The Chinese Dragon Tradition

Lung Tik Chuan Ren

Dragons - Dragon Guardian
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As with most oriental dragons, Chinese dragons resemble a water snake. There are some suggestions that the alligator also had a role in inspiring their likeness.

They do not usually have wings but fly to and from heaven in a cloud. They are often depicted playing with a flaming pearl which is reported to give the dragon its powers. This pearl of wisdom was guarded fiercely.

The life cycle of a Chinese dragon is long and tedious, involving many hundreds or thousands of years in different states. Some sources say that at a certain point in its life-cycle the dragon obtains real wings - however it will have to live thousands of years before this happens.

Chinese dragons are usually described as having five toes. However some sources say that only the Imperial Dragon had five toes, other Chinese dragons had only four.

Nine is a lucky number in Chinese culture and Chinese dragons had many features based on the number nine. For example, it is said to be made from nine entities.

The most powerful of the Chinese dragons were the four dragon kings.

The dagon motif occurs frequently in Chinese art, from decorative clothing through dragon screens to architectural designs. Dragons are also celebrated in festivals such as the dragon boat festival.

• The Ninefold Nature of Chinese Dragons
• The Dragon Kings
• The Life Cycle of Chinese Dragons
• Feng Shui Dragons
• The Chinese Year of the Dragon
• Dragon Screens