
The Chinese phoenix, likewise, exists only in legends and fairy tales. The Dragon Boat Festival is almost a purely dragon-related festival, which is now internationally recognized.

The dragon dance has a long history, dating back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279).


The dragon also plays an important part in Chinese festivals. (Dragon screens are an important part of this dragon culture.) 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. As kings of the waters, dragons lived in dragon palaces under the ocean.ĭragons 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. During times of drought, dragons could create precious water and in times of flood they stopped the rain and cleared the skies. Traveling between the skies and the earth, dragons were considered the heads of heavenly deities and governors of rainfall in Chinese culture. It could also inhabit any place - from the greatest heights to the lowest depths. Along with the kylin and tortoise, they were known as the "Four Supernatural Spirits."Īccording 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 does not store any personal data.In China, the fictional dragon and the phoenix are traditional animals that symbolize auspiciousness. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. In troubling times, the phoenix mythology suggests it flies to the heavens so that its presence can only symbolize peace.

The phoenix does not tell lies or abuse power it is a kind creature and said to only consume morning dew so as not to cause harm to any animals or plants. Red, green, yellow, black, and white feathers symbolize charity, uprightness, knowledge, faithfulness, and politeness. In the ancient Chinese classical literature, Shanhaijing - The Classic of Mountains and Seas(3rd century B.C.–1st century A.D.), the five colors of the bird’s feathers were said to represent the five Confucius virtues. The phoenix is also known as the “August Rooster” since the bird sometimes takes the place of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac. A phoenix and dragon are often portrayed together, as they represent a balance of forces - the Yin and the Yang - that harmonize the world. A mystical creatureįenghuang, (Chinese phoenix) is one of three early Chinese mythical animals, the others being the unicorn and the dragon. (Image: PericlesofAthens via Wikimedia Commons) A powerful nameįor generations, the Chinese have named food, girls, and musical instruments after the Chinese character for the phoenix, having an expectation that they will be as splendid as the phoenix. Tang Dynasty square bronze Chinese mirror with a phoenix motif.
