Japanese Dragon is the personification of a variety of divine powers.This is a fabulous creature can be evil and the good, noble and treacherous.His image is inextricably linked with the water, which is its power and unpredictability as it embodies the terrifying power of the mighty animal.About the role played in the Japanese mythology, dragons, will be discussed in this article.
Origin
known how self-sufficient the Japanese dragon.Firstly, all the eastern fabulous animals (including Korean and Chinese) are very similar to each other.Secondly, recorded in the annals of Japanese myths are not only fully replicate the tales of the distant neighbor, but written in Chinese.Yet the legend of dragons in Japan has its own style, different from the traditions of other nations.On the peculiarities of national folklore of the country will be discussed later.
Features
Dragon Japanese different from the Chinese, especially physiological characteristics.The fact that the number of claws, tails and heads of these different beings.The Japanese monster all three claws.Scientists attribute this fact to the fact that earlier in the China Dragon looked the same.Moreover, his way he represented the strength and power of the country.However, after the conquest of China Mongols hoisted on a pedestal Your Dragon, which was four claw in a sign that it is much more powerful than its predecessor.When the Chinese gained independence, it did everything to forget about the Mongol rule.They again altered his dragon pririsoval him another claw.Naturally, all these metamorphoses Japanese dragon is not affected.He's like a three-fingered come from China, and it still is.But he's got a lot of heads and tails.Therefore, to cope with raging monster was not easy.All Japanese legends testify to this.
Habitat
natural habitats for the dragon is water.In the legends, he is inextricably linked with the Japanese water deities.In the old dragon, and he was considered a powerful product of the heavens, who was revered in many different parts of the country.Center of worship these creatures is the province of Kanagawa.Legends and myths of Japan state that previously lived here the whole two famous dragon.The nine monster lived in the lake Asinoko that in the mountains of Hakone, a five-headed - on the island of Enoshima.Each of these has its own special fairy story.
five-headed dragon
on Enoshima shrine dedicated to the dragon appeared in the year 552.It is located in the rocky northern part of the island.Not far from the church, at the water's edge, is the grotto where tradition still lives dragon Japanese.The five-domed became the patron deity of the island is not immediately.For this he had to marry the goddess.
In the 6th century BC in Japan has developed a cult of worship of the goddess Benten - Protecting the home, women, arts and fiery eloquence.According to legend, she was so beautiful that conquered the great dragon.He wooed to Benten and received consent.Since then, the five-headed beast became a full member of the Japanese pantheon of divine.He was found by the submitter of moisture for land Sagami.Animals are also assigned a special name - Ryukomeydzin, which translates as "dragon god of light."
sacred rites
On the coast in the vicinity of the five-domed Etnosimy essentially dedicated to a spacious temple, and the island is a sanctuary of his noble wife - the goddess Benten.In Japan, I believe that love is everywhere and should always be together.Eastern mythology involves the commission of certain rituals.So, on the first day of the lunar calendar (day of the Snake) is held every year ceremony: from the sanctuary of the dragon in the temple of the goddess Benten sent a symbolic image of the deity.Spouses, therefore, are nearby.But once in 60 years of the dragon temple with all sorts of honors imposed wooden statue, which is then transported to the statue of Benten Island.
Dragon nine-
This creature of Asinoko has developed a very different fate.It is considered very old animal, which from time immemorial, was selected on the coast of the lake and eat the children from the surrounding villages.No one could resist the voracious monster until it appeared in those parts pious priest named Managan.Dragon Hunter frequently featured in Oriental tradition, and every time except for the courage they have a remarkable sharpness.A Shinto sender possessed not only the Word of God, but also the magic of acting.With the help of witchcraft hero managed to tame the dragon and chain him chained to the trunk of a huge tree growing on the bottom of the lake.It's been more than a thousand years - and no one has since been seen on the land chosen voracious dragon.
healing tears
Japan is famous for such traditions.Most interestingly, the creators of legends believed that the evil monster it is possible to re-educate.It is believed, for example, that the inhabitants of the lake has long Asinoko repented of his criminal acts and crying bitterly, recalling them.But no one spell of the dragon, because Managan died long ago.Tears fantasy creatures are considered to be healing, so the waters Asinoko credited with medicinal properties.Some Japanese people come to this region to recover from illnesses and injuries.It preserved even the path on which the dragon went out of the lake.Above it is now built lake Torii shrine.
