A Dragon's Christmas Wish

Santa's little Dragon helpers join him in wishing you all a very Merry Christmas in the Year of the Dragon.

Vietnamese Dragons

Vietnamese Dragons

Vietnamese Dragons 

According to legend, the king of the dragon-kind Lac Long Quan, the fifth generation grandson of Shennong, lived in a settlement near the Dong Sea.  He fell in love with the Goddess Au Co who was the beautiful daughter of the bird-kind king de Lai and soon after married her in an elaborate ceremony.  As a result of the blissful union Au Co bore 100 eggs which hatched into 100 fine sons. Naturally the first-born son Lac Viet became the heir to the throne. Upon his succession he formed the first dynasty of Vietnam, and proclaimed himself Emperor Hung Vuong. The succession passed to Huang Vuong, Hung Vuong, and so on, lasting for 18 generations.

This is the source (foundation) of the well known Vietnamese proverb: “Con Rong, Chau Tien” which means, “Children of Dragon, Grandchildren of Gods.”

                                                                                             

Historically the Vietnamese people have always established the settlements near rivers. They venerated crocodiles as “Giao Long”, the first kind of Vietnamese dragon; furthermore the representation of the Vietnamese dragon merges the very likenesses of the crocodile, lizard, snake and the bird. Some archeological objects have been found depicting crocodile-dragons with the head of a crocodile and the body of a snake.

 (vietnamese_dragon _hai_ by_stevegoad curtesy of Facebook.com/artsofstevegoad)

The Dragon first appears as a decorative motif in Vietnamese prehistory. The cat-dragon on a glazed terracotta piece excavated in Bac Nnh shares some features of the Dai Viet period Dragon such has the whiskers and fur that are found on the Dai Viet dragon image. It does not have a crocodile head however; its head is shorter. It has a long neck and the wings and dorsal fin are represented as long lines.

In Co Lao, represented on the brick from the Ngo Dynasty (938-965), the dragon is short with a cat-like body and a fish’s back-fin.

Buddhism was the most prevalent religion during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1225) which laid the foundation of Vietnamese feudal culture and founded the first feudal university: Van Mieu.

Dragon in architecture of the Ly Dynasty, 11th-13th centuries.

 The slim flowing dragon of this period represents the King and is the dragon of literature. They had perfectly rounded bodies lithely curved into a long sinuous shape tapering gradually to the tail. The body had 12 segments, signifying the 12 months of the year. The head, held high, is in proportion with the body and has a long mane, beard, prominent eyes, a crest pointing forward on nose, but no horns. The jaw is opened wide, with a long, thin tongue. The dragon always keeps a ‘chau’ (jewel or gem) in their mouth, as a symbol of humanity, knowledge and nobility. On the Dragon’s back are small, continuous, standard fins. The legs are small and thin, and usually 3-toed. Similarly these dragons are believed to be able to change the weather and are responsible for the welfare of crops.

Dragon on timber doors of the Tran Dynasty, 13th-14th centuries

In the Tran Dynasty (1225-1400) the Dragon looked more intrepid, though it shared some similarities to the Dragon of the Ly Dynasty. Here the Tran Dragon is armed with horns and has arms. Its fiery crest is shorter.  It’s slightly curved body is stout and taperes towards the tail. The Tail comes in various forms: pointed, straight, or spiral.  The scales also enjoy a variety of forms: being regular, slightly curved, or half-flower shapes.

Dragon head of the Ly-Tran Dynasties, 11th-14th centuries

At this period in history, because the Tran kings were descended from a Mandarin commander and the nation was engaged in warfare with Mongol invaders, the Tran Dragons became symbols of the martial arts.

In the Le Dynasty, the Vietnamese dragon’s image was heavily influenced by the Chinese dragon because of the Confucianism’s expansion policy. The Dragon’s image once again underwent change and the dragon’s body now only curved in two sections.
The feet have five sharp claws and instead of fiery crest they now had a large nose. Still, looking more regal with a lion-head, the Dragon adopted a curved posture and was represented amidst clouds.

