When Americans and Europeans think of dragons, images of destructive, fire-breathing beasts come to mind. Dragons are quite different in Chinese legend. They are signs of good fortune, power and health. Stories tell of these creatures helping people by filling them with courage or bringing rain for a farmer's crops. However, Chinese dragons can turn vicious when angered; these destructors swallow people and can even flood the land.
Dragon Sense: Chinese dragons are wise. Legends say that Chinese emperors were advised by dragons. But if the emperors didn't follow a dragon's advice, the beasts could cause great storms.
Don't Swallow! Chinese people once worshipped their dragons, often leaving out food for them. Their favorite food was a bird called the swallow, and dragons would devour any person who ate one instead of offering it to the dragon.
Dragon No. 1[]
Dragons graced the bows of ships when Chinese warriors attcked.
The legend of Chinese dragons began around 2,600 BC, under an emperor named Huang Di. This ruler used a serpent as his symbol as he marched to war against many other Asian tribes. Every time he conquered a tribe, he added a piece of the defeated tribe's symbol to his serpent. After winning many battles, his symbol had the original serpent's body in addition to two sets of eagle talons, the antlers of a deer, the scales of a fish and the eyes of a demon. Legend has it that Huang Di actually became this "dragon" and gave birth to the Chinese race.
All Kinds: There are several types of dragons in Chinese myth. The celestial dragon protected the gods, the dragon of hidden treasures guarded wealth and the yellow dragon created written language.
Water Dragon: Stories about Chinese dragons often involve water. Stories say that clouds are created by the dragon's breath, and they start the rainy season; this helps farmers' crops to grow so the Chinese people will have plenty to eat.
Enter the Dragon[]
Dragons used to be the national symbol for China, but it has changed to the giant panda because the dragon seemed too aggressive. People still show respect for the dragons, however. The Chinese begin their New Year by parading with huge paper dragons that are said to keep evil spirits away.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- The knowledge card says Chinese Dragons. The trading card says Chinese Dragon.
- The title of the bottom-most section on the back of the card, "Enter the Dragon", is likely a reference to the 1973 Bruce Lee martial arts film of the same name.
- On the caption for the back image, 'attacked' is misspelled 'attcked'.
- The Chinese dragon is referenced on the Wyvern knowledge card.
- The Chinese dragon is featured in Monster Mix-Up on Monster Mania 101.