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A mythical beast with a combination of reptilian and serpentine traits, the Dragon features in the legends of several cultures the world over.

Although the dragons of the East and the West have quite similar physical characteristics, their symbolic representations are drastically different and, in a way, indicate the cultural differences between these civilizations. The most notable difference between the Asian and European dragons is that while the European folklore has portrayed the dragons as evil, fearsome and malevolent creatures, the Asian cultures regard them as benevolent beings.

European dragons: The European dragons are depicted as fire-breathing, winged beasts living in underground lairs or in rivers. They were believed to guard great treasures and were often associated with heroes who try to slay them. For instance, there is the all too familiar tale of the venerated military saint, Saint George killing a dragon. Thus, according to the European myths the dragons are symbolic of sin, wickedness, and ferocity. However, the Welsh folklore contains some notable exceptions to this view.

Asian Dragons: In the Orient, dragons symbolize wisdom, longevity, sexuality, fertility, procreation, and regeneration. They are seen as mythical beings having magical powers and symbolize water in the Asian cultures. The dragons of ancient India have been the Nagas', serpents that existed in the underworld and harbored enmity with the Eagle-Man God, Garuda. These creatures were considered the wise and benign guardians of the life-giving properties of water.

Japanese Dragons: The Japanese dragons are considered to be water deities. These huge, wingless serpentine beasts with clawed feet are related to rain and water bodies.

Vietnamese Dragons: According to Vietnamese mythology too, dragons bring rainfall and are symbolic of life, growth, existence, and prosperity. Similarly, in the Korean culture also dragons are regarded as bringers of clouds and rain and are associated with water and agriculture.

Chinese Dragons: The ancient Chinese regarded the dragon as the most potent of all symbols of energy and good fortune. They believed it to be the harbinger of incredible luck, prosperity, abundance, consistent success and high achievement. It was said to represent potent propitious powers, especially control over rainfall, floods, and hurricanes. The dragon is still a very popular symbol that stands for valiance, heroism, boldness, self-confidence, power, excellence, perseverance, nobility, vitality and happiness. It brings about physical as well as spiritual well-being and strength. It is related to the spring season and is representative of auspiciousness and new beginnings.

Together with the Phoenix, the dragon symbolizes perfect balance. The dragon is a symbol of Yang and the phoenix of Yin and their union is representative of good luck, success, love, and enlightenment. The Chinese dragons are often depicted with a pearl under the chin. Generally, it is said that the pearl symbolizes riches, prosperity and great fortune, while some mystics believe it to represent wisdom, enlightenment, and truth.

While most of the other cultures view dragons only as an essential part of their folklore, the dragon symbol is still deep-rooted in the Chinese culture. It is a revered figure that continues being identified with excellence, success, and affluence.

American Dragons: The dragons in the modern North American and the ancient Mesoamerican mythologies are mostly serpentine in form. The US and Canada have a common dragon, the 'Horned Snake' that is not a bad creature and is believed to come to the aid of young women. The Mesoamerican dragons are important gods in the Aztec and the Mayan cultures. Most notable among them is the Feathered Serpent, the Quetzalcoatl or Kukulkan. The benevolent dragon is credited with creating the Earth and everything else on it. It was believed to devour evil people and could control the weather and the rain, just like the Chinese and many other Asian dragons.

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A mythical beast with a combination of reptilian and serpentine traits, the Dragon features in the legends of several cultures the world over. Although the dragons of the East and the West have quite similar physical characteristics, their symbolic representations are drastically different and, in a way, indicate the cultural differences between these civilizations.

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Legend goes that the tiger became the King of Animals at the very beginning due to its fame of suppressing the beasts. At that time, all the animals in the mountains immediately hid away whenever they saw the tiger, so the tiger was proud but lonely. The monkey and the tiger were neighbors and they called each other brother; when the tiger went out, the monkey would govern the animals temporarily. Due to the fear to the tiger, the animals had to listen to the order of the monkey. This is the origin of the Chinese saying "the monkey reigns in the mountains when the tiger is not there".

One day, the tiger fell into a hunter's net unfortunately and could not get out despite the struggling. At this time, the monkey appeared and the tiger shouted for help. The monkey hurriedly climbed up the tree, unfastened the net rope and saved the tiger.