Dragon on a censer of the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945)

During the early phase of Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1883), the dragon was represented with a spiral tail and a long, fiery sword-fin. He was personified by a mother with her offspring or a pair of dragons. This Dragon’s head and eyes are large; they have a lion’s nose, exposed canine teeth, stag horns, regular flash scales and curved whiskers.  The Dragons now have certain hierarchy; the image of the Dragon King is represented with five claws whereas the images of lesser dragons have only four claws.

Finally, in the period 1883-1945, the Dragon’s image deteriorated and became crude, losing its majestic shape. It’s representation in art became an indicative sign of the decline of the last Vietnamese dynasty.

Typically some proverbs and sayings incorporating word Dragons have different implications:

"Rồng gặp mây": "Dragon meets clouds" – In favourable condition.

"Đầu rồng đuôi tôm": "Dragon's head, shrimp's tail" – Good at first and bad in the end; something which starts well but ends badly.

"Rồng bay, phượng múa": "Dragon flight, phoenix dance" – Used to praise the calligraphy of someone who writes Chinese ideograms well.

"Rồng đến nhà tôm": "Dragon visits shrimp's house" – A saying used by a host about his guest: the host portrays himself as a humble shrimp and his guest as a noble dragon.

"Ăn như rồng cuốn, nói như rồng leo, làm như mèo mửa": "Eating as dragon scrolls, talking as dragon climbs, working as cat vomits" – A criticism of someone who eats too much and talks a lot, but is lazy.

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Dragon Talismans

Dragon Talismans

A talisman or an emblem of Dragons, being very much a part of human history, has been traditionally incorporated in coats of arms or other heraldic items by leaders, kings or conquerors.  This is because, as a symbol, Dragons have always been considered the embodiment of great, imposing and terrifying might.

In most Western Civilizations, Britain being one, the Dragon symbol was at one time used as an ensign of war and was regarded also as being symbolic of victory.

Over the years this talisman of might and conquest has evolved to have a more peaceful significance.  Although still considered chiefly an emblem of authority, Dragon talismans are now considered by many to be a fortunate charm, bringing forth longevity, peace and felicity.  Exquisite miniature dragons therefore are carved in wood, stone, jade or metal for sale to be worn or treasured for their auspicious influences. 

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Urban Dragons

Dragons in Urban Settings

Dragons are usually thought of as existing in the dark past or in fantasy worlds totally separate from our everyday lives. Have we ever thought about what life would be like if Dragons walked among us? Right here, right now.

Oh, It's You Again

Imagine if, for some reason, a baby dragon had imprinted on you after hatching. So cute when it's young, but when it gets older it may get to be a bother. A full-grown Dragon is not really something you can take into the country and drop off.

High Noon for Dragons

Not all Dragons will be easily domesticated. They are, after all, wild  creatures whose intelligence ranges from the level of Chimpanzees to that of Dolphins; some species even approach Human intelligence levels.
Still, there will be territorial problems among them, and the last place you would want to find yourself is between two Dragons vying for a piece of turf.

The Lurker

Those who try to raise Dragons as pets will find any number of merchants ready to sell them unhatched eggs and there will be that proportion who takes shortcuts in breeding their Dragons, going for the purer species, the fashionable traits and ignoring the genetics of the animal. They will be operating secret breeding facilities away from the public eye.
This will still pose its own set of dangers. Sometimes Mother Dragon may object when her eggs are stolen and stored away before their time, and woe to those who rouse her anger.

Background Noise

Not all Urban animals live lives of quiet domesticity. The alleyways are ripe with feral cats, stray dogs and even some of the more exotic species that some people like to keep as pets. If Dragons lived among us as just another one of the many species on Earth then the alleyways of our cities would have a new apex species. The human predators who deal in the backstreets will have to keep a sharp ear out for any sudden changes in the background noise when they are on their cellphones.

Taming the Mighty Dragon

Many cultures viewed the Dragon as a benevolent being, especially in the East where they held the belief that mighty Dragons once ruled the rivers, lakes, seas and skies. Dragons were well respected and even worshiped, especially in the agrarian settlements, for the welfare of men depended on the kindness of these supreme entities. The quantity of folklore that was spanned from their rich imagination has delighted generations of children.

