Not all Chinese dragons are created equal. Actually, there are nine Chinese dragons, not just one. Chinese scholars of ancient times identified a total of nine types of Chinese dragons based on their specialized tasks. So while you’re doing your last minute shopping for Chinese New Year gifts, you may want to think about the different dragons.
- The Heaven Dragon protects the homes of the gods in heaven. This is the ruler of the all the dragons.
- The Spirit Dragon has five toes and is known as the imperial dragon. This dragon controls the weather. If you upset him, the weather may get nasty.
- The Earth Dragon spreads beautiful spring weather in the heavens and fall in the sea. He also controls rivers. When a river floods, we’ve upset the Earth dragon.
- The Underworld Dragon controls gemstones and precious metals. When this dragon reports to the heavens, he creates volcanoes. So next time one erupts, you know he’s reporting to the gods.
- The Horned Dragon is the strongest despite being deaf. His head points to the North. His tail points to the South. He also can make it rain.
- The Winged Dragon is the only Chinese dragon to have wings. He was the servant of the yellow emperor.
- The Coiling Dragon is the water dragon. He lives in deep oceans, lakes, and rivers. 2012 is the year of the Coiling Dragon.
- The Yellow Dragon represents the Chinese emperor. He is the dragon of knowledge. He also doesn’t have horns.
- The Dragon King is not one dragon, but four. Each rules of the seas: North, South, East, and West. If you want it to rain, you go to the Dragon King.
Explaining the nine dragons to children can be fun. They might think it’s pretty cool that there are nine magical creatures. It just makes sense to buy dragon inspired Chinese New Year gifts.
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