Dragon龙

The Chinese dragon is the most powerful and auspicious of all mythical creatures, a symbol of strength, wisdom, and good fortune. Unlike the fire-breathing dragons of Western legend, the Eastern dragon is a benevolent spirit of water and weather, who brings the life-giving rains that nourish the harvest. It is depicted with the antlers of a deer, the head of a camel, the scales of a carp, the claws of an eagle, and the body of a serpent, trailing long whiskers and surrounded by clouds. Emperors claimed the dragon as their emblem, and it remains the guardian of rivers, seas, and the sky. To this day, dragon dances and images welcome prosperity and drive away misfortune.