It's interesting to note the different view Westerns have of the images included in the Chinese zodiac. The impression the Westerns have of the dragon, as well as, the snake are not a favored one. What comes to mind when viewing these images is one of malevolence and iniquity. On the other end of the spectrum, the Chinese impression of these two symbols is one of fortune with great intrinsic worth.
The dragon is a prominent feature in many Asian cultures but it is nowhere as popular as it is in China. Throughout the history of China however the dragon has been portrayed as a positive character that is intelligent as well as kind.
There are many superstitious beliefs associated with the image of the dragon but what is more interesting is the physical appearance of this mythical character which has been dreamed into life.
The dragon is no earthly creature and this is common knowledge. Anyone who believes otherwise needs to see a psychiatrist. Even the Chinese admit that it is a mythical character that has long been part of Chinese mythology.
This however raises the question of where the dragon gets its physical features from. The head and face of the dragon are unlike any other animal on planet Earth yet the dragon bears many features in common with other animals. In truth the image of the dragon was conceived by taking different elements from different animals and composing a whole new creature.
The inspiration of producing this mythical creature comes from combining many different animals that most people are familiar with. For instance, the dragons head is reminicient of a camel yet has the eyes of a rabbit. The horns are of a deer while the ears are the same as a steer. Its body shape and texture is derived from a snake and fish. Concluding this image is the paw of a tiger and white underside of a frog.
It's interesting to note that all these parts of other animals composed to make up the physical features of a dragon are not just specific to its appearance. The dragon also has the capability to adapt to each of the environments these animals & reptiles call home. It also has the skills to fly and swim, as well as, walk on land.
In addition to the dragon's image portrayed as one of the zodiac signs, they are used in and on forms of artwork as well. The Chinese have also designed masks and puppets in the image of a dragon; these are used by the Chinese in their celebrations, but are always enjoyed by Western visitors.
Many people around the world enjoy using the ornamental dragon masks for various occasions too. The young seem to enjoy creating replicas of the dragons head to use for amusing purposes, while the older population uses them for a much more somber purpose as to protect themselves against evil spirits.
The dragon is a prominent feature in many Asian cultures but it is nowhere as popular as it is in China. Throughout the history of China however the dragon has been portrayed as a positive character that is intelligent as well as kind.
There are many superstitious beliefs associated with the image of the dragon but what is more interesting is the physical appearance of this mythical character which has been dreamed into life.
The dragon is no earthly creature and this is common knowledge. Anyone who believes otherwise needs to see a psychiatrist. Even the Chinese admit that it is a mythical character that has long been part of Chinese mythology.
This however raises the question of where the dragon gets its physical features from. The head and face of the dragon are unlike any other animal on planet Earth yet the dragon bears many features in common with other animals. In truth the image of the dragon was conceived by taking different elements from different animals and composing a whole new creature.
The inspiration of producing this mythical creature comes from combining many different animals that most people are familiar with. For instance, the dragons head is reminicient of a camel yet has the eyes of a rabbit. The horns are of a deer while the ears are the same as a steer. Its body shape and texture is derived from a snake and fish. Concluding this image is the paw of a tiger and white underside of a frog.
It's interesting to note that all these parts of other animals composed to make up the physical features of a dragon are not just specific to its appearance. The dragon also has the capability to adapt to each of the environments these animals & reptiles call home. It also has the skills to fly and swim, as well as, walk on land.
In addition to the dragon's image portrayed as one of the zodiac signs, they are used in and on forms of artwork as well. The Chinese have also designed masks and puppets in the image of a dragon; these are used by the Chinese in their celebrations, but are always enjoyed by Western visitors.
Many people around the world enjoy using the ornamental dragon masks for various occasions too. The young seem to enjoy creating replicas of the dragons head to use for amusing purposes, while the older population uses them for a much more somber purpose as to protect themselves against evil spirits.
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Chinese new year fireworks are considered the best part of the whole celebrations by some . If you want to know about other Chinese new year traditions please follow the links.
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