By Edward Varvak

What is a Chinese Dragon?

• Mythical creature of luck and fortune• Important & powerful creature in Chinese

culture• Royal Symbol of Emperors – Chinese Emperors called themselves “Dragons”– Emperor’s bed was called “Dragon Bed”– Throne was “Dragon Seat”– Ceremonial Dress was “Dragon Robes”

What do Dragons Look Like?

• Head of Camel• Horns of Deer• Eyes of Rabbit• Scales of Carp• Paws of Tiger

• Claws of Eagle• Body of Snake• Ears of Bull• Whiskers

• Jewel under the chin so it can fly to heaven

What can a Chinese dragon do?

• Breath fire and/or rain• Expand and contract their body• Fly (even though it has no wings!)• Become invisible

Their second 500 years dragons

live as fish

Life of a Dragon

0 500 1000 1500 2000

Dragon is born from the “dragon egg” which looks like shiny jewelry.When hatched, and until around 500 years old the dragon looks like a water snake.

Then as scaled dragons living in the sea. Dragons grow rapidly during this period

Between the ages of 1500 and 2000 dragons would gain horns which represent wisdom

Chinese Character for Dragon

• Over thousands of years as Chinese writing evolved the character representing a dragon changed (oldest newest):

Did you know?• Over the years, Chinese words changed with time

under the influence of different cultures, regions, and even politics.

• Oracles character for Chinese Dragon (The oldest Chinese words which are found as the inscriptions on the bone or shell )

Chinese Zodiac Dragon

• Chinese calendar consists of a 12-year cycle • An animal is assigned to each year• 11 years are symbolized by common animals:

Rat, Cow, Snake, Hare, Dog, Pig, etc.• One year is symbolized by Dragon – a mythical

creature!• People born in Dragon year considered lucky

Questions?