Chinese dragon

The Chinese dragon ({{zh-tsp|t=?|s=?|p=lóng}} Cantonese: loong; Hokkien: dieng, leng) is a mythical creature. Long a potent symbol of auspicious power in Chinese folklore and art, it is the embodiment of the concept of yang and associated with the weather and water as the bringer of rain.

Symbol of the emperor

The dragon was a symbol for the emperor in many Chinese dynasties. The imperial throne was called the dragon throne. During the late Qing dynasty, the dragon was even adopted as the national flag. It was a capital offense for commoners to wear clothes with a dragon symbol.

Related Topics:
Chinese dynasties - Qing dynasty - Flag - Symbol

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In some Chinese legends, an emperor might be born with a birthmark in the shape of a dragon. For example, one legend might tell 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.

Related Topics:
Chinese legend - Birthmark

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The empress was often identified with the phoenix.

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