The Chinese dragon (moon) is the most famous mythical creature in China, if not the entire East Asian culture. Symbolizing abundance, prosperity, good luck, it differs from dragons in Western European cultures, which are usually associated with evil. The appearance of the moon combines the features of nine animals: camel (head), snake neck, bull (ears), deer (horns), carp (scales), tiger (paws), eagle (claws), lobster (eyes), whale (tail). Thanks to the bump on its head, the moon can fly without wings. True, in works of art he is depicted as a snake-like scaly creature with four paws. His mythological origin in Chinese culture is lost to the centuries, but traditionally he is considered to be the ruler of the water elements.
Since primitive times, people considered this mysterious creature with supernatural powers, able to bless and influence their lives. When many tribal formations were united into one community, the Chinese dragon became the national symbol and deity of rain, thunder, rainbows and stars. In an agricultural society, almost everything depends on nature, so the moon was worshiped as the source of everything related to well-being. Eventoday, in rural areas, people turn to local deities in the person of dragons (who are believed to live in rivers, lakes, bays) when they ask for rain. Belief in the magical powers of the moon has been maintained for thousands of years.
With the formation of a feudal society in China, the Chinese dragon became the exclusive symbol of the emperor, personifying his power and strength. According to the concept of opposites of ancient Chinese natural philosophy, the moon is yang, fenghuang (phoenix) is yin. They personify heaven and earth (emperor and empress), thus controlling the fate of mankind.
The Mongols, who conquered Chinese lands in the thirteenth century, adopted the symbols and spread them in the countries of the Middle East, which they also conquered. Of course, for Middle Eastern art they were an innovation in the thirteenth century. But later, stylized pictures of the Chinese dragon and phoenix are increasingly appearing on carpets and metal products.
Over the millennia, the image of the moon has undergone a series of changes - from the ferocious and mysterious on the primitive products of the Bronze Age to the graceful and tamed in the works of art of the Song Dynasty. It comes in different colors - yellow, blue, black, white, red. The most revered is yellow, associated with the legendary first emperor Fu Xi.
The mythological creature is also known to be popular in Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese cultures. The Chinese dragon plays an important role in the festivals. So, the moon dance, which has a long history,was popular already during the Song Dynasty.
The most amazing embodiment of the motif is "Kiulongbi" (wall of nine dragons). Such walls were located in the imperial palaces and gardens, they performed a protective function. There are nine main breeds of this creature, among them the horned Chinese dragon is considered the most powerful. The tattoo depicting him is very popular in different cultures today.
