Chinese Dragon Images

Chinese Dragon Images appear in many different forms in China.

Why is the dragon so important to the Chinese people?

The Dragon was a symbol for the Emporer in ancient China. It represented power, strength and good luck.

Today China has no Emporer but the symbolism of the dragon endures.

Now the Chinese Dragon represents good luck, strength and power for anybody.

Where does the Chinese Dragon come from?

More than 4000 years ago there were numerous tribes or clans in China.

Each had an animal as a symbol for their tribe or clan.

Two big clans joined together and dominated China.

They chose the dragon as their symbol.

The majority of people came from this large clan. Today they are the Han Chinese - the dominant group in China.

They call themselves the descendants of the dragon.

One association with the dragon is water.

The Dragon is thought of the ruler of rivers, lakes, seas and rain.

In ancient times, sacrifices were made for the dragon in times of flood or drought so as to bring good conditions.

The association of the dragon with water is shown today in the many dragon boat races held all over the world.

Today the Chinese dragon will be seen at special occasions such as weddings and other ceremonies.

It is thought to bring good luck.

The image shows a dragon at the ceremony for the commissioning of a new school.

The dragon will bring good luck to the school!