Legendary Chinese Dragon

The Chinese Dragon has been part of the Chinese culture for generations and it is said that the first figure of a Chinese Dragon, formed from shells, was found in the ruins of a tomb from 6000 years ago. Ever since the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, the Chinese Dragon has been associated with the emperor of China, and it was only the emperor who could own a Chinese Dragon with five claws; the 'common' dragon having four claws.

The Chinese Dragon is said to have had nine sons, the first born being named 'Bixi', and his image is usually seen carved on the base of tablets, as he was good at carrying weights. The ninth son of the Chinese Dragon, named Jiaotu, was fond of closing things, so his image can be seen on gates. The remaining sons of the Chinese Dragon, bore the names, Haoxian, Yazi, Chiwen, Baxia, Pulao, Qiuniu, and Suanmi. The Nine Dragon Walls seen in different locations in China, show images of the nine sons of the Chinese Dragon, formed from glazed tiles.

Many statues of Chinese Dragons seen in public places, bear shiny patches on them where the surface has been worn smooth by touching hands. These are due to the fact that the Chinese Dragon is said to have the ability to bring good fortune and give protection from many evils. The authorities concerned have decided that in certain circumstances, the Chinese Dragon itself needs to be protected from the people! Some models of Chinese Dragon will be seen surrounded by fencing, and some Dragons covered with wire mesh. One such mesh-covered Dragon had not escaped the attention of the people, for in a small gap in the mesh, hands had been forced through to touch the foot of the standing dragon; part of the foot was all smooth and shiny!

During recent construction work at the Shaolin Temple, many sculptured stone heads of Chinese Dragons were salvaged from demolished buildings; these were stored in one part of the grounds and near to these stone heads, were stacked carved wood heads of the Dragon ready to be fitting to the roof top of new halls in the course of construction. New sculptured stone models of Bixi, said to be the first son of the Chinese Dragon, were also positioned ready to carry the weight of stone tablets. Bixi, with his shell back does not have the usual appearance of a Chinese Dragon, but he is still subjected to the touching hands of visitors, seeking his help and protection.