Chinese dragon vs. Western dragon - China.org.cn You are here: Home > China > Features Chinese dragon vs. Western dragon By Xu Lin E-mail China.org.cn, February 6, 2012 Adjust font size: The year 2012 is also the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The mighty and mythical creature appears in many legends and fairytales around the world. However, different cultures produced various types of dragons with distinctive features. The Chinese dragon is a far different beast from its Western counterparts. A foreign tourist is taking a photo of the engraving of Chinese dragon in Qianmen, a famous business street in Beijing, during the Spring Festival of 2012. In all the cultures, the dragon combines parts from different animals, such as a snake's body and large, powerful claws. Sometimes, it has features such as a strong body covered with scales, a head with horns or ruffles, sharp teeth and a long tail. Most of the Western dragons have wings and breathe fire. "Drache" means "dragon" in German.

It is derived from "draco" in Latin and "drakon" in Greek, which both mean "snake." In the Western cultures, Dragon is regarded as an evil being, a destroyer and a transmitter of disasters, making it the enemy of everything in the world. The dragons are always killed by brave heroes in Western folktales. In North European and the Germanic Culture, dragon-slayer Siegfried is such a hero. In "The Song of the Nibelungs," an epic poem in Middle High German, he killed a dragon and then bathed in its blood, which rendered him invulnerable. However, the Chinese dragon is an auspicious creature. In the ancient times, the dragon was the symbol of imperial power. Even today, as a magical creature beloved by the people, it still represents wealth, wisdom, success, power and good fortune. Chinese people proudly claim that they are the descendants of the dragon. The dragon also often appears in the publications of Western media as the symbol of China. In fact, dragons have become positive characters in many Western music dramas and children literary works, such as Tabaluga, a cartoon character created by German Rock musician Peter Maffay, and Grisu, a young dragon in an Italian story.

Nowadays, most Europeans understand that dragon is a lucky creature in China, and it is one of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs. Chinese dragon is kind, friendly and even humorous, instead of a harbinger of evil and misfortune. Enter the dragons: A baby boom for Chinese across Asia - BBC News BBC News Enter the dragons: A baby boom for Chinese across Asia By Rebecca Lim BBC News, Singapore 20 January 2012 Close share panel Image caption The dragon is the only mythical creature in the Chinese zodiac When Alicia Loo got pregnant 12 years ago, her husband's family was thrilled - the baby would be born in the year of the dragon. Like most Chinese around the world, they believed that this was auspicious. The dragon, the only mythical creature among the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, is regarded as a symbol of might and intelligence. In ancient China, the dragon was associated with the emperor. Boys born in the year of the dragon, especially, are said to be destined to be successful and wealthy. The next year of the dragon begins on 23 January, on the first day of the Chinese New Year, and lots of dragon babies are set to make an entrance.

Chinese Astrology Chinese new year falls on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar There are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac: the rat, the ox, the tiger, the rabbit, the dragon, the snake, the horse, the ram, the monkey, the rooster, the dog and the pig Exact origins of the Chinese zodiac are unknown, but common folklore has it that these are the 12 animals to reach Heaven in a race In previous dragon years, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and countries such as Singapore with a strong Chinese diaspora have experienced baby booms. In 2000, Hong Kong saw a more than 5% rise in the number of births, according to official data. Last month, state news agency Xinhua reported that China was anticipating a 5% increase in the number of babies this year. Makers of baby products and companies offering pre-natal and infant care services are fired up by the business prospects. A Bloomberg report, citing Euromonitor International, estimated that sales of nappies in China will grow about 17% to 28.4 billion yuan ($4.5bn, £2.9bn) this year.

Dragons' school race Paying for nappies, however, is not the biggest worry for parents of dragon babies. ''It might affect this birth cohort when they get into school, go to the labour market because more people means more competition,'' said Dr Tong Yuying, assistant professor, department of sociology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Schools may increase their capacity, but it still means more children battling it out in national exams to get into top schools. ''It was a blessing, and not so, at the same time,'' said Alicia Loo, whose son Timothy, born in Singapore, was the fourth dragon in the Malaysian Chinese family. Image caption Taiwan saw its lowest fertility rate last year at 0.9 babies per female - the lowest in the world Timothy has to sit for the national Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) in Singapore this year. His results will determine which secondary school he attends. ''He is not stressed at all, being his usual dragon self,'' said the dance teacher and mother of three. ''But I am worried about secondary school.'' The race for school among bumper dragon cohorts is similar in Taiwan, if not more pronounced.

''Competition is definitely more intense for kids born in this year,'' said Dr Chen Shee-Uan, director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the National Taiwan University Hospital. He believes there will be an increase of 20 to 30% this year in the number of babies delivered at the hospital. He is also expecting the same spike for in vitro fertilisation treatments at his clinic. In fact, he added, this has already started happening in the last three months, as couples tried to get a head start in the process. ''The dragon is really a special year,'' he said. Population issues This would be a boon to Taiwan, which had the lowest fertility rate in the world last year. The average number of children born to women was 0.9, a drop from 1.03 the previous year. Similarly, Singapore also saw its lowest fertility rate in 2010 with 1.15 babies per female. Famous 'Dragons' Bruce Lee: (born 27 November 1940) The American Chinese martial arts instructor and movie star was the founder of the Jeet Kune Do form of martial arts.