In ancient times it was the province of the immortals to intercede on behalf of humanity with the raw power of nature symbolized by the Water Dragon.

Once upon a time in ancient India the people of a small kingdom, being incited by a demon, went on a rampage against the Buddhists and their monasteries. In the mayhem of destruction, some even stooped to steal the Buddhist sutras.

The Dragon King of the undersea, outraged by the unruly behavior of these humans, punished them all, the innocent as well as the guilty, by flooding their entire kingdom. As he deemed them most unworthy of benefiting from the wisdom within the holy writings, he took custody of the sutras and stored them in his palace.

In time the repentant people, having suffered so long, wanted the sutras back but nothing would sway the Dragon King’s resolve.  It took an extraordinary being, Nantimitolo, to subdue the dragon guard and restore the sutras back to earth. Hence he became a Buddhist immortal: the Dragon Taming Lohan.

In modern times we are still entertained by accounts of Dragons in various visual and literary forms but we have also learned to harness falling water, the most powerful of the dwelling places of Dragons, to benefit mankind in yet another way: for what would man do today without the use of electricity?

These pictures tell the story of one such mighty waterfall, its might and how it has been tamed by mere mortals:

 Posted by Bo and Steve Caunce

The End.

The Dragon Boat Festival

The History of the Dragon Boat Festival 

In Canada we are a multicultural community and, as a result, we are richer by far in our human experiences. One such experience is the Dragon Boat Festival. I became aware of this some years back and, though I am not of Chinese origin, it has held my interest just the same. The festival may have started in China countless years ago but it is now an annual event celebrated throughout the world with participation from well over 40 countries. 

In Toronto, from the humble beginnings of the first Festival in 1989 with only 27 teams participating until the 24th Annual Dragon Boat Festival, the event has grown tremendously. This year there are teams from all over Canada, from the U.S, the Caribbean Islands, Europe and Asia. It will be held June 23-24, 2012 at Toronto Centre Island. They are anticipating about 180 to 200 teams, including 11 teams of individuals with physical and developmental challenges, to compete with over 5000 athletes. The festival has an added advantage of raising funds for charitable organizations, this year the beneficiary will be the Canadian Diabetes Association.

For those history buffs, here’s an additional succinct account of the Dragon Boat Festival in Canada:



“As early as 1945, the Vancouver Sun newspaper contains a story and picture of a dragon-adorned silver plaque presented to the Mayor of Vancouver by representatives of the republican government of China immediately following cessation of hostilities of World War II in the Pacific. The news story explains that because Vancouver was the North American gateway to Asia, it could be considered as the ideal city to host the first dragon boat race outside of Asia. The proposed post war dragon boat festival was compared to the Mardi Gras of New Orleans. Since 1946 was to be the Diamond Jubilee (60th Anniversary) of the city, it was suggested that a dragon boat festival be convened to mark this occasion. However, this would have to wait until the city's 100th anniversary in 1986 and the world transportation exposition. 
In 1992, the (final) British Governor of Hong Kong, Christopher Patton, presented a teak dragon boat to the Canadian Prime Minister of the day, Brian Mulroney, to mark the close cultural, social and business ties between Hong Kong and Canada. This craft is now part of the permanent collection of the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec. Canada reciprocated by presenting a carved cedar totem pole crafted by British Columbia First Nations members. This symbol of friendship is displayed in a park in Hong Kong.” 
Several of the larger dragon boat events outside of Asia include Vancouver’s Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival in Toronto, Ontario, and the Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival in Ottawa, Ontario. These three Canadian festivals each feature some 200 crew and are all held on a weekend close to the June Summer Solstice, in keeping with traditional Chinese dragon boat traditions.” 

In case you are unfamiliar of the origin of this 2000 year old event, here’s a brief summary: 

The pre-imperial Warring States period (475-221 BC) is considered a classical age in Chinese history, during which Confucius, Lao Tse and Sun Tzu lived and the classic military strategy “The Art of War” was written.  In this period, in the southern state of Chu (present day Hunan and Hubei provinces), there lived a most notable statesman Qu Yuan (Chu Yuan).  