Patron of family happiness
For some reason, nine-dragon is considered the patron saint of matchmaking, and now twice a year - on the Japanese holiday for all lovers Tanabata and the Western Valentine's Day - unmarried Japanese women rushing to the shore of the lake Asinoko to askfantasy creatures prosperity in your personal life.And every month, the 13th, in the sanctuary of the dragon served, during which the deity asking for protection from all who yearn to find marital happiness.
Yamata no Orochi
Japanese folklore mentions about another terrible dragon, which fix and failed - had to be destroyed.It is said that in the southern part of the island of Honshu, in Izumo, rampage indomitable monster named Yamata no Orochi.A particularly unlucky one family - it had eight daughters, and every year the fabulous creature kidnap and eat one of them.Description dragon states - it was terrible.Red-eyed, vosmiglavy monster has an extraordinary value: Its length is eight hills and valleys of eight.In addition, he had eight tails, and on the back of the monster grew trees and moss.The belly of the dragon has always been on fire and no one could resist his atrocities.Once the home of the parents of accidents there was only one daughter, they came Susanoo no Mikoto (local god), and offered to help.Instead, he demanded the hand saved her daughter.Of course, the elders agreed, and God has ordered to proceed as follows.He told acquire a large amount of sake, which is then poured into eight large barrels.Then Susanoo no Mikoto alcohol placed on a hill, surrounded by a high fence.Each of them has been made for the opening of the head of the dragon.Serpent, which, apparently, was not indifferent to the sake, not sensed a trick and had a cooked meal each of the goals.He immediately drunk and fell asleep, allowing crafty god chop it into pieces.Then Susanoo no Mikoto married rescued the girl, and one of the dragon's tail found the sword Kusanagi, has magical properties.Later, the subject has become a symbol of imperial power.
colored dragons
Dragon Japanese - being very unpredictable.He can change his appearance, size, shape, and even become invisible.Legendary animals vary in color.Perhaps it is their only permanent feature.Each color has its own meaning.Golden Dragon brings happiness, wealth and good fortune.Blue (or green) symbolizes spring, promises to meet him good luck and good health.Red stands for power, activity, and summer storm.Black Dragon is the winter, north, storm, revenge and anxiety.White is associated with mourning in the fall and death.
Vatatsumi no Kami
ryūjin or Vatatsumi no Kami - the god of the water element, the dragon.He is considered the patron saint of good Japan.Fantasy creatures credited with many glorious feats.He once, for example, saved Japan from Mongol invasion: called hurricanes and sink an enemy fleet.In netske this dragon is depicted as a white-haired old man in Imperial garb.But the people are much more popular it completely different look: topless ryūjin, bearded and with long hair, holding a pearl, control the tides, and the god perched behind a huge dragon or octopus.
Japanese believe that ryūjin possesses enormous wealth and is the most powerful being in the world.He lives at the bottom of the sea, but sometimes turns into a human and visited people.His attention was allegedly used the most attractive women in the country.Children of the Dragon is very beautiful: they have green eyes and black hair.And they own black magic.
Legend of ryūjin
This dragon is composed of many legends.They say, for example, that once two gods (Hoderi- fisherman and hunter Mikoto Hoor-Mikoto) decided to change crafts to see whether they can master the unfamiliar thing for themselves.They were siblings and loved to compete for any occasion.Hoor-Mikoto drowned while fishing hook magic brother.In order to recover the loss, the hero had to go down to the seabed.There he met Toёtama bime-no Mikoto, ryūjin daughter, fell in love and married her.Only three years later the unlucky fisherman remembered why he had come.Sea god quickly found a hook and handed his son-in.He also presented the Hoor-Mikoto two pearls, one ruled by tides, and the other - the tides.The hero is back on the ground, made peace with his brother and lived with his beautiful wife happily.