His Chinese screen name means ''little dragon'' but he is arguably one of the best known dragons in the world. He died shortly after filming Enter the Dragon (1973). Deng Xiaoping: (born 22 August 1904) China's 'paramount leader' from 1978 to 1992, the late statesman was the reformer whose legacy was leading the country towards a market economy. Several other former Chinese leaders, such as Zhu Rongji and Li Peng, were also born in a dragon year. Maggie Cheung: (born 20 September 1964) The Hong Kong born multilingual actress and former beauty queen is the first Asian actress to win an award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for her role in Clean (2004). Lee Hsien Loong: (born 10 February 1952) Singapore's PM since 2004 and the eldest son of founding leader Lee Kuan Yew, he has a first-class degree in mathematics from Cambridge University. His Chinese name means 'the dragon emerges'.

In China - the world's most populous nation, with 1.3 billion people - though, it would be a different story. ''One downfall of the dragon baby boom is that this will put a lot of pressure on hospitals, kindergartens and schools in China,'' said Dr Zhang Yanxia, a visiting research fellow at the East Asian Institute in Singapore. Mainland Chinese mothers already go to Hong Kong to deliver their babies to circumvent the one-child policy, and for rights of abode and education for their child. Last weekend, Hong Kong mothers with pushchairs staged a protest, amid fears of a further influx. Authorities have taken steps to limit the number of deliveries by mainlanders and foreigners in both public and private hospitals. But the boom is not expected to last. Coming years - especially the year of the snake in 2013 - will likely see a decline in births. ''The dragon baby boom seems unlikely to have a significant impact on the total fertility rates in the long run,'' said Dr Zhang. 'Best times' Nonetheless, the baby dragons are coming, by all indications. ''When the dragon wants to do something, there will be no stopping him,'' said Master Wong, president of the Malaysian Fengshui Association.

''I should know; I'm a dragon too.'' This is the year of the Water Dragon and so it is auspicious regardless of whether one has a boy or a girl, said the international Fengshui expert. Traditionally, it is believed that female dragons, while wise and talented, will face some difficulties in their lives, particularly in the area of romance. The best times for babies to be born was either in May, he added, or towards the end of the year when the energy is more vibrant. Many younger, well-educated parents, especially in Chinese communities in the West, say they do not subscribe completely to astrological beliefs. ''The younger, British-born Chinese don't mind if they have a dragon baby in the family, or not,'' said Perry Fung, a manager at the Chinese Community Centre in London. ''But the older generation will still be very happy. There is a saying in Chinese - we are the descendants of the dragon.'' In fact, the lure of the dragon is so attractive that some prospective parents from other cultures find themselves drawn in as well. Betty Kioroglou-Poulos, a Greek American living in Boston, is excited that her first child, due in March, will be a dragon baby.

''I guess you could say I half-believe it,'' she said. ''Nothing is ever guaranteed in life, but I figured if the Chinese have been following this and have believed in this for as long as they have, maybe there is some truth in it!'' Ten Mythological Creatures in Ancient Folklore | Ancient Origins 29 June, 2014 - 11:52 aprilholloway Ten Mythological Creatures in Ancient Folklore (Read the article on one page) The world is full of stories about mythical creatures, legendary beasts, and supernatural and god-like beings. For thousands of years, humans everywhere—sometimes inspired by living animals or even fossils—have brought mythic creatures to life in stories, songs, and works of art. Today these creatures, from the powerful dragon to the soaring phoenix, continue to thrill, terrify, entertain, and inspire us. Some, such as the Loch Ness Monster or Sasquatch, continue to be "sighted" and sought to this day. While the origins of these fabulous creatures are varied, and often disputed, they have played significant roles in human society, and have served to stimulate the imagination and desire that is ingrained in human nature to experience more than this physical world.

Whether they truly exist in physical form is indeed secondary to their existence in the minds of so many people throughout the world and through history. The legendary Kraken According to the Scandinavian mythology, the Kraken is a giant sea creature (said to be 1 mile long) that attacks ships and is so huge that its body could be mistaken for an island. It is first mentioned in the Örvar-Oddr, a 13th century Icelandic saga involving two sea monsters, the Hafgufa (sea mist) and the Lyngbakr (heather-back). The Hafgufa is supposed to be a reference to the Kraken. The existence of the Kraken was even acknowledged in scientific texts, including the first edition of Systema Naturae [1735], a taxonomic classification of living organisms by the Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist Carolus Linnaeus. He classified the Kraken as a cephalopod, designating the scientific name Microcosmus marinus.

Although any mention to Kraken was omitted in later editions of the Systema Naturae, Linnaeus described it in his later work, Fauna Suecica [1746], as a "unique monster" that "is said to inhabit the seas of Norway”. Accounts of the Kraken are believed by many historians to have originated from sightings of the giant squid, which can reach 18 meters in length. Grendel, the beast of Hrothgar Beowulf is an Old English heroic epic poem set in Scandinavia and cited as one of the most important works of Anglo-Saxon literature of all time. Dated between the 8th and early 11th century, the epic poem tells the story of Beowulf, a great hero who comes to the aid of Hroðgar, the king of the Danes, by defeating a beast known as Grendel who had been terrorising the great mead hall built by Hroðgar and threatening the entire kingdom. Archaeological research has verified that the great hall commissioned by Hroðgar did indeed exist, and was located in the country’s earliest royal capital, Lejre, 23 miles west of modern Copenhagen.

