FOR the next year of the Chinese lunar calendar, we will be seeing a lot more of this maligned and mysterious reptile. We might even have more sightings from Loch Ness, whose most famous resident seems closer to a Chinese dragon than a Scottish monster, judging by its sinuous shape and love of water.
There are many differences between China's dragons and their British cousins. One is a wingless flying creature associated with power, wisdom and water; the other is a winged mountain dweller with an affinity for fire.
Personality-wise, one is a benign bringer of sustenance, whereas the other is a ravager of land and young women. Chinese dragons can also be vengeful, however. Rather than incinerating all in their path, they prefer to drown the disrespectful with floods. The association with fire may have come about as Chinese dragons are often depicted in pursuit of a flaming pearl, symbolising everything from prosperity to immortality.
Confusion between Eastern and Western dragons is common. Even J. K. Rowling, who knew her cryptozoology well, created an improbable Chinese Fireball-with wings and fiery breath. Middle Kingdom tradition allows for some leeway, but, 2,000 years ago, the following was written down as a standard model: 'His antlers are like those of a stag, head of a camel, eyes of a demon, neck of a snake, belly of a clam, scales of a carp, claws of an eagle, soles of a tiger, ears of a cow.' The finishing touch was a lump on his head that allowed him to fly without wings (Arts & antiques, February 7).
Of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is the only one that is generally invisible.
この記事は Country Life UK の February 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。
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この記事は Country Life UK の February 21, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
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