Chinese dragon (moon) - the most famous mythical creature in China, if not the entire East Asian culture.Symbolizing abundance, prosperity, good luck, it is different from the dragons in Western culture, which is usually associated with evil.The appearance of the moon combines the features of nine animals: the camel (the head), the snake neck), bull (ears), deer (horns), carp (scales), tigers (legs), eagle (claws), lobster (eyes), China(tail).Thanks to a bump on the head, moons can fly without wings.However, in artistic creations, he is portrayed as a snake-like scaly creature with four legs.Its mythological origins lost in Chinese culture for centuries, but traditionally it is believed that he is the ruler of water.
From primitive times people believed this mysterious creature with supernatural powers, able to bless and influence their lives.When many tribal education were merged into one community, the Chinese dragon has become a national symbol, and the deity of rain, thunder, rainbows and stars.In a society engaged in agricultural work, almost everything depends on the nature, therefore the moon was worshiped as the source of all that is related to well-being.Even today, in rural areas people are turning to local deities in the face of the Dragon (who was believed to reside in rivers, lakes, bays), when asked about making the rain.The belief in the magical powers of the moon is maintained for thousands of years.
With the formation of feudal society in China, the Chinese dragon has become the exclusive symbol of the Emperor, personifying his power and strength.According to the concept of opposites of ancient Chinese philosophy of nature, moons - yang, Fenghuang (Phoenix) - yin.They personify the heavens and the earth (Emperor and Empress), thus, control the destiny of mankind.
Mongols, the Chinese won the land in the thirteenth century, took the characters and make them available in the Middle East, which they have also conquered.Of course, the art of the Middle East, they were an innovation in the thirteenth century.But later the stylized image of the Chinese dragon and phoenix are increasingly appearing on carpets, metal products.
For thousands of years the image of the moon has undergone a number of changes - from a ferocious and mysterious primitive product on the Bronze Age to the elegant and tamed in the works of art of the Song Dynasty.It can be of different colors - yellow, blue, black, white, red.The most revered - yellow, associated with the legendary first emperor Fu Xi.
mythological beings, as we know, is popular in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese culture.Chinese dragon plays an important role in the festival.Thus, the moon dance with a long history, has been popular during the Song Dynasty.
most surprising motif is the epitome of "Narcissus" (wall of nine dragons).Such walls are in imperial palaces and gardens, they performed a protective function.Provided nine major species of creatures, among them the most powerful Chinese dragon is considered to be horned.Tattoos depicting him, today it is very popular in various cultures.