Whether Grendel (meaning quite literarily ‘the destroyer’) originally existed in some less legendary form – perhaps symbolizing a malevolent spirit responsible for disease and death, or a particularly fierce-looking human enemy – is as yet unknown. The mythological Kappa In ancient Japanese folklore, the Kappa is a water demon that inhabits rivers and lakes and devours disobedient little children. The Kappa, a word meaning ‘river child’, is usually depicted with the body of a tortoise, a beak, and the limbs of a frog, and has a hollow filled with water on top of his head. While they are primarily water creatures, they are believed to occasionally venture onto land. According to legend, the cavity must be kept wet when the Kappa ventures out of the water, or he will lose his powers. The Kappa is one of the most well-known folk legends in Japan and many believe the mythical creature to be true. In fact, there are signs near some lakes in Japan warning people of their presence.

However, others maintain it is much more likely that the legend of the Kappa is connected with sightings of the Japanese Giant Salamander, or ‘hanzaki’, which is known to be aggressive and to grab its prey with its powerful jaws. The legend of Nian According to tales and legends, the beginning of Chinese New Year started with the fight against a mythical beast called Nian, who had the body of a bull and the head of a lion. It was said to be a ferocious animal that lived in the mountains and hunted for a living. Towards the end of Winter when there was nothing to eat, Nian would come on the first day of New Year to the villages to eat livestock, crops, and even villagers, especially children. To protect themselves, the villagers would put food in front of their doors at the beginning of every year. It was believed that after the Nian ate the food they prepared, it wouldn’t attack any more people. The villagers would live in terror over the winter, but over time they learned that the ferocious Nian was afraid of three things: the colour red, fire, and noise.

So when the New Year was about to come, the villagers would hang red lanterns and red spring scrolls on windows and doors. They also used firecrackers to frighten away the Nian. From then on, Nian never came to the village again. According to legend, the Nian was eventually captured by Hongjun Laozu, an ancient Taoist monk, and Nian became Hongjun Laozu's mount. After Nian was captured, everyone had a big celebration and the ritual involved in banishing him was repeated the following year, and so the ritual was passed down from generation to generation and the custom of celebrating New Year with firecrackers, noise, and the colour red has persisted to this day. Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year | EDSITEment Lions, Dragons, and Nian: Animals of the Chinese New Year Created September 28, 2010 Credit: Courtesy of Newton Public Schools Newton, Massachussetts The most important festival in the Chinese calendar is the New Year or Spring Festival. One of the annual events used to commemorate the festival is a colorful parade complete with animated dragon and lion figures.

These fantastic creatures manipulated by expert dancers move through city streets and in and out of businesses during the festivities. Expert dancers animate a large, undulating cloth dragon and prancing lions that make their way through the flurry of excited spectators. Frequent bursts of firecrackers are heard along the parade route. In the first activity the student will learn the major differences between Eastern and Western dragons and discover why Eastern dragons are associated with Chinese New Year. They will hear a story about how the dragons came to rule major rivers of China. In the second activity, they will also learn about the Chinese New Year Dragon Parade and discover why firecrackers are used to drive off evil spirits, especially one called the Nian. In the third activity the students will see images of parading dragons, including sound-enhanced video and read poems about the New Year. In the fourth lesson the students will discover that the Chinese lion has imaginary characteristics similar to the dragon. They will view images of the lion and hear about how this highly stylized beast once fought the ferocious Nian. They will learn about the lion dancers in the New Year parade and compare them to the dragon dancers. Finally they will make their own lion masks. Guiding Questions What are the characteristics of the Chinese dragon?

Why is the dragon connected with the Chinese New Year? What is the dragon dance? Why are firecrackers ignited during the New Year parade? What do Chinese lions look like and why are they considered protective guardians? Why do lions dance in the New Year parade? Learning Objectives Understand the symbolism of the dragon in Chinese culture and its role in New Year celebrations. Become familiar with a popular origin myth about the Chinese New Year. Discover the function of firecrackers during the New Year parade. Learn about the appearance and characteristics of the Chinese lion and its role in the New Year celebrations Background The Chinese New Year , otherwise known as the “Spring Festival”, ushers in a period of family celebration and community festivities and lasts for fifteen days . The date changes from year to year and is determined by the lunar calendar. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice somewhere between late January and early February. The celebrations last for fifteen days, although in modern times most families celebrate for only five. It is the most important holiday in the Chinese calendar as well as the most joyous. Chinese New Year serves as a celebration of life’s renewal, heralding the coming springtime as a time of reunion for family and friends.

There are many preparations in Chinese households leading up to the New Year that serve to clean the slate of the old year. They also promote fortune and prosperity for the family in the coming year. Pre-new year activities include a thorough cleaning of the house—especially doors and window openings—in order to remove the misfortunes of the previous year. Families take other purifying measures, such as purchasing new clothes, paying off old debts, and burning incense. Along with heralding the birth of a new year, everyone celebrates their communal birthday during this time—although they may also celebrate their individual birthdays during the course of the year as well. New Years’ Eve traditions are very extensive with many colorful customs to invite prosperity. Tables are laid with many foods to promote an auspicious beginning to the coming year. These include golden circular fruits such as oranges and foods like dumplings (jiaozi) that signify hope of wealth and prosperity. Fish (yu) is served as a symbol of plenty. Sticky rice balls (yuanxiao) are served in sweet soup as symbol of family togetherness and happiness. Flower centerpieces are also used to decorate the house because they symbolize springtime and burgeoning new life. Red is the favored color.

