Editing Chinese dragon (section)

== Worship ==
{{Main|Longshen}}

=== Origin ===
The ancient Chinese self-identified as "the gods of the dragon" because the Chinese dragon is an imagined reptile that represents evolution from the ancestors and ''[[qi]]'' energy.<ref name="Zai 2015">Dr Zai, J. [https://books.google.com/books?id=-WzMCQAAQBAJ ''Taoism and Science: Cosmology, Evolution, Morality, Health and more'']. Ultravisum, 2015.</ref> Dragon-like motifs of a [[zoomorphic]] composition in reddish-brown stone have been found at the Chahai site (Liaoning) in the Xinglongwa culture (6200–5400 BC).{{sfn|Meccarelli|2021|pp=123–142}}
The presence of dragons within Chinese culture dates back several thousands of years with the discovery of a dragon statue dating back to the fifth millennium BC from the [[Yangshao culture]] in Henan in 1987,<ref>{{cite book |author=Howard Giskin and Bettye S. Walsh |title=An introduction to Chinese culture through the family |publisher=[[State University of New York Press]] |year=2001 |isbn=0-7914-5047-3 |page=126}}</ref> and jade badges of rank in coiled form have been excavated from the [[Hongshan culture]] {{Circa|4700}}–2900 BC.<ref>[http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl01.htm "Teaching Chinese Archeology"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080211223345/http://www.nga.gov/education/chinatp_sl01.htm |date=11 February 2008}}, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.</ref> Some of the earliest Dragon artifacts are the [[pig dragon]] carvings from the Hongshan culture.

The coiled dragon or snake form played an important role in early Chinese culture. The character for "dragon" in the earliest [[Chinese character|Chinese writing]] has a similar coiled form, as do later jade dragon amulets from the Shang period.<ref>Salviati, Filippo (2002). ''The Language of Adornment: Chinese Ornaments of Jade, Crystal, Amber and Glass'', Fig. 17. Ten Speed Press. {{ISBN|1-58008-587-3}}.</ref>

Ancient Chinese referred to unearthed fossil bones as "[[dragon bones]]" and documented them as such. For example, [[Chang Qu]] in 300 BC documents the discovery of "dragon bones" in [[Sichuan]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Dong Zhiming |year=1992 |title=Dinosaurian Faunas of China |publisher=China Ocean Press, Beijing |isbn=3-540-52084-8 |author-link=Dong Zhiming}}</ref> "Dragon bones" have been used both historically and in modern times in [[Traditional Chinese Medicine|traditional Chinese medicine]]. Scientific examination of "dragon bones" from the 19th century to the present suggests they most commonly are remains of fossil [[Cenozoic]] mammals, such as the extinct horse ''[[Hipparion]]''.<ref>von Koenigswald, G. H. R. (1952). [https://digitallibrary.amnh.org/bitstreams/40fb1156-b20c-4039-a334-c0b2f83faa0a/download ''Gigantopithecus blacki'' von Koenigswald, a giant fossil hominoid from the Pleistocene of southern China]. Anthropological papers of the AMNH; v. 43, pt. 4.</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Oguri |first1=Kazuki |last2=Nishioka |first2=Yuichiro |last3=Kobayashi |first3=Yoshitsugu |last4=Takahashi |first4=Kyoko |date=July 2017 |title=Taxonomic examination of longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, "dragon bone") and a related crude drug, longchi (Dens Draconis, "dragon tooth"), from Japanese and Chinese crude drug markets |url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s11418-016-1062-5 |journal=Journal of Natural Medicines |language=en |volume=71 |issue=3 |pages=463–471 |doi=10.1007/s11418-016-1062-5 |pmid=28220276 |issn=1340-3443}}</ref>

=== In mythology ===

From its origins as totems or the stylized depiction of natural creatures, the Chinese dragon evolved to become a mythical animal. The Han dynasty scholar [[Wang Fu (philosopher)|Wang Fu]] recorded Chinese myths that ''long'' dragons had nine anatomical resemblances.<blockquote>The people paint the dragon's shape with a horse's head and a snake's tail. Further, there are expressions such as 'three joints' and 'nine resemblances' (of the dragon), to wit: from head to shoulder, from shoulder to breast, and from breast to tail. These are the joints; as to the nine resemblances, they are the following: his antlers resemble those of a stag, his head that of a camel, his eyes those of a demon, his neck that of a snake, his belly that of a clam ([[shen (clam-monster)|''shen'']], {{lang|zh|蜃}}), his scales those of a carp, his claws those of an eagle, his soles those of a tiger, his ears those of a cow. Upon his head, he has a thing like a broad eminence (a big lump), called &#91;''chimu''&#93; ({{lang|zh|尺木}}). If a dragon has no &#91;''chimu''&#93;, he cannot ascend to the sky.{{sfn|Visser|1913|p=70}}</blockquote>