The great poet Ch’u Yuan became a minister for King Huai of Ch’u as a young man. He was saddened by how the people had suffered from ceaseless war

He is still considered a champion of political loyalty and integrity, as he tirelessly tried to maintain the Chu state's autonomy and hegemony.

The alliance posed an effective deterrent to Ch’in’s ambition. It also earned Minister Ch’u more prestige giving him the right to oversee a wide spectrum of domestic and diplomatic affairs.

Because he was a most upstanding individual he became victim to the malicious slanders of other corrupt ministers and jealous bureaucrats’ who had the ear of the Emperor and had him banished.

 A group of Ch’u aristocrats led by Prince Tzu-lan became jealous of Ch’u. They often complained to King Huai of Ch’u's alleged arrogance and waywardness. Hearing more and more complaints,the king became less satisfied with his minister  

 While in exile however, he continued to write some of the greatest literature and poems, expressing his ardent loyalty and love for his state and divulging his deep concern for its precarious future. 

The poem was read by people in the Ch’u court, and was used by Tzu-lan and Chin Shang against Ch’u. They told King Huai that in the poem he was compared with a despotic ruler. The king was enraged and dismissed Ch’u Yuan from his official post

Then one day, in the year 278 B.C. upon learning of the imminent invasion by a neighbouring State (Qin), he did his best to warn his Emperor and countryman.

Chang explained that, among the six states, Ch’i and Ch’u were the strongest. Once discord was sown between these two, the anti-Ch’in alliance would fall apart. He offered to make a trip to see if he could take the advantage of Ch’u's internal confilict to undermine the alliance.

He still believed the king would see the truth, but he was no longer summoned. He was so depressed that he couldn’t sleep at night. 

Ch’u Yuan despaired. He rushed back to Yingtu to help reorganize the resistance against Ch’in.

The alliance with Ch’i failed soon after, and beginning with the 27th year of King Huai’s reign, Ch’u was repeatedly invaded by Ch’in.

Ch’u was upset. 

Having failed in his communication however, as a form of protest against the corruption of the era, he strode into the Miluo River holding a rock, committing a ritual suicide.

He walked along the river, cursing the enemy and the greed of politicians. He was determined to arouse his people’s patriotism and condemn those who had destroyed Ch’u State by taking his own life.

He took off his clothes, tied a rock to his waist, and plunged into the river. That day was the fifth day of the Chinese lunar calendar

This was his last resort to awaken Chu to the impending danger.

The ordinary folks upon learning of Qu’s heroic act, rushed out on the water in their fishing boats to try desperately to find him in time to save him. In desperate attempt, they beat the drums and splashed the water with their paddles to keep the evil spirits and fish away from claiming the poet’s submerged body. They sprinkled rice dumplings in to the river to feed the fish to deter them from gorging on Qu’s flesh. Then late one night the spirit of the poet appeared before his closest friends and told them that the rice offering was being intercepted by an enormous river dragon. He asked that they wrap their rice into three-cornered silk packages to ward off the dragon. These “zongzi” or sticky rice wrapped in leaves (instead of silk) has been the official commemorative food ever since. 

Believing that the patriotic poet would enjoy eternal life, they would row dragon boats out on the river to look for him. Ch’u Yuan became a symbol of patriotism for the Chinese people.

Indeed, from that time on at the anniversary of Qu Yuan’s death, the fifth day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar, the ordinary citizens in commemoration of his memory have enacted this folk ritual, by means of Dragon Boat Races. The modern times this has evolved into an international sport event held in Hong Kong since 1976. The boats used today are traditionally made of teak wood. These very long, narrow, canoe-style vessels are usually adorned with carved ornamental heads and tails of dragons. The decorative regalia is absent during training but the drum is always present. Dragons are represented here because of the belief that they are the rulers of rivers and seas and dominate the clouds and rains of heaven. 

