The Origin of Dragon
The earliest dragon figures were found in Xinglongwa culture (6200-5400 BC) and Hongshan culture (4700-2900 BC) which both located in southern Mongolian plateau, these areas have never been reached by agricultural civilization in history. Untill about 2000 BC, dragon was spread to China after the nomadic leader "Yellow Emperor" conquered China.
Altaic people have conquered and ruled China for thousands of years, the very first recorded dynasty of China, Xia(夏), was established by the Altaic leader "the Yellow Emperor". Chin(秦), Northern Wei(北魏), Sui(隋), Tang(唐), Lyao(遼), Jin(金), Yuan(元), Qing(清), all these dynasties were established by Altaic people.
Today Chinese generally claim themselves as "龍的傳人(the Descendants of the dragon)", which is a grievous mistake! Dragon was a symbol of the Altaic rulers, a symbol of invasion and conquest from the north. Chinese were the victims of "龍威(the Dragon's anger)", they suffered under the dragon for thousands of years. For Chinese people, dragon represents oppression, power and cruelty, ancient Chinese fear the Altaic invaders from the north, fear the dragon.
In ancient China, if a Chinese dare to call oneself "dragon" would be concerned as "大逆不道之罪(a unforgivable heavy offense)", which would cause "殺無赦(a direct death panalty)"!
The dragon also expressed as a snake or lizard, is the symbol of might and power. It is believed, especially in mountainous Central Asia, that dragons still live in the mountains of Tengri Tagh and Altay. Dragons also symbolize the Tengri (the High Sky) in ancient Altaic tradition, although dragons themselves are not worshiped as gods.
Dragon elements in Mongol/Manchu culture
Mid 16th century Ottoman dragon
Dragon elements in Ottoman culture
|