2. Symbol of imperial authority The dragon, especially yellow or golden dragons with five claws on each foot, was a symbol for emperor in many Chinese dynasties. The imperial throne was called the Dragon Throne. During the late Qing Dynasty, the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. The dragon is featured in the carving in the imperial palaces and tombs.

In order to distinguish the Chinese dragon “龙” and the English dragon, some dictionaries call the Chinese one as “Chinese dragon” to distinct from the English one. Some scholars believe that they can be distinguished in spelling. English one is spelled as “dragon” while the Chinese one as “loong”. However, the ideas have not been in broad agreement so far.
Dragon Warship in China
1. Ruler of weather and water Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water in popular belief. They are believed to be the rulers of moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls, rivers, seas or flood.

About the use of Loong:
Suggestions of Loong:

As the image of China in the world is dragon, the westerners, especially the Christians, often misunderstand Chinese characters. They may think China is a barbarous people for the difference in culture. Thus, the promotion of adopting “loong” seems quite necessary in maintaining the Chinese image which is actually a kind and persistent people.
Origin of Chinese Dragon



Some scholars believe that dragon originated from totems of different tribes in ancient China. Some suggest that it comes from a stylized depiction of existing animals, such as snakes, fish or crocodiles. In all, dragon doesn’t exist at all; it is an imaginary animal.
Eastern Dragon VS. Western Dragon


Western dragon is considered as the embodiment of Sadan, who is believed as evil, and mostly takes on a form of monster. Dragons from the West are said to breathe fire and are seen as unwanted and something that a hero must work to get rid of. These dragons try to kill people who get near them by breathing out fire. They also have great wings and sharp claws.
Forms of dragon culture in China

1. The dragon plays an important part in Chinese Festivals.

2. The dragon dance has a long history, which was already a popular event during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD).
Symbolic Value in China


Historically, the dragon was the symbol of the Emperor of China, for dragons are viewed as being potent and auspicious powers. Chinese emperors think they are the real dragons and the sons of heaven. Thus the beds they sleep on are called the dragon beds, the throne called the dragon seat, and the emperor's ceremonial dresses called the dhinese dragon traditionally symbolizes strength and auspicious powers, particularly control over water, rainfall and floods.
It is also a symbol of good luck. The Chinese even have a year of the dragon, and it is said that anyone born in this year will be healthy, wealthy, and wise.
Image of Chinese dragon


Nobody really knows where the dragon comes from. The dragon looks like a combination of many animals, is described visually as a composite of parts from nine animals:
清康熙
清乾隆

In some Chinese legends, an Emperor might be born with a birthmark in the shape of a dragon. And in contrast, the Empress of China was often identified with the Fenghuang, or phoenix.

Cautious Usage of “Dragon”



Great attention is required when the word “dragon” comes into use. 1. A person is like a dragon.----not a compliment at all. 2. If you call a woman a dragon ---- she is fierce and unpleasant. 3. She is a bit a dragon around here. ----She is a domineering woman.


In times of drought or flooding, it was customary for the local gentry and government officials to lead the community in offering sacrifices and conducing other religious rites to appease the dragon, either to ask for rain.
6. Forms of dragon culture in
China
Definition of Dragon

Dragon cultures exit in both the Eastern and Western world. However, there are totally different connotations under the different culture backgrounds.
“角似鹿，头似驼，眼如兔，项似蛇，腹如蜃，鳞如鱼，爪似鹰，掌似虎，身如 牛。”

The horns of a deer; the head of a camel; the eyes of a rabbit; the neck of a snake; the abdomen of a large cockle; the scales of a carp; the claws of an eagle; the paws of a tiger; and the ears of an ox.