After getting out of danger, the tiger kept saying thanks to the monkey but went over in its mind: "I am the King of Animals but I fell into a hunter's trap and was saved by the monkey. If it publicizes the news, no one will listen to me anymore. Maybe I have to kill the monkey." But later the tiger thought: "I am already a loner. If I kill the monkey, I will have no friend. Who will help me if I am in danger again? What's more, the monkey fears me and it will never disclose today's thing."

Then, the tiger told the monkey that it would pay back for today's life-saving grace in the future; if the monkey had any troubles, the tiger would fully repay. The monkey, of course, said nothing about the tiger's dangerous experience to save the tiger king's face. After that, the relationship between them was even better.

Many years later, the Jade Emperor began to choose the Chinese zodiac signs. As the king of animals, the tiger was selected in the nature of things. The monkey also wanted to be selected, so it asked the tiger to plead for it. To repay the monkey, the tiger had to try its best to help the monkey and it told the Jade Emperor that the monkey was the cleverest animal and helped it to govern the animals when it went out. As a result, the Jade Emperor decreed to list the monkey into the Chinese zodiac signs.

The monkey was listed and the tiger repaid the favor. However, the tiger king was unhappy for being paralleled with the monkey which had no outstanding skill in the Chinese zodiac signs. So, the two broke up and the animals no longer feared the monkey. Of course, the saying "the monkey reigns in the mountains when the tiger is not there" has the irony meaning today.

Stories of Other Zodiac Animals:

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Chinese Zodiac Story Monkey, Monkey and Tiger Legend

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Legend goes that the tiger became the King of Animals at the very beginning due to its fame of suppressing the beasts. At that time, all the animals in the mountains immediately hid away whenever they saw the tiger, so the tiger was proud but lonely.

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The Tiger is known as the king of all beasts, not only because the Chinese character "王" (literally meaning "the king") is displayed on its forehead, but also because it is the symbol of bravery and power.

Tigers originate from China and have had a close relationship with the Chinese people since ancient times; therefore, the ancient Chinese people greatly admired tigers, especially in areas such as South China and Northeast China where there were dense tiger populations.

Image of the Tiger in Chinese Culture

The Chinese people express their adoration, sentimental attachment, and wishes by using the image of the tiger, even placing their spiritual sustenance on the tiger. The tiger has become a very important theme in the 5,000-year history of Chinese culture and art.

According to traditional Chinese culture, the ever-victorious general, who rolls back the enemy in the battlefields, is called the Tiger General due to his martial bearing. The official, who is staunched with moral integrity in his temperament and never practices favoritism or commits malpractice, is called the Tiger Official. The kid, who studies hard with an ambitious goal, is called the Tiger Kid.

The Tiger and Chinese Art

The Tiger has a close relationship with traditional Chinese art. We can understand the evolution of the Chinese character "虎" from the ancient inscriptions on oracle bones. We can appreciate the charm of the Tiger artistically from the bronze wares of the Shang (16th century-11th century BC) and the Zhou dynasties (1100 - 221 BC).

We can feel the power of the Tiger from the tiger-head-shaped belt hooks and tiger-shaped tallies (the ancient emperors issued these to generals as imperial authorization for dispatching troops in ancient China) of the Spring and Autumn Period (770 - 476 BC) and the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). We can also admire the tiger patterns on the bricks and stones of the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD).

The seven-colored tiger painting, well preserved in the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, Gansu Province, is a masterpiece of Chinese art.

The Tiger and Chinese Culture

Tiger-head Shoes.

The tiger is the most representative animal in nature, and it is admired as a god by the whole Chinese nation. Not only has the tiger become a symbol of bravery, happiness, and power, but it is also said to drive away evil spirits.

What's more, the totem of admiration and the legends about the tiger have become a link connecting nature, God and man perfectly as one, having a substantial influence on traditional Chinese culture.

The Tiger for the Yi Ethnic Minority People

In the historical legends of the Chinese ethnic minorities, the Tiger is considered to be the ancestor of human beings and even of God who created heaven and Earth. In the epic poetry created by the Yi ethnic minority, the Tiger is considered to be the creator of the sun, the moon, the wind, the rain, and even the thunder.

Up until now, the Yi ethnic minority people still call both men and women "Luoluo", which they also call tigers, and they call the male tiger "Luopo" and the female tiger "Luomo".

The Tiger for the Bai Ethnic Minority People

The tiger is widely adored by the Bai ethnic minority people in Yunnan Province, for whom hunting tigers is strictly forbidden.

