the Chinese dragon is also part of the Chinese zodiac. It is thought that children born in the year of the dragon will posses many positive personality traits and therefore more births are recorded in dragon years then any other year. Beside the zodiac, the dragon is one of four celestial guardians and its figure is used in many Chinese New Year celebrations.

Dragons also have other supernatural abilities as they can change size, to the smallest silk worm to encompassing the entire universe. Dragons can manipulate water by changing it into fire as well as being able to form clouds. It can also hide in water and glow in the dark. Dragons are still present in traditional Chinese culture and still worshiped though the actual belief in dragons has diminished considerably over time.