The Year of the Dragon: Talking about the Dragon

The dragon, as the foremost of the Four Sacred Animals (Dragon,麒麟, Turtle, and Phoenix), possesses boundless power and is worshipped and respected.

Illustrative image.

Throughout history, in East Asia in general, the dragon has been a symbol of royalty, invincible power, goodness, beauty, courage, and sacredness. All stories, objects, and social statuses associated with dragons are noble, beautiful, and bring happiness. Dragons are believed to bring longevity, prosperity, abundance, and peace to people. Clearly, the dragon has had a profound influence on the daily life and culture of the Vietnamese people since the founding of the nation. Dragon imagery is meticulously and solemnly placed, carved, and sculpted in cultural architecture, royal palaces, public places, and sacred places of worship (ancestral altars, communal houses, temples, shrines, etc.).

Regarding color: There are golden dragons, green dragons, red dragons, black dragons, and "multi-technicolor" dragons (red belly, black back with green stripes, yellow sides, etc.). In Vietnam, we prefer the Golden Dragon the most.

Although they have no wings, dragons are believed to be able to fly, as depicted in paintings of dragons soaring through the sky and clouds. Sometimes, dragons are also depicted with wings ("Flying Dragon"). This is a sacred image, similar to how we often see fairies and angels with wings.

Dragons in Feng Shui: Dragons, symbolizing power and dominance (male), are often depicted alongside phoenixes, representing noble character, refined learning, and a proud, rebellious demeanor (female). The image of the Dragon-Phoenix (the duo) represents a perfect combination, prosperity, and longevity that people aspire to. The dragon is also often depicted (or carved) as two dragons facing in opposite directions, symbolizing longevity and adhering to the principles of Yin and Yang.

The Dragon also plays a role in surveying and researching the auspicious and inauspicious orientations (locations) of houses and land that affect the fortunes of those living in (or around) a particular house or plot of land.

LH (st)

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