Dragons: Symbols of the Chinese People
The dragon has always been a totem of the Chinese people, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. This year, the Year of the Dragon, let’s explore the fascinating world of dragons in Chinese culture.
For thousands of years, Chinese people have created a variety of dragons in numerous colors and forms, each with its unique symbolism.
ONE. Colors of the Dragon
Different colors of dragons carry unique meanings in Chinese culture. Traditionally, there are five main colors for dragons: yellow, green, red, black, and white.
1. Yellow Dragon
The Yellow Dragon symbolizes imperial power and authority in Chinese culture. Seen as a royal totem, it represents the emperor’s rule and governance.
Yellow Dragon
Associated with the center and seasonal transitions, the Yellow Dragon represents the earth element in the Five Elements of Chinese cosmology. The earth generates metal, overcomes water, nurtures wood, and restrains fire, embodying stability and balance. As a result, the Yellow Dragon is thought to have the power to harmonize all elements.
The Yellow Dragon is also a symbol of the legendary Emperor Huangdi, and ancient Chinese rulers were said to be his descendants. Hence, the Yellow Dragon signifies royal dignity and power, noble status, and wealth. In some regions, it’s also revered as a protective deity.
Those who see the Yellow Dragon are believed to attain wealth and fortune.
2. Green Dragon
In traditional Chinese culture, the “Green Dragon” represents the east. According to the Five Elements, the east corresponds to wood, symbolized by the green color. The Green Dragon is the sacred creature representing Taihao and the eastern constellations.
Green Dragon
The Green Dragon is also a symbol of new beginnings and spring in Chinese culture. The east was traditionally seen as the direction of birth and origin, symbolizing the start of life and hope. As spring heralds the renewal of life, the Green Dragon embodies this season’s energy.
In mythology, the Green Dragon commands wind and rain, safeguarding people from natural disasters. It is also venerated in Daoism and Buddhism as a guardian deity.
3. Red Dragon
Red, a lucky color in Chinese culture, symbolizes good fortune, celebration, and happiness. Red dragons are associated with passion, courage, and power.
Red Dragon
The Red Dragon represents vitality and strength, often associated with fire and energy. As a fire symbol, it conveys enthusiasm, bravery, and sometimes destruction, making it a powerful and intense presence.
Those who encounter the Red Dragon are considered to be passionate and courageous.
4. Black Dragon
The Black Dragon symbolizes mystery and depth. Black is often associated with the unknown and hidden powers, so the Black Dragon signifies hidden strength and wisdom.
Black Dragon
In Chinese culture, Black Dragons are seen as powerful, enigmatic beings, representing respect for nature, power, and the importance of recognizing change and potential.
In the Five Elements, black corresponds to water. Stories often associate Black Dragons with the mysteries of deep water and the power of flowing rivers. They are also sometimes seen as symbols of courage and determination.
Those who see the Black Dragon are believed to gain resilience and decisiveness.
5. White Dragon
White dragons symbolize purity, wisdom, and nobility. The color white is linked to innocence and justice, so White Dragons are often depicted as noble beings, representing morality and righteousness.
White Dragon
They are sometimes regarded as sacred and mystical beings, possessing supernatural qualities connected to spiritual power and profound wisdom.
Those who encounter the White Dragon are said to achieve peace and transcendence.
6. Blue Dragon
The Blue Dragon symbolizes authority and command, representing knowledge, scholarship, and the power of wisdom.
Blue Dragon
Those who meet the Blue Dragon are believed to gain insight and vast knowledge.
7. Purple Dragon
In Chinese culture, purple is associated with nobility and mystery, often connected to the imperial family. Things associated with purple hold high status and significance, as exemplified by the Forbidden City, the ancient palace of Chinese emperors, and the mythical “Purple Air from the East” (a sign of prosperity).
Purple Dragon
Purple Dragons symbolize royalty and dignity, representing high status and noble qualities.
Those who see the Purple Dragon are believed to be blessed with auspicious fortune.
8. Golden Dragon
The Golden Dragon symbolizes prosperity, wealth, and abundance.
A Coiling Dragon without wings is also known as a Gold Dragon, while a Flying Dragon with wings represents the emperor.
Golden Dragon
The color gold signifies wealth and economic prosperity. The Golden Dragon is often linked to prosperity and is believed to bring good luck and abundance. During festivals and celebrations, Golden Dragons are frequently featured to wish for fortune.
Those who encounter the Golden Dragon are thought to be blessed with safety and happiness, warding off evil and ensuring peace.
TWO. The 11 Types of Dragons in Chinese Mythology
In Chinese mythology, there are many types of dragons, each with unique personalities.
Green Dragon: One of the Four Sacred Beasts, it represents the east and controls wind and rain.
Yinglong: A member of the Yellow Dragon family and the ancestor of flying dragons. It has a pair of wings on its back, making it a winged dragon. In Chinese mythology, Yinglong is known as the most skilled dragon in battle.
Cloud Dragon: The rarest species in the dragon family. Born in heaven, it is enveloped in mist. When it soars and moves, it appears like a floating cloud. They are gentle in nature and are the easiest dragons to get along with.
Black Dragon: The strongest and most dangerous dragon. They are often temperamental and very combative. The Black Dragon is also synonymous with disaster and destruction.
Horned Dragon: A young dragon characterized by its horns.
Hornless Dragon (Chilong): It has a small, compact body but is very strong in battle. The Hornless Dragon typically symbolizes beauty and good fortune, regarded as an auspicious creature. Its appearance and color are not fixed, but red ones are always female dragons.
Coiled Dragon: This dragon is still on the ground and has not yet ascended to the heavens. It is named for its habit of coiling around pillars.
Heavenly Dragon: This dragon guards the heavenly palace and protects the gods above. According to legend, eight powerful and ultimate Heavenly Dragons coil around eight pillars in the Jade Emperor’s palace, safeguarding it.
Treasure Guardian Dragon: A guardian of precious treasures.
Earth Dragon: Said to live in rivers, lakes, and oceans, it controls waterways and seas.
Dragon King: The most powerful dragon in Chinese mythology, guarding the central universe.