Further sources give variant lists of the nine animal resemblances. Sinologist {{interlanguage link|Henri Doré|fr}} lists these characteristics of an authentic dragon: "The antlers of a deer. The head of a crocodile. A demon's eyes. The neck of a snake. A tortoise's viscera. A hawk's claws. The palms of a tiger. A cow's ears. And it hears through its horns, its ears being deprived of all power of hearing". He notes that, "Others state it has a rabbit's eyes, a frog's belly, a carp's scales".{{sfn|Doré|1917|p=681}}

[[File:Guimet porcelana china 02.JPG|thumb|upright=0.8|Yellow dragon on a black vase, Yuan dynasty]]
Chinese dragons were considered to be physically concise. Of the 117 scales, 81 are of the yang essence (positive) while 36 are of the yin essence (negative). Initially, the dragon was benevolent, wise, and just, but the Buddhists introduced the concept of malevolent influence among some dragons. Just as water destroys, they said, so can some dragons destroy via floods, tidal waves, and storms. They suggested that some of the worst floods were believed to have been the result of a mortal upsetting a dragon.

Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a [[Eight Treasures|flaming pearl]] under their chin or in their claws. The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. Chinese art often depicts a pair of dragons chasing or fighting over a flaming pearl.

Chinese dragons are occasionally depicted with bat-like wings growing out of the front limbs, but most do not have wings, as their ability to fly (and control rain/water, etc.) is mystical and not seen as a result of their physical attributes.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

Even without wings the Chinese dragons can supposedly ascend to the sky and fly. According to legend, the dragon's flight is enabled by something on its head named ''chimu'' (Wade-Giles: ''ch'ih-mu'', {{lang|zh|尺木}}, lit. 'foot-long wood/tree'{{efn|Or "a tree one foot in diameter" according to Mather.}}) that resembled the ''boshan'' (Wade-Giles: ''Po-shan'', incense burner,<ref name="tseng1957"/> i.e. ''boshanlu'' or "[[Hill censer]]"), without which the dragon cannot fly.<ref name="BCGM-tr-unschuld"/><ref name="mather2022"/> This piece of lore attested in the Tang dynasty tract ''[[Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang|Youyang zazu]]''.{{Refn|Yu-yang tsa-tsu 17.1a): " 龍頭上有一物如博山形, 名尺木,龍無尺木不能升天" cited by Mather<ref name="mather2022"/>}}

[[File:Kesi fragment with dragon design on purple ground, China, Yuan dynasty, 1200s-1300s AD, textile - Tokyo National Museum - Tokyo, Japan - DSC08441.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Textile with dragon design, Yuan dynasty]]
This description accords with the artistic depictions of the dragon down to the present day. The dragon has also acquired an almost unlimited range of supernatural powers. It is said to be able to disguise itself as a [[Bombyx mori|silkworm]], or become as large as our entire universe. It can fly among the clouds or hide in water (according to the ''Guanzi''). It can form clouds, turn into water, change color as an ability to blend in with their surroundings, and be an effective form of camouflage or glow in the dark (according to the ''[[Shuowen Jiezi]]'').{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

In many other countries, folktales speak of the dragon having all the attributes of the other 11 creatures of the zodiac, this includes the [[whiskers]] of the [[Rat (zodiac)|Rat]], the face and horns of the [[Ox (zodiac)|Ox]], the claws and teeth of the [[Tiger (zodiac)|Tiger]], the belly of the [[Rabbit (zodiac)|Rabbit]], the body of the [[Snake (zodiac)|Snake]], the legs of the [[Horse (zodiac)|Horse]], the [[goatee]] of the [[Goat (zodiac)|Goat]], the wit of the [[Monkey (zodiac)|Monkey]], the [[Crest (feathers)|crest]] of the [[Rooster (zodiac)|Rooster]], the ears of the [[Dog (zodiac)|Dog]], and the snout of the [[Pig (zodiac)|Pig]].

