In China, the fictional dragon and the phoenix are traditional animals that symbolize auspiciousness. Along with the kylin and tortoise, they were known as the "Four Supernatural Spirits."

According to ancient records, the dragon appeared as a composite of many animals, such as the snake, alligator and lizard -- long or short, small or huge, hidden yet active. It could also inhabit any place -- from the greatest heights to the lowest depths. Traveling between the skies and the earth, dragons were considered the heads of heavenly deities and governors of rainfall in Chinese culture. During times of drought, dragons could create precious water and in times of flood they stopped the rain and cleared the skies. As kings of the waters, dragons lived in dragon palaces under the ocean.

Dragons are deeply rooted in Chinese culture: Chinese people often consider themselves "the descendants of the dragon" and Chinese emperors thought they were real dragons and the sons of heaven. Thus, their beds were appropriately called "dragon beds," their throne, "dragon seat," and their ceremonial robes, "dragon robes." Also, dragons, which are a symbol of imperial power, can be spotted on many buildings in the imperial palace. (Dragon screens are an important part of this dragon culture.)

The dragon also plays an important part in Chinese festivals. The dragon dance has a long history, dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The Dragon Boat Festival is almost a purely dragon-related festival, which is now internationally recognized.

The Chinese phoenix, likewise, exists only in legends and fairy tales. The phoenix was commonly referred to as the "King of Birds." As sovereign of all birds, it has the head of a golden pheasant, a parrot's beak, the body of a mandarin duck, the wings of a roc, peacock feathers and the legs of the crane. With its elaborate beauty, it reigns over the feathered world. An early design of the phoenix is depicted on a silk painting (right) discovered in a tomb of the Warring States Period (475-221BC) near Changsha, Hunan Province . As a supernatural bird, the phoenix embodies the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity. As such, it cannot harm either a single insect or blade of grass. It perches itself only on the finest firmiana tree, eating and drinking nothing but bamboo seeds and sweet spring water.

Page:

1

2