Have you ever wondered what dragons look like in different parts of the world? Or what they mean to other people and cultures?
Dragons are not real animals but very popular in stories, art, tattoos and legends.
They can be scary or friendly, powerful or wise, good or evil. In this article, you will learn about two types of dragons: the eastern and the western.
You will find out where they come from, what they look like, what they can do and what they symbolize. You will also discover how the eastern dragons are linked to the Chinese zodiac, which is a way of telling your personality and future based on your birth year.
Did you know that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon? And not just any dragon, but the wood dragon. What does that mean? Read on to find out!
Western Dragons: Origins, Features and Symbolism
Western dragons are usually depicted as large, winged, fire-breathing reptiles often associated with evil, chaos, and greed. However, their origins, features, and meanings are only sometimes consistent or clear.
Origins of Western Dragons
According to some sources, the word “dragon” comes from the Greek word “drakon”, which means “serpent” or “seeing one”. The earliest mentions of dragons in Western literature can be traced back to Greece and Rome’s ancient myths and legends, where they were often enemies of gods and heroes. For example, Zeus fought against Typhon, a monstrous dragon-like creature; Apollo killed Python, a giant serpent that guarded the oracle at Delphi; and Heracles faced the Lernean Hydra, a multi-headed dragon that grew two new heads for every one cut off.
In the Christian tradition, dragons became a symbol of the devil and his minions, especially in the book of Revelation, where a great red dragon with seven heads and ten horns is described as the enemy of God and his people.
Many medieval legends and stories feature dragons as antagonists who terrorize villages, hoard treasures, or capture princesses. Some of these stories also involve saints or knights who slay dragons as a sign of their faith or courage. For instance, Saint George is said to have rescued a princess from a dragon in Libya; Saint Margaret of Antioch is said to have escaped from a dragon that swallowed her; and King Arthur’s father, Uther Pendragon, is said to have taken his name from a dragon-shaped comet.
The Symbolism of Western Dragons
Western dragons also have different symbolic meanings that reflect their roles and attributes in various stories and contexts. Some of the common meanings are:
- Evil: Western dragons are often seen as embodiments of evil forces that oppose good and order. They represent sin, temptation, corruption, violence, and destruction. They are enemies of God, humanity, and nature.
- Chaos: Western dragons are also associated with chaos and unpredictability. They represent primal forces that threaten to disrupt the harmony and balance of the world. They are agents of change and transformation.
- Greed: Western dragons are notorious for their greed and covetousness. They collect and guard vast amounts of gold and other precious items. They are jealous and possessive of their wealth and territory.
- Power:Western dragons are symbols of power and strength. They have immense physical abilities and magical skills. They inspire fear and awe in those who encounter them. They are rulers and masters of their domains.
- Wisdom:Western dragons are sometimes portrayed as wise and intelligent beings. They have ancient knowledge and secrets that they may share with worthy seekers. They are teachers and mentors of magic and lore.
Eastern Dragons: Origins, Features and Symbolism
Eastern dragons are mythical creatures revered and worshipped in many Asian cultures for centuries. They are often depicted as long, serpentine beings with scales, horns, whiskers, claws and wings. Unlike their Western counterparts, Eastern dragons are usually benevolent and associated with water, rain, fertility and wisdom.
The origins of Eastern dragons are shrouded in mystery and legend. Some scholars suggest they may have evolved from ancient totem animals or ancestral spirits of various tribes and clans. Others trace their roots to ancient cosmologies and mythologies that depict the dragon as a symbol of the primal forces of nature and the universe.
The features and symbolism of Eastern dragons vary depending on the region and culture. For example, Chinese dragons are typically divided into nine types, each with its own attributes and powers. They are also linked to the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water), the seasons, the directions and the colors.
Japanese dragons are similar to Chinese dragons, but they usually have only three claws instead of four or five. They are also influenced by Buddhist and Shinto beliefs, often representing balance, harmony and protection.
Korean dragons are also derived from Chinese dragons, but they have a long beard and a Kintamani (a wish-fulfilling jewel) on their forehead. They are regarded as guardians of water sources and bringers of good fortune.
Comparison and Contrast Of Eastern and Western Dragons
One of the most obvious differences between Eastern and Western dragons is their appearance. Eastern dragons are typically long, slender and serpentine, with scales, horns, whiskers and sometimes wings. Depending on the region, they have four or five claws on each foot.
Western dragons are more bulky and muscular, with leathery wings, spikes, teeth and claws. They have four legs and a tail, and sometimes horns or antlers. Eastern dragons are often depicted as having bright colors, such as red, gold or green, while Western dragons are usually dark or earthy colors, such as black, brown or gray.
Another difference is their personality and behavior. Eastern dragons are generally benevolent and wise, representing power, luck and prosperity. They are revered as gods or guardians and are often associated with water, rain and clouds. They can control the weather, shape-shift and grant wishes.
Western dragons are usually vicious and greedy, representing chaos, destruction and evil. They are feared as monsters or enemies and are often associated with fire, smoke and ash. They can breathe fire, fly and hoard treasure.
However, there are also some similarities between eastern and western dragons. Both types of dragons are powerful and majestic creatures that inspire awe and respect. Both types of dragons have influenced art, literature, folklore and media in many ways. For example, eastern dragons can be seen in Chinese zodiac signs, Japanese anime and Korean festivals. In contrast, western dragons can be seen in European heraldry, American movies and Middle Eastern legends.
The Connection with the Chinese zodiac
The Chinese zodiac is based on a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with an animal sign. The animal signs are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. Each animal sign has its own attributes and compatibility with other signs. The Chinese dragons, benevolent and powerful creatures in Chinese culture, are one of the animal signs. They symbolize wisdom, strength, courage and luck.
The animal signs are also influenced by the five elements of Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element has its characteristics and affects the personality and destiny of the people born under its influence. The elements cycle every 60 years, so each animal sign has five different variations. For example, there are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water dragons.
The Wood Dragon is the animal sign that represents the year 2024. People born in this year are believed to possess creativity, generosity, idealism, and ambition. They hold a strong sense of morality and justice, always willing to lend a helping hand to others. Additionally, they are confident and charismatic, capable of inspiring others with their vision and zeal. However, they may also exhibit stubbornness, impulsiveness, unrealistic expectations, and impatience. Accepting criticism and compromising may not come easy, so they should learn to be more tolerant and flexible to diverse opinions and perspectives.