In some circles,{{Among whom|date=February 2024}} it is considered bad luck to depict a dragon facing downward, as it is seen as disrespectful to place a dragon in such a manner that it cannot ascend to the sky. Also, depictions of dragons in tattoos are prevalent as they are symbols of strength and power, especially criminal organisations where dragons hold a meaning all on their own. As such, it is believed that one must be fierce and strong enough, hence earning the right to wear the dragon on his skin, lest his luck be consumed by the dragons.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}

According to an art historian [[John Boardman (art historian)|John Boardman]], depictions of Chinese Dragon and Indian [[Makara]] might have been influenced by ''[[Cetus (mythology)|Cetus]]'' in [[Greek mythology]] possibly after contact with silk-road images of the ''Kētos'' as Chinese dragon appeared more reptilian and shifted head-shape afterwards.<ref>{{cite book |last=Boardman |first=John |author-link=John Boardman (art historian) |date=2015 |title=The Greeks in Asia |publisher=Thames and Hudson |isbn=978-0-500-25213-0}}</ref>

=== Rule over weather and water ===
Chinese dragons are strongly associated with water and weather in popular religion. They are believed to be the rulers of moving bodies of water, such as waterfalls, rivers, or seas. The Dragon god is the dispenser of rain as well as the zoomorphic representation of yang, the masculine power of generation.{{sfnb|Tom|1989|p=55}} In this capacity as the rulers of water and weather, the dragon is more [[anthropomorphic]] in form, often depicted as a humanoid, dressed in a king's costume, but with a dragon head wearing a king's headdress.

There are four major [[Dragon King]]s, representing each of the [[Four Seas]]: the East Sea (corresponding to the [[East China Sea]]), the South Sea (corresponding to the [[South China Sea]]), the West Sea (sometimes seen as the [[Qinghai Lake]] and beyond), and the North Sea (sometimes seen as [[Lake Baikal]]).

Because of this association, they are seen as "in charge" of water-related weather phenomena. In premodern times, many Chinese villages (especially those close to rivers and seas) had temples dedicated to their local "dragon king". In times of drought or flooding, it was customary for the local gentry and government officials to lead the community in offering sacrifices and conducting other religious rites to appease the dragon, either to ask for rain or a cessation thereof.

The King of [[Wuyue]] in the [[Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms]] period was often known as the "Dragon King" or the "Sea Dragon King" because of his extensive hydro-engineering schemes which "tamed" the sea.

In coastal regions of China, Korea, Vietnam, traditional legends and worshipping of whale gods as the guardians of people on the sea have been referred to Dragon Kings after the arrival of Buddhism.<ref>李 善愛, 1999, 護る神から守られる神へ : 韓国とベトナムの鯨神信仰を中心に, pp.195-212, 国立民族学博物館調査報告 Vol.149</ref>

=== Symbol of imperial authority ===
{{Main|Yellow Dragon}}
[[File:MET DP12019.jpg|thumb|upright|Double dragons on a piece of textile, Qing dynasty]]
According to Chinese legend, both Chinese primogenitors, the earliest [[Shennong|Door]] and the [[Yellow Emperor]], were closely related to the dragon. At the end of his reign, the first legendary ruler, the Yellow Emperor, was said to have been immortalized into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. The other legendary ruler, the Yan Emperor, was born by his mother's telepathy with a mythical dragon. This legend also contributed towards the use of the Chinese dragon as a symbol of imperial power.{{Citation needed|date=November 2014}}

Dragons (usually with five claws on each foot) were a symbol for the emperor in many [[Chinese dynasties]]. During the Qing dynasty, the imperial dragon was colored yellow or gold, and during the Ming dynasty it was red.<ref>Hayes, L. (1923). ''[https://archive.org/stream/chinesedragon00hayeuoft#page/n7/mode/2up The Chinese Dragon]''. Shanghai, China: Commercial Press Ltd.</ref> The imperial throne was referred to as the ''[[Dragon Throne]]''. During the late Qing dynasty, the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. Dragons are featured in carvings on the stairs and walkways of imperial palaces and imperial tombs, such as at the [[Forbidden City]] in Beijing.

In some Chinese legends, an emperor might be born with a [[birthmark]] in the shape of a dragon. For example, one legend tells the tale of a peasant born with a dragon birthmark who eventually overthrows the existing dynasty and founds a new one; another legend might tell of the prince in hiding from his enemies who is identified by his dragon birthmark.{{citation needed|date=June 2015}}

In contrast, the [[List of Chinese consorts|empress of China]] was often identified with the [[Fenghuang|Chinese phoenix]].

=== Modern practice ===
Worship of the Dragon god is celebrated throughout China with sacrifices and processions during the fifth and sixth moons, and especially on the date of his birthday the thirteenth day of the sixth moon.{{sfnb|Tom|1989|p=55}} A folk religious movement of [[associations of good-doing]] in modern [[Hebei]] is primarily devoted to a generic Dragon god whose icon is a tablet with his name inscribed, for which it has been named the "movement of the Dragon Tablet".<ref>Zhiya Hua. ''Dragon's Name: A Folk Religion in a Village in South-Central Hebei Province''. Shanghai People's Publishing House, 2013. {{ISBN|7-208-11329-7}}</ref>