It signifies happiness and is featured in clothing and wall hangings. Chun lian is a special Chinese couplet of good luck characters written in beautiful calligraphy on red paper and hung on the either side of the front door and sometimes across the top of the threshold as well. It is only placed there during the New Year’s festival, and like Christmas decorations it is removed once the holiday is over. The couplet brings an upbeat message of life and hope and better things to come. The entire family, including children, is encouraged to remain awake though New Year’s Eve, playing games and having fun, feasting, and setting off fireworks. In the morning the children greet their parents and receive red envelopes of lucky money. Then the family goes door to door socializing with relatives and neighbors. During this time, transgressions are forgiven and gifts are exchanged. One must refrain from outbursts or speaking angry words, as the tone of the entire New Year is established during this time. The entire festival is marked by a spirit of joy, peace, and goodwill. The festival officially concludes on the 15th day with the lantern festival . Though most of the New Year festivities are contained in the family home there are also communal celebrations.

In many communities across the country there are communal parades which feature animals that are associated with the New Year: the lion: the dragon and the Nian. These creatures—real as well as mythical—have unique powers and characteristics that position them in the forefront of the festivities. The dragon is highly respected as the most powerful of all; the lion is touted as a symbol of joy and good luck; both are highlighted in the dance pantomimes performed in these parades. The Nian is a fearsome character from Chinese mythology with a frightening visage, which to the delight of the crowds, is frightened away by the lion and the splendid noisemaking instruments. The New Year parade is a regular event in many communities that celebrate Chinese New Year. It often features a dragon dance as well as a lion dance. A New Year Dragon Parade may open the festivities as well as close the celebrations of the fifteen-day-long festival. It is led by the dragon, an animal revered in China for its magnificence and life-generating powers. The tradition of performing a dragon dance is thought to date back to the first century BCE. The dance was originally a ritual performed during a time of drought by groups of men of various ages to bring rain.

In the early 1900s, the Chinese who immigrated to America began to perform dragon and lion dances in New Year parades to bring good blessings and boost the spirit of the community. In California communities as well as across the United States, these dances have been a favorite spectacle in festival parades since the mid-twentieth century. In the Chinese tradition, the dragon has a place of very high esteem and differs dramatically from those that appear in Western-world stories and sagas. Unlike its Western counterpart, a symbol of evil, a malevolent force to be vanquished and slain, the Chinese dragon is a benevolent creature exemplifying the life force and signifying good fortune. In Western legends, dragons serve as an archetypal symbol of the underworld where the hero must confront the dark side of his/her nature. Once the hero slays the dragon—or makes peace with it during his/her underworld trials, the initiation is complete. The Chinese dragons, however, are paid homage as celestial beings with royal bearing. They are invested with powers of regeneration that permeate the natural world and renew the cosmic order. Through their influence, the seasonal cycles of the natural world are maintained from year to year, or restored, if harmony is disturbed.

As noted above, dragons are also known to be guardians of water and are invoked when rain is needed to replenish crops and when the flow of rivers needs to be controlled. The role of the dragon in the traditional New Years parade is to drive away evil spirits that may be lurking abroad, to dispel negative energy left over from the previous year, and to usher in a year filled with good fortune and supreme happiness.. The dragon-figure costume is designed as a very long body of brilliantly-colored cloth in reds, golds, and greens. One person manipulates the head, and the body down to the tail is supported by many dancers who hold it up and control it’s gyrations with sticks or handles during the parade procession. It is said that once the dragon’s eyes are painted, the creature comes alive! Due the dragon’s size, the dancers are required to have a great deal of discipline and physical stamina. It is no surprise that, traditionally, the dancers were all men and highly trained martial artists though now in some parades women may serve as dancers. Firecrackers are staples of the New Year celebrations. In ancient times, red bamboo was burned for this purpose.

Later, gunpowder was used to fill the red bamboo reeds and exploded to create loud sounds. This noise has an important role at New Year because it dispels bad spirits thought to be especially active during liminal (or borderline) periods of time. Because dragons are believed to hibernate in the winter, firecrackers are also used to keep the dragon “awake”. Noisy firecrackers are an essential accompaniment to the lion, as well, during the New Year parade, creating his fierce roars that fend off the Nian monster. Lions in the Chinese tradition bear very little resemblance to actual lions. These large cats are not native to China, and the ancient Chinese did not know what they actually looked like—they only learned about them from travelers’ descriptions. Chinese artists used their imaginations to form an image of this creature. In Chinese culture the lion took on mythical proportions and signifies good luck and happiness as well as courage and strength. In the New Year’s parade the Lion dance is performed by two people In this dance, the lion mimics eating auspicious foods like oranges and red envelopes of lucky money, which the children “feed” him during the dance.

