Although much of the western world is aware of the Puff the magic dragon not many know of Long the Chinese dragon. Long is actually a general term used to refer to the dragon in China. There are nine different types of dragons according to Chinese mythology. These different dragon types are also referred to as nine degrees. The long is considered to have five distinct life stages.
This mythical character was created by taking physical characteristics of several earthly animals and composing them to form the dragon. The horns on the head of the dragon were taken from the deer whereas the head belongs to a camel. Some say the eyes are of a demon whereas others say that the eyes are of a rabbit. The neck is obviously the body of a snake whereas the scaly texture is reminiscent of a fish. It has the paws of a tiger that feature the claws from a hawk. And of course the ears have been taken from a cow.
The character and persona of a dragon has long been misunderstood. While Westerners perceive the dragon to be an aggressive and fearful creature, the Chinese belief is that a dragon is a passive, strong and admired symbol in the Chinese culture.
There are nine distinctive kinds of dragons each specific to their meaning within the Chinese culture. One of these kinds is known as the winged celestial dragon which is recognizable around the world. Other not easily identifiable dragons are the Yellow and the Coiling dragons.
An accurate description of the Long dragon includes the feature of being a horned creature with the ears of a cow. Although unable to hear, this dragon is appreciated for its strength and power, as well as, for its rain producing ability.
The varieties of dragons differ primarily in the power they possess and their meaning relevant within the Chinese culture. The Yellow dragon in particular is said to be the source of nine sons.
The original Long dragon is believed to have five different stages of existence. The initial stage is that of the water snake. At this stage the dragon does not look like how we normally perceive them to be. It takes a thousand years for it to reach to the second stage which is known as the Chiao. At this stage the dragon looks like a carp.
The next five hundred years sees the dragon developing at an alarmingly fast rate and it becomes the Long. It soon grows horns which are taken as a sign of wisdom and hence it becomes the horned dragon. Once it crosses the age of two thousand it is known as the Ying Long.
The Long's various colors are exclusive to their meaning and the utilization for specific events or celebrations. These various dragons display the colors of red, blue, yellow, white and black. These particular colors have been chosen by the Chinese because they are considered hallowed colors.
This mythical character was created by taking physical characteristics of several earthly animals and composing them to form the dragon. The horns on the head of the dragon were taken from the deer whereas the head belongs to a camel. Some say the eyes are of a demon whereas others say that the eyes are of a rabbit. The neck is obviously the body of a snake whereas the scaly texture is reminiscent of a fish. It has the paws of a tiger that feature the claws from a hawk. And of course the ears have been taken from a cow.
The character and persona of a dragon has long been misunderstood. While Westerners perceive the dragon to be an aggressive and fearful creature, the Chinese belief is that a dragon is a passive, strong and admired symbol in the Chinese culture.
There are nine distinctive kinds of dragons each specific to their meaning within the Chinese culture. One of these kinds is known as the winged celestial dragon which is recognizable around the world. Other not easily identifiable dragons are the Yellow and the Coiling dragons.
An accurate description of the Long dragon includes the feature of being a horned creature with the ears of a cow. Although unable to hear, this dragon is appreciated for its strength and power, as well as, for its rain producing ability.
The varieties of dragons differ primarily in the power they possess and their meaning relevant within the Chinese culture. The Yellow dragon in particular is said to be the source of nine sons.
The original Long dragon is believed to have five different stages of existence. The initial stage is that of the water snake. At this stage the dragon does not look like how we normally perceive them to be. It takes a thousand years for it to reach to the second stage which is known as the Chiao. At this stage the dragon looks like a carp.
The next five hundred years sees the dragon developing at an alarmingly fast rate and it becomes the Long. It soon grows horns which are taken as a sign of wisdom and hence it becomes the horned dragon. Once it crosses the age of two thousand it is known as the Ying Long.
The Long's various colors are exclusive to their meaning and the utilization for specific events or celebrations. These various dragons display the colors of red, blue, yellow, white and black. These particular colors have been chosen by the Chinese because they are considered hallowed colors.
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Chinese Dragons can be seen in select places around the world. Make sure you select either of the links herein to learn more about Chinese Cloud Dragons.
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