The meaning of this mythological figure is very different from what we Westerners give. It is a benign and not a malignant figure. It is a symbol of wisdom, of power as they can ward off evil spirits and protect the innocent, of life force and, linked to the climate, of fertility and control over the rain, rivers, lakes and seas.
Together with other legendary animals, such as the Tortoise, the Unicorn and the Phoenix, the Dragon represents one of the four benevolent animals with magical powers that allow it to blend in, change shape and size. The dragon flies in the skies, lives in deep waters and in the bowels of the Earth.
The Dragon symbolizes the masculine, the Yang, while the Phoenix symbolizes the feminine, the Yin.
For the Tao the Dragon represents the Way: that is the strength, the illumination that reveals itself in a flash and then vanishes immediately, even the Dragon shows itself only in a fleeting way in a fraction of a second and only partially and, like the Way, it is never grasped in its entirety.
The nature of the Dragon is essentially aquatic and appears in the middle of clouds and if we see it writhing it is because it wants to show its strength and vitality and not aggression. In China it is perceived as a playful and good animal.
The Chinese believed that the rain was the result of the amorous fight between two dragons of the opposite sex and some Chinese refused to go out in the rain so as not to be indiscreet witnesses.
In China, dragons have various colors and depending on these changes in meaning. Color determines its seniority.
The Black Dragon is the youngest one, that is, he is less than 100 years old, and he is the one who carries the orders of his superiors. They live in the North and cause storms when they collide with each other.
The next is blue and is the messenger of the gods, along with the phoenix, the turtle and the white tiger.
The blue / green Dragon is associated with Spring, in the East. It is considered a good omen as it brings wind and rain and is more than 100 years old.
The Yellow Dragon is lonely and appears when you need him. It is the most loved and the most widespread.
Then there are the red, brown and purple dragons.
After 700 years the Dragon turns white and is considered a god and is the symbol of death.
A thousand years it becomes golden as it has reached power.
THE PRODIGY OF IDEAS 