According to the traditional Chinese 12 zodiac signs and the folk customs of the Bai ethnic minority people, people born on the Day of the Tiger or in the Year of the Tiger are considered to be lucky, and those born on the Day of the Tiger in the Year of the Tiger are considered to be the luckiest of all.

The Tiger for the Tujia Ethnic Minority People

The Tujia ethnic minority people, living in Hunan Province, west of Hubei Province and east of Sichuan Province, consider themselves to be the descendants of white tigers, and lots of intriguing legends of white tigers can be heard in their living areas.

The Tiger for the Hezhe Ethnic Minority People

For the Hezhe ethnic minority people in northeast China, the Tiger is called the God of the Mountain, and there are numerous temples with sacrifices regularly offered by the local people.

The villagers of the Nianduhu Village, Tongren County, Huangnan Prefecture, Qinghai Province, hold a ceremony to drive away evil spirits and diseases from the fifth to the 20th day of the 11th lunar month, during which time they dance the Tiger Dance to pray for peace and happiness from the Tiger.

The Tiger for the Taiwanese People

A memorial tablet for the Tiger is available in every temple of the Earth God in Taiwan, and the locals believe that it will bring good fortune and peace to those who offer sacrifices to it. The locals also carry the memorial tablet during parades through the streets when the large-scale ceremony is held annually to celebrate the birthday of Goddess Matsu of the Sea.

Chinese people have honored, praised, loved, and even feared the Tiger throughout the history of China, and the Tiger has become a unique cultural phenomenon in China, which will forever live in the spiritual life of the Chinese nation.

Related Links

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The Tiger is known as the king of all beasts, not only because the Chinese character "王" (literally meaning "the king") is displayed on its forehead, but also because it is the symbol of bravery and power.

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This is similar to our version of Cinderella.

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How to Attract Wealth With Fish in Feng Shui

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This is the feng shui symbology of fish, and how to make use of it. This includes the arowana fish, the koi fish, and the goldfish.

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The Chinese Zodiac is a cycle of 12 years, where each year is represented by one of twelve animals.

There exists a story, in Chinese mythology, of a great race that decided which animals made it into the Zodiac and in what order.

Two main variations of the myth exist. In one variation the Jade Emperor, the ruler of all gods within Chinese mythology, hosted the race. To finish the race and become one of 12 animals in the calendar, the animals had to cross a river. Here's our interpretation of this story!

The Great Race

The great race loomed just on the horizon and the Cat and the Rat were best of friends. Together, the two of them hatched a plan to ride the Ox across the river together. They knew the large and hardy Ox was accustomed to crossing rivers and would likely finish first.

At the start of the race, the two animals slipped atop the Ox. Being rather thick-headed, the Ox was oblivious to the two animals atop him. But, as the Cat and the Rat rode atop the Ox, the Rat jolted abruptly forward. The sudden force sent the Cat flying off the Ox and into the river. The Cat let out a piercing hiss directed at the Rat, but by then, it was too late, and the Ox, with the Rat atop, was already too far ahead of the Cat.

Even to this this day, Cat still holds a grudge against Rat. This is why Cat hates water and hunts Rat every time he sees him!

The Ox lumbered towards the finish line. The Ox was going to come first. Suddenly, the Rat leapt from Ox's back and crossed the finish-line first. The Ox crossed the finish line a moment later. However, the Ox was too composed a sort to make a big fuss.

Water splashed forth from the river. The Tiger had burst from beneath the water, his coat sopping wet. The water had weighed the proud Tiger down, but the well-muscled Tiger pushed forth in spite of the burden, hind legs rippling with tense firmness. His huge paw prints bore down on the damp muddy shore and with one final fierce stride, the Tiger claimed the third spot in the Zodiac.

The Jade Emperor watched as the trio of Rat, Ox, and Tiger crossed the finish. He applauded them. They would be the first three animals of the Zodiac.

The Rabbit stood perched upon a rock in the river. He was only lagging slightly behind the Tiger. River water lapped up at his paws. The Rabbit let out soft huffs and heaves. He had been trying desperately to keep up with the Tiger. Despite the Rabbit's small stature, he had kept pace, leaping from one rock to another so he could quickly cross the river. A long trail of rocks jutted up from the river bed. As worry overtook the Rabbit, the Rabbit hastened his motions, pulling back hurriedly on his strong hind legs.