The lion also may chase a ball or large “pearl” that represents the sun. There is loud music accompanying the pantomime made by musician using drums and gongs. Firecrackers are also set off during his dance. There is sometimes a mock battle of the lion fighting the Nian monster and vanquishing him. Traditionally the lion dance may also be performed to consecrate the opening of a building and at other civic commemorations. The Nian is a particularly gruesome monster that according to Chinese myth emerges from its hidden lair under the sea or in the mountains during the New Year festival. As the legend goes, the Nian satisfies its ferocious appetite by devouring crops and consuming people. Once upon a time, a village was being attacked by the Nian, and the people did not know what to do. The village shaman-priest instructed them to build their own lion-monster to fend it off. Because the Nian is believed to be afraid of loud noise and terrified by the color red, the villagers made banging sounds with instruments and dishes and wore red clothing to scare him off.

It is interesting to note that the Mandarin Chinese word for “year” is Nian, and a greeting of “xin nian kuai le” (roughly translated as “Happy New Year”) is exchanged at this time. So, in essence, the performance of the lion dance and the scaring off the Nian are in effect a ritual representation of the passage of time. This custom finds a parallel in the Western noisemaking made at midnight on New Years Eve, which also signifies “out with the old and in with the new.” Preparation Instructions Access and become familiar with the EDSITEment-reviewed websites listed in Activities 1-4. EDSITEment-reviewed Asia for Educators provides teachers with elementary-level resources into Chinese Culture and additional background into the lunar New Year rituals and legends . Download the dragon graphic at Color a Chinese Dragon , available through the EDSITEment-reviewed resource Internet Public Library , and make sufficient copies for your students. Do the same with the graphics of the parade dragon and other Year of the Dragon Colouring Pages available through the EDSITEment-reviewed resource ipl2 . Gather colored markers and sheets of white paper for a drawing activity.

You'll also need brown paper bags (one for each student), glue, sequins, and fake fur for making a lion mask. Additional information for teachers about New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year available at the EDSITEment-reviewed website Chinese New Year . Supplementary materials for teachers can be found at Dragons in Ancient China including images and background on dragons in Chinese architecture, paintings, and culture. This site is available through EDSITEment-reviewed resource Internet Public Library . Dragons as Creatures of Power explores the mythic nature of dragons from different cultures including Asia available through the Field Museum of Natural History's Mythic Creatures's exhibit (along with a Resource guide for Educators .) Background and images of dragons as depicted in cermonial empress Dragon Robe called ch'i-fu, which translates as "festive dress" along with discussion questions provide students a unique view available at the World Myths & Legends website from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Information about the Chinese zodiac symbol for Dragon and other zodiac animal signs is available through the EDSITEment Lesson Plan for K-2 entitled Animals of the Chinese Zodiac . Lesson Activities Photograph of Fu Lion Now go to Lion Dancing , available through EDSITEment-reviewed ipl2 .

Read through the text with the students. Have them comment on the role of the lion in Chinese celebrations. Tell the students that the lion often appears in a Chinese New Year parade . Unlike the dragon, a lion consists of only two people, one wearing the head and the other the furry body. Say that the lion appears in the parade not only because it is considered a lucky and benevolent creature but also because of its connections with Nian. Access additional information through The Kingdom of Lions – The Chinese Lion Dance available through EDSITEment-reviewed resource ipl2 ). Ask for questions and/or comments. Now go to Chinese New Year Lion Dance to see a drawing of lion dancers. Then access Lions , available through EDSITEment-reviewed resource ipl2 . Have students examine the mask of a lion used in a lion dance. Explain that the mask is made from strong but light materials, such as paper-mache and bamboo, and fits over a dancer's shoulders. He can move the lion's eyes, mouth and ears with his hands. The lion's body, which is attached to the head, consists of a long piece of cloth. It is often decorated with sequins and mock fur. Access this page featuring a video clip of an actual lion dance.

As the lion dances in the parade, it is often accompanied by three musicians playing a large drum, cymbals, and a gong. The loud noises are intended to chase away any evil spirits. Remind the students of how, in one story, the loud noises scared away Nian. Ask students to consider how the lion dance is similar to the dragon dance. Then ask for differences. Access this video clip of an actual Dragon Dance. Tell the students they will make lion masks using paper bags, markers, feathers, and fake fur. When they are done, display them in a prominent place. Students can also make colorful signs with the words "Guo Nian!" Extending The Lesson The entire class can work in groups on a large paper dragon. The head is made by painting a large paper bag. The body consists of a long roll of packaging (butcher) paper, which can be decorated with feathers, glitter, and/or markers. When the dragon is complete, have groups of students wear it through the halls of your school, to the accompaniment of drums or cymbals.

Additional Student Reading: The Mythical Chinese Dragon | Kiyanti2008's Weblog The Mythical Chinese Dragon Lois Life New Year 2 Comments Chinese New Year will be celebrated on January 23, 2012 and it will be the Dragon Year. The mythical dragon in old Chinese legends is a mighty reptile with great power that gives protection and good fortune. It is the first of the four divine creatures followed by the unicorn, the phoenix and the tortoise. The dragon is regarded as the male symbol of Yang while phoenix represents the opposite, the Ying. The two complement each other to create life harmony. How a Chinese Dragon looks like? The head is the shape of that of camels. The horns resemble dear’s horns. The eyes are fierce and the long beard and mane similar to that of a lion. The ears look like that of the cows, while the feet are strong and have the shape of those of the eagles. While the nails are as sharp as the tiger’s. The scales are large just like a carp. According to the legend, there are many different types of dragon, and the prominent four are: Celestial Dragon that protects Goods and Heaven.

