The four sacred beasts, the green dragon and the white tiger, the Xuanwu Vermilion Bird, occupy an important position in ancient Chinese mythology. Today, let's talk about the god of the East - Qinglong.
The green dragon, also known as the Canglong and the Oriental Green Dragon, is the god of the East in Chinese mythology, representing the spring and wood elements.
The origin of the green dragon is closely related to the early observation and worship of natural phenomena. The dragon has always been a symbol of strength, dignity and auspiciousness in Chinese culture, and is regarded as a deity in charge of rain and agriculture. Therefore, the green dragon, as a symbol of the divine dragon, is naturally regarded as one of the four divine beasts.
The green dragon is closely related to the ancient Chinese worship of celestial phenomena. The ancients grouped the stars in the sky according to the four directions, and the seven Nakshatras in the east were the horns, Kang, Di, Fang, Heart, Tail, and Kei, and these Nakshatras were associated with an entrenched dragon, and the east was associated with wood and cyan, so it had the name of "Green Dragon". This star symbol is not only an astronomical division, but also reflects the understanding and worship of the universe of the ancients.
In ancient myths and legends, the green dragon, together with Xuanwu, the white tiger, and the Vermilion Bird, shouldered the sacred mission of protecting the Quartet. It symbolizes growth, rejuvenation, and vitality, and has multiple divinities such as heralding new life, bringing rain, promoting growth, and increasing wisdom.
In terms of architectural decoration, the green dragon often appeared in ancient Chinese palace and temple buildings, as an important decorative element, symbolizing protection and auspiciousness. In literary works, the green dragon is often used to symbolize nobility, valiant warriors, or power, for example, in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu is referred to as the "Green Dragon Glaive Knife".
In Taoism, Qinglong is the ** god, known as Chengming Shenjun. "Shi's Star Sutra" cloud: "Donggong Qingdi, its essence Qinglong, Si Chun, Si Mu, Si Dongyue". The green dragon is not only a deity representing the eastern direction and the stars, but also has symbolic meanings for weather and agricultural harvests.
The green dragon has become a four-sided divine beast, which contains many aspects such as Chinese nature worship, astronomical astronomy, and the development and evolution of mythology.
The interplay of these elements has made the green dragon an important place in Chinese culture and one of the indispensable deities in traditional Chinese culture.
On the way home is the New Year