DADA Official Post

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

Physiology: These three species of dragons look very similar, but come from different parts of the world. They all have sinuous serpentine bodies, have four legs, they do not usually breath fire, usually shown not to have wings, but are illustrated to have them which is the Adult Imperial Dragon. The dragons are said to be made up of many different types of animals of the Earth: the body of a snake, scales of a carp (fish), head of a camel, horns of a giant stag (deer), the eyes of a hare (rabbit), ears like a bull, a neck like an inguana, belly of a frog, paws like a tigers, and claws like an eagle. Most of the time they are shown to have a lion-type mane around its neck, on its chin, and on each elbow. They have two antler-type horns decorating their wide-mouthed head, and two long "feeler" whiskers spreading out from their snout. Eastern dragons have 117 scales, 81 infused with yang, the good, and 36 infused with yin, the bad. This evens out the dragons temper and personality.

There are three families of Eastern dragons: 3 toed, 4 toed, and 5 toed. Three toed dragons are Japanese. Four toed dragons are Indonesian or Korean. Five toed dragons are Chinese. They are shown in the colors blue, black, white, red, or yellow. Oriental dragons are usually shown with a pearl in their mouth, under their chin, or in their claws. This is apparently where the dragon gets its power, and how it ascends to heaven. Roasted swallows are the Chinese dragon's favorite food.

History: In China dragons are known as Lung. There are four main kinds of Lung:
Tien-lung: The Celestial Dragon: who protect the places of the Gods,
Shen-Lung: The Spiritual Dragon: who control the wind and the rain,
Ti-Lung: The Earth Dragon which control rivers, and water on the Earth,. Separate dragons control the rivers of the North, South, East and West.
Chien-Tang: Master of the river dragons, who is blood red, has a firey mane, and is 900 feet long.
Ti-Lung: The Earth Dragon which controls rivers, water on Earth.
Fut's-Lung: The Underworld Dragon which gaurds precious metals and gems.

Eastern dragons are portrayed as good, kind, and intelligent. Oriental Dragons have the most recorded history in the world, especially in China going back thousands of years. In history they have a very close link to the weather. It is said that some of the worst flooding in Asia's History were caused when a mortal has upset a dragon. In Chinese history, the 5 toed dragon is the symbol of power, and are considered "Imperial Dragons". Long ago, it became law in China that only the Emperor could have a five-clawed dragon displayed on his robes or illustrated on anything the Emperor owned. It was usually a Yellow dragon, thought to be the most superior of all the colored dragons. If someone other than the Emperor was caught wearing the symbol of the 5-toed dragon, he was put to death.

Source: Dragons.

The Chinese Dragon is like a symbol of the Chinese race itself. Chinese around the world,proudly proclaim themselves "Long De Chuan Ren"(Descendents of the Dragon). Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. The legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the ancient Chinese civilization and shaped their culture until today. Its benevolence signifies greatness, goodness and blessings. Unlike the the negative energies associated with Western Dragons, most Eastern Dragons are beautiful, friendly, and wise. They are the angels of the Orient. Instead of being hated, they are loved and worshipped. Temples and shrines have been built to honor them, for they control the rain,rivers, lakes, and seas. Many Chinese cities have pagodas where people used to burn incense and pray to dragons. The Black Dragon Pool Chapel, near Peking, was reserved for the Empress and her court.
Everything connected with Eastern Dragons is blessed. The Year of the Dragon which takes place ever twelve years, is lucky.Children born during Dragon Years enjoy health, wealth, and long life. (1964 and 1976 were Dragon Years.)
The Chinese Dragon is often seen as the symbol of divine protection. It is regarded as the Supreme Being among all creatures. It has the ability to live in the seas, fly up the heavens and coiled up in the land in the form of mountains. Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all. The Chinese Dragon is looked upon as the ultimate symbol of Good Fortune.
Source: More Dragons!


The Chien-Tang dragon


Painting of Chinese Dragon


Dragon boat/lamp during the Chinese Festival


Two chinese dragons. Courtesy of tangerinesidhe.


Jar paintings. Courtesy of tangerinesidhe.


Chiang-mai Temple of Dragons. Courtesy of tangerinesidhe.

Remember, any submissions of pictures, information or book recommendations about dragons will be accepted until tomorrow afternoon. They earn your house 5 points! Remember to follow regulations found here.



~Rachel

Comments

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[seeingred813.livejournal.com]

So this isn't the poll about the DADA contest?

Re: ?

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

No... that shall be announced shortly. If you would read the other post, you should see that information about what we're studying will post :D

[ali-jayne.livejournal.com]

Hi! I know that we've just started the club activities, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to leave. RL has decided to take up more time than I thought, and it's going to be hard to keep up. I'm glad I had the opportunity to join, though!

Thanks, Alison/Ravenclaw