Another interesting Fact about the name: Dragon boat races were traditionally held as part of the annual Duanwu Festival or Duen Ng observance in China. Duen Ng falls on the fifth day of the fifth month, also referred to as “double fifth”. It’s determined to be so because of the combination of solar and lunar cycles which are different from Gregorian calendar, where it is placed during the month of June. During 19th century European observers of the racing ritual, not understanding the significance of Duen Ng, referred to the spectacle as a “dragon boat festival”. This is the term that has become known in the West.

(Note: The Emperor Qin Shi Huang of Qin (or Chin) kingdom did eventually conquer all of the other states including Chu and unified them into the first Chinese empire.)

The Death of Fafnir (Part II)

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The Death of Fafnir the Dragon 

Part II, click here for Part I

Sibling rivalry exists among families of every race, there is nothing new there. What is interesting, however, is when it also manifests among the Gods and Immortals of ancient lore.

It so happened that Regin the Dwarf was consumed with utter hatred for his brother Fafnir, who had stolen their Father’s gold as well as the cursed ring Andvaranaut. Curses being as they are, the ring influenced the two rival brothers Regin and Fafnir to form an unholy alliance in order to kill their father Hreidmar.

That’s right, but once its hold was set on Fafnir, the ring fanned the fires of Fafnir’s greed and bewitched him into driving his brother Regin away in order to have sole possession of the entire gold hoard called the Ottergild. And here the story takes on a typical turn for Fafnir’s avarice became insatiable; so overwhelming in fact that it gradually transformed the Dwarf into a mighty Dragon. In the form of a Dragon he easily secreted the hoard away into a cave on Glittering Heath and from then on stood guard over it, lest any get stolen.

Meanwhile back at his castle Regin’s heart burned with revenge as his mind was increasingly bent on one thing and one thing only; securing that gold hoard he so coveted.

About this time the foster-son of King Alf, Sigurd (also known as Sigfried) was sent to live with Regin. The Dwarf, recognizing the strong qualities in the boy, schemed to make him his instrument for enacting his odious revenge.

Sigurd (Sigfried) knew very little of his parentage, being the posthumous son of Sigmund (who had died attacking a disguised Odin) and Hiordis who then had married King Alf. Furthermore, his only patrimony was the shattered fragments of Sigmund’s sword. Embarking on his dire plan Regin first strove to make Sigurd resent and abjure Alf’s household but, because Alf was a fair foster-father and shared anything with Sigurd, this ploy failed miserably. Alf even gave his son the horse Grani, sired by Odin’s own horse, Sleipnir.

In a last-ditch effort, Regin pretended to take Sigurd into his confidence and, in an extended dramatic rendition, related to him the story of his own past and the treasure of the Ottersgild. Convinced of the unfairness of Fafnir’s theft, Sigurd agreed to help Regin retrieve his treasure.

Delighted, Regin at once turned his smithing skills towards forging a mighty weapon for Sigurd. Unfortunately, his first two attempts failed. Each time Sigurd tested them on Regin’s anvil the swords shattered. With extra diligence Regin incorporated the fragments of Sigmund’s sword and finally made a superb blade, Gram. When Gram was tested by Sigurd, it proved so powerful that it cut clean through the anvil dividing it into perfect halves. Success at last! Surely this would kill the Dragon!

Sigurd_VS_Fafnir_by_Relotixke

Once Regin had a sword capable of piercing the Dragon’s tough hide, the only problem remained was how to incapacitate the fearsome beast long enough for Sigurd to strike a death blow.
Adept at cunning, Regin then developed the plan of digging a pit on the path Fafnir took down to the brook near his cave on Glittering Heath, hiding in the pit then stabbing Fafnir as he passed over it. In order to absolve Sigurd of the crime of killing his brother, Regin proposed that if Sigurd would cut out the Dragon’s heart, which conferred power over all other men, roast it and feed it to him he would forgo the family’s vengeance. The naive Sigurd agreed.

