The dragon is the most important creature in Chinese mythology. The Chinese dragon symbolises power, strength, good well-being, and positive prospects. These creatures are kind and well-wishers of the Chinese people. These are the symbols of luck and promise success in life.
Dragons in Chinese culture are mythical creatures composed of various animal parts, such as a Serpentine body, Horns of a deer, Scales of a fish, an eagle’s claws and a demon’s eyes.
These majestic creatures are closely associated with environmental conditions, particularly rain and water. Farmers in villages have great faith in dragons, believing they bring rain and ensure good weather.
Almost all Chinese festivals feature dragons as a central theme. One notable example is the Boat Festival, which commemorates the death of the famous poet Qu Yuan. During this festival, people create dragon-shaped boats and be part of a lively procession.
Another significant festival is the Chinese New Year, which features spectacular dragon dances. These performances aim to drive away evil spirits and usher in prosperity for the coming year.
In summary, dragons are an integral part of Chinese national pride, symbolizing good fortune, prosperity, and cultural heritage.
There is an interesting story about the four dragons. Long ago, there were no lakes and no rivers in the region. It was only the sea on the eastern side of the country, where the four dragons were living. The four dragons were the Long dragon, the Yellow dragon, the Black dragon and the Pearl dragon.
These dragons lived a happy life. They swam in the water, played with each other and sometimes flew through the sky.
One day, they were playing in the clouds. Sometimes they soared high in the sky and sometimes came down towards the land along with the clouds.
The Pearl dragon noticed something unusual going on there, on the land.
The farmers were crying because there was no rain. People were praying for the rain. The plants were getting dried and there was no food to eat. The animals died, one by one. People were fighting for water.
Thus, there was a severe drought. The dragons found that the people too would die if it did not rain in a short time.
The dragons knew that the Emperor Jade was in charge of the weather and rain on the earth. Hence, they immediately approached the Emperor.
As a result, the Emperor agreed to send rain to the earth. The dragons returned to their home sea.
But, there was no rain on the earth. The people started dying.
The Jade Emperor was cruel and selfish. He did not care about the creatures on the earth.
The dragons discussed and found an elegant idea to help people on the earth. The idea was to scoop the water out of the sea and spray it on the land as rain. They started their work with enthusiasm.
Thus, there was rain on the earth, and farmers and people were happy.
But, the god of the sea was upset. Because there was less water in the sea. Hence, the sea god went to the Jade Emperor. He complained about the behaviour of the dragons.
The Emperor was now furious. He called the dragons and arrested them. However, they imprisoned them under the huge mountains of the region.
But the dragons remained calm. They made their home in the mountains. They had great affinity and love for the people of the earth.
Thus, they turned themselves into four rivers of China. These rivers flowed through the mountains and valleys, crossing the land from west to east. They finally met the ocean and poured their water into it.
Thus, the dragons became the four rivers of China. They are the Heilongjiang (Black Dragon), the Huanghe(Yellow Dragon), the Changjiang(Long Dragon), and the Zhujiang(Pearl Dragon).
This is an amazing video depicting the New Year celebration.
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