The symbol of the dragon in Eastern and Western cultures

In the annals of mythology and folklore, few creatures capture the imagination like the dragon. This legendary beast, both revered and feared, takes on varied forms in China and the Western world, reflecting the distinct cultural backgrounds of these myths.

The dragon, known as "loong" in Chinese, holds a deep cultural significance in Chinese tradition. Often depicted with a serpentine body without wings and adorned with features of other animals like the carp, tiger and eagle, it is considered a sacred symbol of good luck, power and wealth.

"Dragons are closely intertwined with the spiritual beliefs and cultural values of the Chinese people," said Shi Aidong, a senior researcher at the Institute of Literature, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and secretary-general of the China Folklore Society. "In traditional Chinese culture, dragons symbolize qualities like might and wisdom, along with harmony between humans and nature."

"This cultural reverence has grown since the 1980s, with China's economic growth and a renewed interest in the study of traditional culture. Many Chinese view the dragon as a national symbol, proudly referring to themselves as 'descendants of the dragon,'" Shi told CGTN. This signifies the dragon's profound role in Chinese culture, intertwining with the country's history and collective identity.

The dragon is also revered for its auspicious influence over natural elements. Believed to bring rainfall to the fields and ensure bountiful harvests, the dragon's association with prosperity and the natural world lends it a much more positive connotation.

In contrast, the Western dragon often emerges as a fearsome antagonist, typically depicted as a large, fire-breathing reptile with bat-like wings, sharp claws and a destructive nature. In their narrative role, they frequently symbolize chaos and evil, representing a malevolent force.

Literary reflections in different cultures

The Chinese character for "loong" appears in oracle bone inscriptions, a form of ancient Chinese script dating back 3,000 years. However, the depiction of dragons in literary works took shape much later, according to Shi. Early references to dragon imagery can be found in ancient documents like the "Zuo Zhuan," or "Commentary of Zuo," a narrative history, and the "Shan Hai Jing," or the "Classic of Mountains and Seas," a compilation of mythological geography and legends.

"The 'Shan Hai Jing' is replete with descriptions of various types of dragons, which are linked with natural elements and geographical features," said Shi. "These descriptions reflect the ancient Chinese perception of these mythical creatures as integral to their understanding of the environment and the universe."

In Chinese literature, the dragon often embodies a range of qualities. Classics like "Journey to the West" depict it as powerful yet benevolent. A more complex portrayal appears in the modern tale about Heilongjiang, where a black dragon, symbolizing good, defeats the evil white dragon, Bailong, illustrating the dragon's dual representation of good and evil in Chinese folklore.

This rich tapestry of dragon mythology is not exclusive to the East. Shi noted that the origin of the Western dragon stems from a mix of influences across various cultures. Despite this diversity, the earliest depictions consistently portray dragons as "giant snakes": fearsome, serpentine creatures endowed with divine power.

The archetype of the dragon in European culture is primarily influenced by the old English epic poem "Beowulf," where the dragon breathes fire and hoards treasures. Similarly, in ancient Greek mythology, dragons are depicted as vicious sea monsters or guardians of treasures.

"Western dragon culture is most notably represented in the Bible," Shi explains. Here, the dragon symbolizes Satan, as seen in the "Book of Revelation." This imagery extends to Christian literature and art, like the "Saint George and the Dragon" legend, where the dragon signifies sin and paganism, vanquished by Saint George's virtue.

This portrayal of dragons as formidable adversaries extends into broader Western literature. A notable example is J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 novel "The Hobbit," where Smaug, a classic Western dragon characterized by his greed and formidable strength, seized the dwarf kingdom of Erebor 171 years prior to the novel's central storyline.

Evolving perceptions

More than 3,000 years ago, the usage of the term "dragon" was already diverse in oracle bone inscriptions and bronze inscriptions, signifying the prosperity of dragon culture at that time, said Shi.

"From narratives and images of that era, we can only trace two main interpretations of dragons, one as a divine creature and the other as a sinuous, striped animal. This has led scholars to link various natural entities and phenomena, including animals, lightning and rainbows, to early representations of the dragon."

Shi pointed out that dragon cultural artifacts, some dating back 6,000 to 8,000 years, have been unearthed in various places. However, without precise written records, these artifacts are categorized merely as "dragon-shaped objects," leaving their true representation as "dragons" open to interpretation.

"Even under the assumption that all original records remain intact, tracing dragon origins could be as enigmatic as the creatures themselves," he said. "According to hermeneutic theory, the meaning of the dragon began to evolve the moment it was interpreted by someone beyond its original creator. This means that its interpretations have been continuously shifting over time."

Today's dragons continue to evolve, transcending traditional boundaries and finding new significance in global culture. This is evident in animated films like "How to Train Your Dragon," where dragons, unable to speak, communicate through movements and expressions, adding a layer of magical realism. Similarly, in the 1998 Disney film "Mulan," Mushu, a small dragon sent by the Hua family's ancestors, joins Mulan in battle. His charming and mischievous demeanor brings humor to the story, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Read more: Where did China's mythic 'loong' come from?