The Rabbit feared that if he did not pick up his pace, another animal might seize the fourth spot from him. Suddenly, the Rabbit slipped, tumbling back-first into the murky waters of the river. The Rabbit's thoughts began to race. Would he even be able to finish in time?

A moment later the Rabbit's eyes widened. A log was floating slowly by. Nearly leaping up from the river, the Rabbit sped into a wild paddle, water flying up around him. He pressed both paws to the log, clinging on as tightly as he could muster.

Alas, the log was barely moving, bobbing complacently in the water. A sudden gust stirred thickly in the air, sending the log hurdling down the river. The Rabbit's heart throbbed in slow motion as the log drifted towards the shore where the finish line was. The Rabbit's pulse gradually slowed, seemingly one beat at a time, as he neared the shore, a deep-seated feeling of relief overtaking him. The Rabbit peered backwards as he floated closer to shore. No other animals were in sight. The Rabbit hopped right across the finish line

The Rabbit did not stop as he passed the Jade Emperor. The Emperor was smiling at the Rabbit with a generous grin. The Rabbit passed rice paddies as he made his way towards the forest. Reaching a shaded and secluded thicket the Rabbit collapsed into a tiny heap of white fur. A mix of relief and exhilaration had seeped through his being, replacing the disappointment he had felt about only getting fourth place.

Over the finish line the Dragon soared swiftly, moving in a majestic aerial stride as it shimmied through the clouds, his long tail streaming and lashing about the placid sky, wind racing past him. As the Dragon made his rapid descent, the clouds seemed to part. The Jade Emperor stood awaiting the great creature. Why has the Dragon not come in first place? he wondered. When the Jade Emperor addressed the Dragon, he began to explain the circumstances that had befallen him.

"Exalted Jade Emperor ~ on my way I saw several villagers that were in trouble. A fire had ignited amidst their crops and they had been surrounded in a circle of blaze. I knew that my spot in the Zodiac was on the line, but I could not stand by and watch. To put out the flames, I used my breath to extinguish the blaze, snuffing it out like a flickering candle. I had to be careful though. I did not want to also sweep the villagers up in this gale of my own creation. I also saw a tiny Rabbit in the river clinging to a log, so I used my breath to push it to shore."

The Jade Emperor smiled again. He was well acquainted with the Dragon's nature. He was not disappointed in him.

As the Dragon and the Jade Emperor spoke, the Horse was in the midst of galloping across the river, splashing up water as her hooves moved like beating pistons through the ankle deep water, beads of mist silhouetting her strong equestrian form.

The Horse burst from the river. Only a few strides separated her from the finish line. Something slithered through the grass. From the grass the Snake surged out, approaching from behind the Horse's hooves. Overtaken by shock the Horse recoiled, leaping backwards. A high nay exited the Horse's mouth, hooves thrown up towards the sky. With a quick slither, the Snake crossed the finish line.

The Jade Emperor watched the snake move past the finish-line, still smiling. He did not judge the Snake. The Snake had merely been clever.

The Horse lowered her long-face, a tinge of shame lingering in her dark beady eyes as she stepped slowly across the finish line. Fear had cost her the sixth spot. Her legs, which moments ago had carried her in an untamed gallop were now locked in slow shaky steps, which barely left imprints upon the dirt.

Back in the river, the Monkey, the Rooster, and the star of 2015, the Sheep, all floated atop a raft, which the Rooster had found resting by the opposite shore - unclaimed by anyone.

Together, the three of them worked furiously, using lengthy branches as makeshift paddles.The sticks would often get caught in tangles of unwieldy underwater weeds, which weaved up from the riverbed, but the three of them did not stop paddling, severing the leafy binds with forceful branch strokes. When the Rooster, the Monkey, and the Sheep reached the river's shore, they let the Sheep cross first - claiming 8th place.

The Sheep had been so comforting and formed such harmonious bonds with them, that the others felt it was only right to let the Sheep claim the 8th place. If the sheep had helped foster these bonds, they may not have all made it to the finish-line.

The Monkey claimed the ninth place and the Rooster took the tenth place.

Coat sopping wet, the dog scrambled across the finish line next, panting as he did so, canine tongue flapping from his open mouth. The dog was an adept swimmer, but because he had not bathed for some time, he had over indulged in the river, frolicking without a care in the water. The sun sat high in the sky today and had heated the water, making it pleasant to bathe in. And, thus, the dog claimed the eleventh place in the race.

