Chinese mythology: characters. Dragons in Chinese mythology

Chinese mythology reveres a huge number of creatures and animals, each of which either represents. Probably the most popular character, which heard each of us is a dragon, and in China honored its different varieties. It is noteworthy that the first drawings on these animals have been found in ancient excavations.

What are the mysteries?

The Dragon in Chinese mythology – it is a creature that embodies the elemental forces of nature, the heavens, the power of the Emperor. Numerous images of this animal until today meet in buildings of this country, including in the Imperial Palace. The Chinese mythology makes the dragon a symbol of good, peace, prosperity, he even installed the dragon's feast, which is held the fifth day of the fifth month. The love of this animal is reflected in the language, which is full of Proverbs and sayings, dedicated to him.

The power of the dragon

In the Chinese culture is no accident that such an important place is given to the dragon. It is believed that this magical creature that was so in ancient times. It is through these views were formed and developed in other cultures. The ancient ancestors of the Chinese recognized the dragon totem worship, and today it remains part of the culture of the country, always appears in architecture and in painting. It is also noteworthy that dragons in China – it's a magical creature, endowed with gifts and combines features of many other animals.

The Ancient Chinese believed that the dragon doesn't live on earth, but he can climb into heaven or dive into the water. But no matter where these beings were, they were powerful and acted as messengers of the spirits or deities. Emperors of all dynasties believed that they were the sons of heaven, and therefore true descendants of the dragon. And the common people bowed before the power of this animal, which until now in China is a symbol of prosperity.

Recommended

Competition is the rivalry between participants in the market economy. Types and functions of competition

Competition – a concept inherent in a market economy. Every participant in the financial and commercial relations, seeks to take the best place in the environment where it must operate. For this reason, there is stiff competition. The struggle ...

The mayor: powers and duties. Elections of the mayor

Normal functioning of all systems of the settlement, competent and timely execution of tasks in the sphere of economic, social and other areas of development is impossible without control of the mayor. But how voters can evaluate the quality of work ...

Francisco Franco: biography and political activities

When the civil war began in Spain, General Francisco Franco (Francisco Paulino of Hermenegildo Teodulo Franco Bahamonde - full name) celebrated its arakatzailea, but he seemed already tired of life and much older than his years. To unpresentable appe...

Mother of dragons

Dragons are considered to be iconic creatures in China, and even a mother of dragons. She, according to legend, raised 5 dragons, which were symbols of devotion and parental love. It is noteworthy that Luna – the mother of dragons – was a simple woman who once picked up a white stone on the river caught actually egg. From it hatched five baby snakes who all helped her. Over time, they turned into powerful dragons.

In Chinese mythology, there is a huge number of dragons. So, some responsible for East China, South China sea, the Indian ocean. Some dragons are classified by color: lapis lazuli is considered to be the most compassionate, the blessing of the lakes gives the scarlet dragon, petitions listens to their yellow counterpart, and virtuous is considered to be white.

Power

China – a country where people still believe in fantasy creatures, including dragons. By the way, they meet in different roles, perform different functions and represent different properties. The most popular dragons in Chinese mythology, the following:

1. Tianlong is a celestial dragon who, according to mythology, is the heavenly guardian, and guarding the heavens and protect him from the gods. It was believed that Tianlong is able to fly and maneuver, so play him in the wings. Heavenly dragon five toes, while the rest of his fellow - four.
2. Shenlong – the divine dragons that rule the thunder, and to keep under control weather conditions. Often Chinese mythology depicts them with the dragon's body and a human head, with an unusual belly like a drum. According to legend Shenlong can't fly, but swims through the sky, and due to the blue tint of the skin merging with the sky. Due to the excellent disguise, hard to notice, therefore, was considered a great success, if someone could. It was believed that if you offend the divine dragon, he can send to the country the bad weather, drought or flood.
3. Dylan is an earth dragon that can control rivers and other water bodies. According to mythology, these dragons live in the depths, in an extremely luxurious palaces.
4. Focalin, according to Chinese mythology, is a dragon that is guardian of the underground gems. It is believed that he lives deep underground.

The Spirits of the elements

Among the deities of China, which are responsible for the elements and phenomena of nature, we can note God of thunder Laguna. Spirits of water resembled dragons, fish, turtles, and spirits of the rivers was both a male and female. It is noteworthy that the Chinese believe any of these things entails, no matter what kind they are and origin. Among all the spirits of Chinese mythology are:

1. Zhun in the mythology of China is the magician who invented the calendar. Legends say that he appears on earth through 1010 years. And the Chinese believe that Zhun can bring back youth, to restore the color of hair in older people and restore them to their teeth.
2. First – is the son of the Supreme deity, the shooter, who committed brave acts. He assigns a big role in Chinese mythology, the spirits whichare found in countless myths.
3. Huang is the embodiment of the magical powers of the earth. According to mythology, this spirit has been a huge growth was externally similar to the dragon, had the sun horn, four eyes and four faces. It is believed that Huangdi invented the mortar, a hatchet, arrows, clothes, and shoes. In General, the Huang – one of the most popular of the spirits, which was a skilled marksman and an athlete, and craftsman.
4. Yu. This character is a suppressor of the flood. In the myths he was depicted as half man, half dragon. As long as 13 years, he worked to stop the flood.

In addition to spirits of different elements have attracted attention and who was responsible for the fertility and drought. BA - spirit of the drought in Chinese mythology – was one of frightening, as it could cause dry weather on the city, thereby reducing the yield. In General the Chinese are very believed in the mystical and wonderful creation, and the above-described characters of Chinese mythology - proof.

Guardian Spirits of the cardinal points

The Rich variety of characters from Chinese mythology. Creatures, which are the four sacred animals, the following:

1. Qing-LUN – green dragon, the symbol and spirit of the East. He, in turn, always associated with spring, so this dragon is depicted always bright green. It was believed that this image brings happiness to those who see it, so he was always placed on military banners. Qing-LUN was also spirit guard doors.
2. Bai-Hu was considered the patron Saint of the West and the Kingdom of the dead, so the image of the white tiger, was placed on the funerary structures. It was believed that he protects the living from evil spirits.
3. Junyao was the spirit of the South and was portrayed as a Phoenix.
4. Xuanwu represents the stern spirit of the North, which is closely linked to water. Originally Xuanwu depicted as a turtle entwined with a snake.

The Demons of Chinese myths

Very interesting and original Chinese mythology. The demons in it too, and the forces of evil represented by numerous characters. So, the demon Lord, according to myths, is Zhong Kui, who originally was depicted as a Mace. It was painted with red paint and hung this image for magical purposes. The Lord of the underworld was Anluan, who investigated, according to the myths, the earthly life of the dead, and then decide what punishment you need to give at the judgment seat. The main magician and the ruler of the demons that was considered to be the Zhang Shi. Was in Chinese mythology, a huge and terrifying serpent, whose name was man. It was believed that this king snakes, but he looked like a dragon with four claws.

Insights

Chinese mythology – the combination of different images of dragons, which are reflected in architecture and in art. Today the country has a huge number of monuments dedicated to the dragons.