It is supposed to have 5 claws, while other dragons only have 4. Spiritual Dragon that controls the winds and the rains. It floats among the clouds. Earth Dragon that controls water on the Earth: the seas, rivers and lakes. Underworld dragon is the guardian of all the precious metals underneath the ground. Dragon represents one of the twelve animals in Chinese calendar. It is for those who will be born on January 23 this year forward till the end of the dragon year and every twelve years before and afterward. If you are a dragon, generally you are kind and soft-hearted, healthy, respected, energetic and eccentric. Thinking about this elusive creature, it is clear that for the Chinese and many other Asian cultures, dragons are regarded as good animal that protect and give good fortune. It is the opposite of many western beliefs where dragons are bad and evil creature. For those who celebrate Chinese New Year, I wish all of you: About Us | La Choy Fortune Cookies Easy Meals for EveryFamily Since 1922, La Choy has delivered authentic Asian-inspired ingredients, helping cooks everywhere prepare quick and delicious meals for their families.

Our full line of products — from sauces and vegetables to noodles and complete meals — gives you the confidence you need to bring a little Asian flair to your kitchen. ChineseNew Year The Chinese New Year is the longest, most important holiday on the Chinese calendar. First celebrated all the way back in 2000 B.C., this jubilant celebration lasts 15 days, and is bursting with color, sound, and lively Chinese traditions! Chinese New Year Recipes Quick and Easy Won Ton Soup History Legends claim that the Chinese New Year tradition first began with a fight against a mythical creature named Nian, who terrorized villages and villagers. After many attacks, the villagers discovered the creature was afraid of the color red, and by hanging red lanterns and scrolls around the village, they successfully kept the creature at bay. Chinese New Year Colors & Sounds During Chinese New Year, the color red is everywhere. People wear red, decorate with poems on red paper, and give children "hong bao" (or "lucky money") in red envelopes.

On the first day of the New Year, celebrations are filled with the sound of firecrackers, and on the 15th day, colorful lanterns illuminate a lively street parade of lion dancers and beautiful dragons. Chinese New Year:The Zodiac According to Chinese legend, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve animals came, and Buddha named a year after each of them and declared that the people born in each animal's year would share some of that animal's personality. Thus, the Chinese Zodiac was born. The Four Mythological Symbols of China | Ancient Origins 25 June, 2014 - 02:46 dhwty The Four Mythological Symbols of China (Read the article on one page) In ancient Chinese astronomy, the sky ecliptic was divided into four sections. Each of these sections contained seven mansions, and together they formed the 28 Mansions. The 28 Mansions may be considered to be equivalent to the zodiacal constellations in Western astronomy, although they reflect the movement of the Moon through a sidereal month rather than the Sun in a tropical year.

This enabled the ancient Chinese to mark the travelling positions of the Sun and the Moon, as well as to determine the time and seasons. Each section of the sky is assigned to a mythological creature, collectively known as the Four Symbols. These creatures are the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and the Vermillion Bird of the South. Apart from their astronomical significance, each of the Four Symbols is surrounded by various mythological associations. According to the archaeological evidence, the concept of the Four Symbols may have existed as early as China’s Neolithic period (some 6,000 years ago). This is based on some clam shells and bones forming the images of the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger that were found in a tomb in Henan. In addition, it is claimed that one of the artefacts from the tomb of the Marquis Yi of Zeng (c. 433 B.C.) is a lacquer-painted wardrobe with the patterns of the Four Symbols and 28 Mansions.

The Azure Dragon is the mythological creature in the East, as it is said that when the seven mansions in that area (Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail, and Winnowing Basket) are joined up, they form the shape of a dragon. The Azure Dragon corresponds to the season of spring. As the dragon is considered by the Chinese as the noblest of animals, it is the head of the Four Symbols. Although Chinese dragons are commonly associated with water, the Azure Dragon is the exception, as its element is wood. In Chinese mythology, the dragon is regarded as a fearsome and mighty creature. Yet, unlike their Western counterparts, Chinese dragons are believed to be just, benevolent, and bringers of wealth and good fortune. The Azure Dragon of the East. Image source . The mythological creature in the West is the White Tiger, and its seven mansions are the Legs, Bond, Stomach, Hairy Head, Net, Turtle Beak and Three Stars. The White Tiger corresponds to the season of autumn. The White Tiger’s element is metal, and it was held to be the God of War.

In this capacity, the White Tiger was seen as a protector and defender, not just from mortal enemies, but also from evil spirits. The White Tiger of the West. Image Source . In the North, the mythological creature in the Black Tortoise, and its seven mansions are the Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment and Wall. The Black Tortoise corresponds to the season of winter. The element of the Black Tortoise is water, and this mythological creature is commonly associated with longevity and wisdom (just as these virtues are traditionally attributed to ordinary tortoises in Chinese mythology). The Black Tortoise of the North. Image Source . The mythological creature in the South is the Vermillion Bird, and its seven mansions are the Well, Ghosts, Willow, Star, Extended Net, Wings and Chariot. The Vermillion Bird corresponds to the season of summer. Interestingly, the Vermillion Bird has been considered to be identical to the phoenix. The phoenix is traditionally associated with fire, and this is also the case with the Vermillion Bird. As a mythological creature, the phoenix is considered as a symbol of good luck. The Vermillion Bird of the South. Image source .