By the finish line stood the Jade Emperor. Eleven animals had already crossed. There was only one spot remaining in the Zodiac now. What animal will conclude the race? the Jade Emperor wondered.

Over the horizon, a loud exhausted oink sounded. The Pig waddled towards the finish line, pink skin caked in dense layers of dirt, sniffling snout pasted brown with mud. Yet, the Pig moved at a surprisingly swift gait, little feet locked in a tiny cyclical gallop.

The Jade Emperor gave the pig a sharp glance as he crossed the finish line. "How has one such as you who possesses such surprising speed fallen so far behind?" he asked.

The Pig snorted as he readied himself to speak. "Sorry, Exalted Jade Emperor - I was hungry and couldn't resist stopping to gobble something up. I felt sleepy after eating, and couldn't help myself."

The Jade Emperor smiled again as he peered down at the dirt covered Pig. The race had concluded. The Pig collapsed onto his side, lapsing back into sleep. Snorts that sounded like snores sounded from the Pig's rotund heaving form. The 12 animals of the Zodiac had been decided and so concluded the great race.

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The Great Race: The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac

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The Chinese Zodiac is a cycle of 12 years, where each year is represented by one of twelve animals. There exists a story, in Chinese mythology, of a great race that decided which animals made it into the Zodiac and in what order. Two main variations of the myth exist.

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There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is named after an animal, and each animal has its own unique characteristics.

Do you know why the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are in the sequence above? The following story reveals legendary reasons, and some of the characteristics of the 12 animals.

12 Chinese zodiac animal signs

The story is widespread (and widely varying) among Chinese. Though it is made up, it might be interesting for you to tell your children and friends.

The Heavenly Gate Race Story - Reasons for Zodiac Rankings

Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man's world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better the rank one would have.

Early Risers: Quick-Witted Rat and Diligent Ox

Rat ranks first.

The next day, animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered a river. He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. After waiting a long time, Rat noticed Ox about to cross the river and swiftly jumped into Ox's ear.

The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, he raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor. Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox's ear and dashed to the feet of the Emperor. Rat won first place and Ox was second.

Competitive and Fast: Tiger and Rabbit

Tiger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was faster. (Rabbit got across the river by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log.)

Good-Looking Dragon and Crafty Snake

Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon's son could be sixth. But Dragon's son didn't come with him that day. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth.

Kind and Modest Horse and Goat

Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth.

Jumping Monkey

Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

These 12 animals became guards of the Heavenly Gate.

See 12 Chinese Zodiac Sign Symbolism

Why No Cat - Enmity Between Cat and Rat

Although Cat and Rat were neighbors, the former always bullied the latter, and Rat felt very angry but dared not say it out loud; therefore, he sought revenge on Cat.

Upon hearing the Emperor's decree Rat chuckled to himself and thought: "This is an opportunity".

The sleepyhead Cat kicked open Rat's door, ordering Rat to keep him informed of when he was going to the Emperor's birthday party, and Rat readily promised that he would.

On the morning, however, Rat left quietly without informing Cat. Cat didn't wake up until the race was over and it was too late - he was not able to make it into the cycle.

After the party, a great enmity grew between Cat and Rat, so that rats scatter in all directions when a cat appears.

An alternative version of the story says that Cat and Rat got as far as crossing the river together on Ox's head, but Rat pushed Cat into the water (and Cat was washed away and drowned or didn't get back to the Heavenly Gate in time to get a ranking).

Effects of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs

People's Personal Traits

The ranking story above is made up according to people's understanding of characteristics of the 12 animals. And when people talk about a person's zodiac sign, they might think about the zodiac sign's characteristics.

For example, when talking about Rats, people think of quick-witted, resourceful, and versatile people; and Oxes are decisive, honest, dependable, and hardworking.

Read more about the Chinese zodiac.

Love Compatibility

More interestingly, Chinese people later created guidelines on love compatibility of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs e.g. Rat's best spouse will be Dragon, Rabbit, or Ox.

Read more about Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibility.

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Chinese Zodiac Story - Great Race: Why are the 12 Animals of the Chinese New Year in order.

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There are 12 Chinese zodiac signs, in the following order: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is named after an animal, and each animal has its own unique characteristics. Do you know why the 12 Chinese zodiac animals are in the sequence above?