Ryo Wo
Legend Dragon says, many of them have luxurious palaces on the sea bed, as befits a mighty sea god.Ryo Wo is so spacious home that it placed all of drowned people.This dragon is distinguished nobility and wisdom.He - the patron of Shinto faith.The Japanese believe that this creature has great power and can travel around the world.He is also very handsome and smart.Ryo Wo sometimes do not mind playing with the clouds and thereby produce rain or a hurricane.Another weakness - pearl.For the rare instance of a Japanese dragon is capable of much.
Famous dragons
Legacy of the Dragons in Japan is large and diverse.Besides the most famous in Japan there are other, less well-known.Here are some of them:
- Fuku Riu - the dragon that brings good luck.It is hardly fierce, so it wants to meet with any Japanese.After all, this creature symbolizes good luck, prosperity and abundance.
- Sui Riu - a dragon that can cause rain.And he is a blood-red color and may portend trouble.
- Han Riu - multicolored dragon.His body is decorated with strips of nine different colors.Moreover, the length of the body is 40 feet.This creature ever seeks to heaven, but will never be able to achieve them.
- Ka Riu - small dragon scarlet.He is only seven feet long, but his body has always embraced a bright flame.
- Ri Riu - watchful dragon.He sees at a distance of 100 miles.
- Benten - Japanese goddess.According to legend, it sometimes comes down from heaven on the dragon ring and stops the atrocities of other fantasy creatures.
- Kinryu - dragon gold.
- Kiyo - being female.Initially, the dragon was attractive waitress, later reborn and is now considered the patron of the inns.
- O Goncho - white dragon, a ferocious monster always hungry.He hunts with his brother, a red Uwibami.He attacks the people and eats large men.
temples and altars
Dragonshrine found in all prefectures of Japan.Usually they are located on the shores of the seas and rivers, because these creatures - aquatic animals.Internally, the Sea of Japan is the famous Temple of the island.His visit to meditate and pray the great dragon.The descendants of these legendary creatures, according to legend, became the ruler.Sculptures depicting dragons adorn the outer sides of Buddhist temples and castles in Japan.They symbolize all the obstacles and difficulties that people must overcome to reach enlightenment later.
golden dragon dance
In Acasuso in the temple Sensoyi for a year cheering crowd dancing symbolic golden dragon.He was present during the parade and then with honors back to the sanctuary.At first, people throw coins into the lattice of the church and try to touch the dragon for happiness.After that, take out the character of the animal on the street, where he was "dancing" in front of the cheering crowd.This annual festival is held in honor of the opening 628, the temple of the goddess Canon symbolizing charity.Sanctuary found two brothers fisherman hunted in the Sumida River.According to legend, they found the temple because there flew two golden dragon.The festival is held in order to bring good luck for the whole year ahead.
"Black Dragon"
As mentioned above, the black dragon - a symbol of anxiety and retribution.It is assumed that before the start of World War II in Japan acted influential secret society.It was headed by Minister of Military Affairs Tojo, people dreamed of starting a war with the US and win it.The organization called "Black Dragon."Japan while trying to defend its military superiority over other countries.The members of the terrorist organization carried out a series of high-profile murders, paving his way to power.According to some reports, the Second World War in the Pacific began precisely thanks to the activities of the society, because it included members of the nobility, who hated the United States.Tojo eventually became sole dictator of Japan, but his power will not last long.The FBI is still studying the activities of the organization "Black Dragon" and finds new evidence of its crimes.
Now you know that Japanese mythology is a centuries-old cultural heritage.Dragons in Japan continue to idolize.Their worship is much more than real animals.For example, the Japanese yakuza, they find it strange creatures as their patron, and not only are tattoos with his image, but his statues adorn their homes.Dragon Hunter in Japanese mythology - a rare phenomenon.After all, the local legends, they most often do not look like a ferocious monsters from fairy tales and they can always negotiate.And the man who was able to appeal to this fact, all can find happiness, wealth and longevity.