Within the Four Symbols of ancient China, astronomy and mythology co-existed side by side and may be seen as a harmonious fusion of science and art. By studying these mythological creatures, one is able not only to learn about the scientific advances of the ancient Chinese, but also their belief system and the way they perceived and explained the world they lived in. Featured image: The Four Symbols . Photo source . Fire Away: 7 Amazing Animal Dragons - WebEcoist Fire Away: 7 Amazing Animal Dragons by Steve 2012 is the Year of the Dragon according to the Chinese zodiac and the Dragon is the only one of the horoscope’s 12 animals to be wholly mythical … or is it? These 7 amazing animal dragons may not fit the outsized, leather-winged, fire-breathing draconian stereotype but by chance or by design, by name or by nature, they’re the closest things there are today to actual real-life dragons. Dragonfly (images via: The Artful Amoeba , Wildlife Trusts and Free Republic ) Dragonflies got their name from ancient folklore that depicted them as having descended from extinct dragons.

Other European legends regarding dragonflies put them in rather a bad light, leading to colloquial names including Horse Stinger, Eye Stealer, Ear Cutter and the Devil’s Darning Needle. On the other hand, Chinese and Japanese folk tales associate dragonflies with prosperity, harmony, agility and power. Though today’s dragonflies are fierce predators and the mosquito’s worst enemy, they don’t bite humans and should not be feared. Such was not the case some 325 million years ago when enormous Griffenflies with 3-ft wingspans ruled the over-oxygenated air, preying on, well, pretty much anything that moved – including our primitive, amphibian ancestors. Bearded Dragon (image via: Wildlife Gallery ) Growing up to 60 cm (24 inches) in length, these hardy natives of the Australian Outback look like they just walked off the set of a 1950s low-budget monster movie… and undoubtedly, more than a few have done just that. (images via: DeviantArt/IsXack-bassist and Free Pet Wallpapers ) Bearded Dragons are popular pets though they aren’t legally allowed to be exported from Australia.

The species encompasses 7 different varieties, all of which have a characteristic scaly skin flap on their necks that can be erected and waved when they need to look more dragon-like. Seadragon (images via: The Leafy Sea Dragon , Bestourism and My Funny ) Seadragons are tropical fish that come in two varieties: Leafy and Weedy, both of which are closely related to another somewhat confusingly named creature , the Seahorse. Leafy Seadragons can grow up to 24 cm (10 inches) in length while Weedy Seadragons can approach 45 cm (almost 20 inches). (image via: Dive Gallery ) While both Seahorses and Seadragons share superciliously horse-shaped heads, Seadragons gild the lily by sprouting a plethora of fins, fans and spines aimed at increasing its camouflage quotient. The extra appurtenances contribute to their dragon-like appearance though, like Seahorses, they are neither frightening nor fear-worthy.

Chinese Water Dragon (images via: Animal World and Theemg ) Signs of the Chinese zodiac are divided into five different elements that alternate every dozen years, and since 2012 is the Year of the (Water) Dragon, the actual Chinese Water Dragon gets a little extra status. These members of the lizard family can grow up to 90 cm (36 inches) long, roughly 2/3 of which is tail. (image via: Wikipedia (France) ) Chinese Water Dragons are twee-dwelling lizards that are typically green in color with a row of serrated spines running down their backs. They favor tropical, forested habitats well-drained by rivers and streams – should danger threaten, they simply drop into the water and swim to safety. (images via: Understanding Pets , Phoenix Pets and Woodmontcyn ) When mature, Chinese Water Dragons will display an iridescent patch on their throat that can be a number of contrasting colors, usually red, pink or orange. The beauty and relative docility of these lizards makes them great pets if you’re a reptile lover but take note: when frightened, Chinese Water Dragons can run for short distances on their hind legs.

Mandarin Dragonet (images via: Laconic Reply , Aquatic-Photography and Nano Reef ) Dragonets (“little dragons”) are an unusual species of bottom-dwelling fish that have no scales. They do have an abundance of showy fins and a wide, triangular head that someone, sometime, reminded someone of dragons. Some species of Dragonets display a brilliant mix of contrasting colors and patterns – they don’t call it the Psychedelic Mandarin Dragonet for nothing! Dragonets may be beautiful but they don’t do well in aquarium settings, unfortunately. Then again, neither do dragons so they’ve got that going for them. Komodo Dragon (images via: PBS , Komodo Dragon Facts and Huffington Post ) We’d call these fearsome creatures “Terrible Lizards” but the name’s already been taken albeit in Latin (Dinosaurs, natch). If only there were some other name that would be ideal for outsized, carnivorous, venomous reptiles… aha, you’ve been reading my mind! Komodo Dragons can grow up to 3 meters (9.8 ft) in length, an attribute zoologists ascribe to “island gigantism”.

