Here at the frontier, the leaves fall like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians, and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are still two cups at my table.


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~


Monday, January 23, 2012

Enter the Dragon

Today begins Chinese New Year. This is the Year of the Dragon. Specifically, the is the year of the Water Dragon.




Metal Animation has a great article on Chinese Dragons, as well as pictures of some outstanding sculptures. I've copied a portion of the article below. The picture is of one of their sculptures. Follow this link for read the whole thing.


Chinese Imperial Water Dragon - Mythology
In Chinese mythology there are five types of dragon:-
    1. Those guarding the gods and emperors
  1. 2. Those controlling the wind and rain
  2. 3. Earthly dragons which deepened the rivers and seas
  3. 4. Guardians of hidden treasure
  4. 5. The first dragon
The First dragon appeared to the mythical emperor Fu-hsi, and filled the hole in the sky made by the monster Kung Kung. Its waking, sleeping and breathing determined day and night. Season and weather. 


There are many differences between the classical dragon and the Chinese dragon, these include the ability to fly even without wings, shape-shifting abilities, and of course the general benevolent behaviour to the populace.
The Chinese dragon is made up of nine entities. The head of camel, the eyes of a demon, the ears of a cow, the horns of a stag, the neck & body of a snake, It's claws that of an eagle, while the soles of his feet are that of a tiger, and the scales that cover it's body are that of a carp.

The Chinese dragon has four claws as standard, but the Imperial dragon has five, this is to identify it above the lesser classes. Anyone other than the emperor using the 5 claw motif was put to death.

9 comments:

Drew said...

新年快樂, 恭喜發財! Hope all is well on your end.

Rick Matz said...

So far, so good! You?

Paul said...

Kung Hei Fat Choy pal!!

Being cross-culturally brought up, I'm not too familiar with the intricacies of the "physical dragon", therefore, thanks a lot to your valuable posted info. On the philosophical aspect, I did a post previously on I-ching and dragon, perhaps you might like to take a look too...(linkage: http://tao-meditation.blogspot.com/2011/12/myth-of-dragon-and-i-ching.html)

Rick Matz said...

Paul, thanks for stopping by.

That was a good post you made. I hope the other guests in the kitchen pay a visit there.

Drew said...

Rick,
I'm doing well. My first comment is actually from my new blog ever since I stopped writing in Sept of last year. I'm just use my old blog for professional purposes (i.e. to keep a record of my past work).

Hope all is well on your end.

Rick Matz said...

Thanks for stopping in Drew. I just sent you an email for the link to your new blog.

sourcing from china said...

"Enter the Dragon" really impressed by your post. Name is Too outstanding.

sourcing from china

Compass Architect said...

恭喜新年

Rick Matz said...

Happy New Year to you too!