Dragons in Mythology

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  Chinese Calendar
  http://s3.amazonaws.com/adaptiveblue_img/topics/p/chinese_calendar
  
  
  Di Long Dragon
  http://imblog.aufeminin.com/blog/D20070723/217620_93818306_tigre_20et_20dragon_20grand_H152606_L.jpg
  
  
  
  
  European Dragon
  
  http://tamedragon.com/graphics/Europeanbig.gif
  
  
  Shen Long Dragon.
  http://www.testriffic.com/resultfiles/14761Easterns_Fire.jpg
  
  
  
  
  The presence of dragons in Chinese mythology and it's differences from other cultures such as European.
  
  Dragons in the Chinese culture were and still are very prominent. The dragons are seen in a very great like and god like.
  They were great symbols of water and the sea spirits. If looking at the examples of dragons in Chinese culture, they look somewhat beautiful and whimsical.
  In Chinese mythology, there are 4 kinds of dragons.
  Tian Long- is the protector of the gods and palaces.
  Shen Long- is the ruler of the wind and the rain.
  Di Long- is the ruler of the rivers and water ways.
  Fu Long- is the guardian of the precious metals that are buried deep within the Earth.
  Essentially a dragon played a role in almost all Chinese culture.
  
  Many believed dragons were the father of the older emperors, and were in the group with the sky gods. They were held to a very high power and essence. Dragons had a power over water in Chinese mythology. They knew every stream and every river. Also, looked upon all of the pools and wells in the country. Chinese also believed that they produce and were in ultimate control of the rain. Depending on the mood or how happy they were with how people were acting would determine the amount of rain. Although they were normally very even tempered, sometimes they would be in a fit of rage and then would come terrible storms.
  
  When looking at Chinese literature and art, a dragon is normally always present in some way or another.
  A popular belief was that the dragon could transform itself into the form of a cloud, which seems appropriate considering it's power over the skies.
  The physical appearance of a Chinese dragon is very detailed. Most would think they were like the stereo typical dragons seen on television. In reality, they were very detailed and much different then those. The Chinese dragon that was called “Long” had, “ the head of a camel, horns of a stag, eyes of a demon, ears of a cow, neck of a snake, scales of a carp, claws of an eagle, and the paws of a tiger.” ( 46, Giddons)
  Along with this form, and transforming into clouds, it was believed that dragons could also transform into a human body and walk amongst the people.
  
  Until 1911, the dragon adorned the Chinese flag. ( Brittanica)..
  
  Dragons came in many colors, and each color meant something different.
  
  Blue- These dragons were associated with compassion and courage.
  Black- These ruled over the mysterious lakes.
  Red- Dragons were found in the South, and were associated with pleasure of summer, and ruled over the fresh water lakes.
  Yellow- They brought the intellect to the Chinese. They instilled the writing system amongst the people, and the power of prayer.
  White- They represented virtue, and many came into society after the occurrence of great famines.
  One of the most recognizable places one could find a dragon in Chinese culture would be in the Chinese calendar. The calendar is a yearly calendar based on the cycles of the moon. The calendar can begin anywhere between the early part of January and the middle of February.
  A complete cycles takes about 60 years. The calendar is divided by year, with different animals being associated with that year. It is said that each animal has an impact on the personality of the people born in that year. The dragon's years in the calendar consist of; 1928,1940,1952,1964,1976,1988 and 2001.
  The Dragon is a very esteemed creature in Chinese Mythology. They are associated with different aspects of the culture both in mythology and out.
  
  
  Dragons in European mythology might be literally polar opposites from the dragons in Chinese mythology.
  The European were more of the stereo typical dragon as seen in movies. They were fire breathing, villainous creatures. They were mostly present in mid evil times. Kings usually had dragons guarding their fortunes and treasures because no one would dare try to cross a dragon.
  The normal appearance of a European dragon was 2 wings, 2 to 4 legs and a tail, with razor sharp horns along the spine. They could also live up to 100 centuries, and were greatly feared by all. In the myths, there were not mean to portray any higher being like in the Chinese,but to be a fearful creature to protect important things to the kingdoms.
  Dragons differ in different cultures and myths, but they all mean something to each regardless of what it is.