Regin and Sigurd went out and quickly dug up the pit, but Regin being fearful, made a false pretence and left the Sigurd to face Fafnir alone while he, himself, retreated to safety. After Regin had gone Odin, disguised as an old man, visited Sigurd and told him that if he stayed in the pit he would be drowned by the vast flow of Dragon’s blood pouring out of Fafnir’s body. Odin advised him to dig trenches to drain the blood into holding pits and, after the Dragon was dead, bathe in the beast’s blood, covering his whole body with it so that his skin would gain the property of invulnerability. After Odin vanished Sigurd dug the trenches just as Odin had directed then lay down in the main one on the path to await the arrival of Fafnir.

Fafnir by the Creek by BoSt

The earth started shaking and a loud, fearsome, noise was heard over the Heath as Fafnir approached, snorting venom ahead of him. All this was for naught, however, for Sigurd was not afraid. As Fafnir crawled over the pit Sigurd thrust the enchanted sword Gram upwards with all his strength, aiming at the heart and burying it up to his shoulder in the body of the Dragon. As soon as the blow was delivered Sigurd drew out his sword and leapt out of the pit to get a safe distance away from the thrashings of the Dragon’s body.

Fafnir knew he had been dealt a killing blow but was intent on finding out the name of his slayer so that he could hurl his death-curse at him. He roared, “Who art thou that has done this deed? Who is thy father and what manner are thy kin that ye should come to bear weapons against me?” (Dragons were very formal when weaving curses).

Sigurd knew to avoid the curse and answered that he was born of neither man nor woman and had acted alone.

Fafnir, of course, saw through this and challenged him once more to tell the truth and Sigurd then gave his name and the name of his dead father. Fafnir then asked who had counseled him to attack him. Sigurd again denied that he had any help, whereupon the Dragon then wove a web of assertions and questions that gradually, through circumstantial evidence, drew the answer, unspoken, out of Sigurd. “So it was Regin, my brother, who has brought about my end! It gladdens my heart that he will bring about yours, too, and thus all things will have been shaped to his will.”

“I have reigned in terror over this Heath for many years, spewing out poison so none would come near, and no weapon would be drawn against me. I thought myself stronger than all, for all men were sore afraid of me.”

Sigurd answered, “Few may attain victory by means of terror, for whoever does so comes to discover that no one man is for long the mightiest of all.”

Seeing that Sigurd was going back towards his cave, Fafnir called out, “Ride to my lair, then, and you will find gold enough to last your entire life long, yet that very gold will be your undoing, and the bane of whosoever owns it.”

“If by losing that wealth I would be assured that I would never die, then I would gladly leave the gold where it lies, but every man is fated to die, and I would fain do so with your wealth at my command. You, however, shall wallow in thy death pain until Hel and Death take thee, and thy gold will do thee not good at all.”

siegfried_kills_fafnir_by_katepfeilschiefter-d35g5yc

And so Fafnir died.

Sigurd then went over to one of the holding pools where Fafnir’s blood had gathered, stripped off his armor and bathed in the rank fluid so that it covered his whole skin, except for a spot on his shoulder where a linden leaf had fallen and stuck to him. Once he became invulnerable, Sigurd cut out Fafnir’s heart and began to roast it over a fire as he had promised Regin he would. While the heart was cooking Sigurd got some of the Dragon’s blood on his finger and licked it off. To his surprise he found he could understand the language of birds and some other animals.

Listening to Odin’s ravens as they talked in the tree above him, Sigurd discovered that Regin had indeed plotted to kill him after eating the heart of the Dragon. Thereby having knowledge of the doom Regin had planned, he beheaded him with one stroke of Gram as soon as the Dwarf reappeared to claim his prize. Sigurd ate the roasted Dragon heart himself and gained the gifts of wisdom and prophecy.

As for the Ottersgild treasure, including the ring Andvaranuat, Aegishjalmr the Helmet of Awe, the Golden Byrnie (cuirass), and all its attendant curses, Sigurd took it north with him to Hindfell where he met Brynhild the Valkyrie and had another, much different, adventure of no interest to us as it has no Dragons in it. If you are somewhat interested, however, you may find it told in the Opera by Richard Wagner called The Ring of the Nibelungenlied.