It is safe to say that the Dragon is the most important symbol in the Chinese imagination; it can even be considered the emblem of China itself.
By Queensland Museum – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16106467
Chinese dragons are said to be made up of nine different animals: the head of a camel, the scales of a fish, the antlers of a deer, the eyes of a rabbit, the ears of a bull, the neck of a snake, the belly of a frog, the legs of a tiger, and the talons of an eagle. Dragons appear in many areas of Chinese culture, but today their purpose is primarily decorative. They adorn shop windows during the Chinese New Year and are embroidered on silk clothing and wall hangings.
This Chinese dragon is made of gold-plated ceramic with a gold commemorative plaque secured with red silk tassels. It is one of a pair donated to the Queensland Museum in 2007 by Peter Beattie, a former Premier of Queensland. The Queensland Chinese community donated the dragon to him in recognition of his outspoken stand against racism and for embracing the multicultural nature of Queensland society.
Dragons are mythical creatures believed to have magical powers to ward off evil spirits. In ancient Chinese culture, they were a symbol of power and strength. The imperial golden dragon with five claws on each paw was a symbol of the emperor in many Chinese dynasties. Many Chinese use the term “descendants of the dragon” to refer to their cultural identity. Today, dragon dances are a highlight of Chinese New Year celebrations.
Of all the dragons that mythology, art, scholarly culture and folk tradition are dotted with, we will now turn to the Green (or Green/Blue) Dragon of the East, which marks the time of the spring equinox. It appears in the form of a constellation (one of the 28 xiou of the Chinese Compass) at the meridian of the Chinese skies right at the “peak” moment of the spring equinox.
The Green Spring Dragon – Photo by Yung-pin Pao from Pixel
Its symbolism is closely linked to the beginning of the new solar cycle marked by the seasonal rhythm: it represents a warm bursting energy that melts the winter ice and gives impetus to the new vegetative growth.
The Spring Dragon represents novelty, a new life, change knocking at the door of the old one and showing up as a breath of fresh air.
Green Spring Dragon – Photo by Till Ahrens from Pixel
All of a sudden a renewal, a new order of things is bringing revolution and sweeping away the cobwebs of prejudice, caution and prudence.
Another important meaning associated with the Spring Dragon is growth, the vigorous push upwards that plants have in this period. So, its hidden symbol is spirituality, understood as an ascending movement towards the sky: elevation.
The Spring Dragon is very fiery and courageous, having to face the last-ditch efforts of winter, that is the reactionary attitude.
It aims high, and so it will take a risk, because this young shoot can run could fall ill for not yet having strenght of a solid wood backbone to support him.
Miscalculations and imprudence, little caution and sudden blocks could clip the wings of this fearless Dragon.
If we want to apply in our homes (the microcosm) what according to the Chinese sages is written in the macrocosm on the horizon of the spring equinox, we will have to pay close attention to the east direction.
If the entrance door faces east, there will be frequent news, visits from brilliant and young people, and the house will not lack the energy of life, opportunities for change, meeting moments for the joy of friendship and spirit.
Also a good view from the east windows will bring luck.
On the other hand, lack of openings to the east and scarcity of Dragon’s main features such as green color, wood material or vertical shapes, will lead the residents to an excessive attachment to material values, to mental inertia and poor willingness to change.
Those who want to make progress on the spiritual path cannot help orienting their library or their meditation corner to the east, and possibly, if they have a green thumb, grow a beautiful plant with vigorous growth, with an erect bearing.
Meditation corner – Photo by 🆓 Use at your Ease 👌🏼 from Pixabay