Hmm, I always thought living on islands resulted in dwarfism; I guess the original lizards of Komodo were reading the instruction manual upside down. (image via: Photohome ) Though taxonomically lumped in with other monitor lizards, Komodo Dragons are about as dragon-like as living creatures get these days. Know anything similar, outside of the late Anne McCaffrey’s “ Dragonriders of Pern ” novels, that can take down and chow down on a full-grown water buffalo? (images via: News.com.au and Zooborns ) Speaking of which, Komodo Dragons are protected from poachers in their tiny two-island home range but the deer and other large mammals they prey on are not, leading to an increase in attacks on humans by the hungry dragons. Life, as they say, will find a way.

Daryl Dragon (images via: Captain&Tennille.net , Discogs and IMDB ) Admittedly we’re stretching the concept of “living dragons” a bit here but hey, Daryl Dragon is indeed a capital-D Dragon (his father was conductor, composer and arranger Carmen Dragon) and at the ripe old age of 69 he’s very much still living… with his wife and musical accompanist, Toni Tennille. I guess love really did keep them together. (image via: Bionic Disco ) Daryl Dragon was an unofficial member of the Beach Boys from 1967 through 1972 – he was given his nickname “The Captain” by Mike Love. After parting ways with the Beach Boys, Dragon achieved pop music stardom as one half of Captain & Tennille . Muskrat Love, anyone?

Mythical Creatures - Paranormal Phenomena Posted on Tuesday, March 18 - 2008 Copyright � Huliq The new eye-popping Field Museum exhibition Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids uses paintings, life-size models, and cultural objects from around the world to shed light on the ways people have been inspired by nature to depict strange and wonderful creatures. From Pliny the Elder who, in 77 C.E., asserted that mermaids were "no fabulous tale," to today's sightings of Scotland's famous yet unsubstantiated Loch Ness Monster, mythiccreatures delight and mystify us all.Mythic Creatures features fossils of prehistoric animals and preserved specimens to investigate and illustrate how they could have—through imagination, speculation and even fear—inspired the development of some legendary creatures. For instance, Scythian nomads of southeastern Europe may have mistaken dinosaur fossils for the remains of griffins and narwhal tusks from the North Sea likely offered credibility to the belief in the unicorn.Throughout the exhibition, models of mythical creatures astound and delight.

Come face-to-face with a 17-foot-long dragon with a wingspan of over 19 feet; a 10-foot-longunicorn; an 11-foot-long Roc with a wingspan of nearly 20 feet and huge talons sweeping overhead; and a kraken, whose 12-foot-long tentacles appear to rise out of the floor of the exhibition as if surfacing from the sea. The exhibition also includes two life-sized models of real creatures: an over-six-foot tall extinct primate called Gigantopithecus; and the largest bird ever to have lived, the over-nine-foot tall, extinct Aepyornis. The exhibition will be on view from March 19 through September 1, 2008. Dragon skeleton found in China sea Posted on Wednesday, April 03 - 2013 The skeleton of a large sea creature has been discovered off the coast of China"s Shandong Province.Measuring 3.5m in length, the large snake-like skeleton has generated a lot of attention since it was hauled up from the depths. Camera crews were soon on the scene to document the find as it was laid out on a red cloth for examination.

Despite the report appearing online on April 1st, theoriginal story dates back to March 28th and is apparently not an April Fools Day prank.Speculation is rife over what the creature actually is. Some believe that the skeleton, which consists of 153 individual joints, is that of a dragon or sea monster while others are more skeptical, believing it instead to be that of a shark or other conventional sea creature. "The skeleton, which is believed to have a total of 153 joints, was foundby fishermen in Qingdao on 28 March." Unicorn lair claim surfaces in North Korea Posted on Sunday, December 02 - 2012 The country has attracted attention again this week with a rather strange claim from archaeologists.North Korea is no stranger to bizarre claims but this one might take the cake. The official state news agency has announced that a "unicorn lair" has been found in Pyongyang and that it would have once been used by the King to house several of the mythical animals.

According to reports, the discovery was made whenarchaeologists came across a rock with the words "unicorn lair" inscribed on it.The announcement might not be quite what it seems however, there is speculation that this could be a response to the recent satirical article published in the Onion that proclaimed Kim Jong-Un as "the sexiest man alive". Could North Korea be responding in kind with its own piece of satire or is there another explanation for the origins of this bizarre "discovery" ? North Koreahas raised eyebrows around the world by announcing that researchers have proved the existence of the unicorn. Was the Uffington Horse really a unicorn? Posted on Friday, December 23 - 2011 Campaigners have proposed adding a 75ft horn to the famous 3000-year-old chalk horse in Uffington.A growing number of historians and campaigners believe the hillside drawing is actually that of a mythical unicorn rather than a horse. "The Uffington White Horse has been a great British landmark for centuries, however its true form has always been shrouded in mystery," said author Paula Broderick.

"Webelieve that the Uffington carving is actually one of a unicorn, a mythical creature known to have fascinated our ancient cultures and folklore." The plan by the "Save the Unicorn at Uffington" has more than 1,000 members and is being lead by Bronze Age enthusiasts. They claim the 3,000-year-old horse made from crushed white chalk in Uffington, Oxfordshire, was originally meant to be a depiction of themythical horned beast.

Question: According to the Chinese, 2012 will be the year of which mythical creature?
Answer: DRAGON