Are there dragons in your hometown? Maybe there are no dragons in the world...

There are no dragons in this world.

Because the Chinese nation

Only then did the dragon appear

It was given to us

Extraordinary power and status

It is the one that flies in the clouds

It is the one that stirs up the storm

(Soaring dragon, photographer @杜华林, map @杜睿/Planet Research Institute)

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The folk mythical beast is it

It is exclusive to the emperor

It is also the symbol of the Chinese nation.

(It is always seen in festivals, photographer @城市穿梭客)

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It does not exist

Yet it is “everywhere”

(According to incomplete statistics, there are as many as 360 national, provincial and municipal intangible cultural heritage items related to dragons across the country. Map by @Song Nan/Planet Research Institute)

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From ancient times to the present

Its image has always been with us

(The existence of dragons is almost as long as Chinese civilization. Photographers @Sun Ze & Zhang Yan & Liang Xiaojun & Wang Han & Liu Ye Deuterium & Hei Yu & Bowu Capsule & Xu Qin & Xiao Yining & Xu Changyu & Li Wenbo & Xiao Yao & Sun Yan & Bao Haolin & Arterial Shadow. Map by @Hanqing/Planetary Research Institute)

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but

The Supreme Dragon

Not Born Extraordinary

In a long career

What has it been through?

How did you get your current status?

The twists and turns

You may not be able to imagine

01

Dragon's Childhood

- The origin of the dragon image -

More than 8,000 years ago

In an ancient settlement in northern Liaoning

People gathered in the central square

Use stones to form a pattern

This big guy who looks "unremarkable"

Maybe it's a dragon

The appearance when it was just born

(Dragon sculpture at the Chahai site, photographer @Sun Ze, map @Hanqing/Planet Research Institute)

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The dragon at this time

Simple and ignorant

It has no fixed name.

There is no unified image

As an imaginary creature

Its prototype may come from

Those who lived with the ancients

"Fantastic Beasts"

pig

In the eyes of the ancestors in the Northeast

It is an important guarantee for survival

So they carved it out of jade.

Became the sacred "Jade Pig Dragon"

(It has a pig's head and a long, curly body, photographer @梁小君, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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salamander

The ancestors of Gansu

Surprised to find by the river

It can travel freely between land and water

So they used lines to outline its appearance.

Became a unique "Saurus"

(It has a human face and a slender fish body, photographer @王晗, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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crocodile

It is ferocious and full of momentum.

Let the people in Henan area

Fear, worship, desire

So they built it out of clam shells.

Became a majestic "crocodile dragon"

(It looks very much like a crocodile, photographer @张艳, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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snake

It moves in secret

Some are even highly poisonous.

The ancestors of Shanxi

I am both afraid and curious about it.

So they used colors to depict its image.

Became the mysterious "Snake Dragon"

(It is spitting out its tongue, photographer @柳叶氘, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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Pigs, salamanders, crocodiles, snakes...

This is what a dragon looks like

Slowly "polished" for four thousand years

Until the establishment of the Xia Dynasty

As the most powerful dynasty in China at that time

It has an influence unmatched by other regions.

The image of dragon in the minds of Xia people

It is also gradually becoming popular

(Xia turquoise dragon-shaped vessel, its prototype is more like a snake, photographer @黑敀)

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After the fall of the Xia Dynasty

People's love for dragons continues to grow

Through the development of casting technology

Dragons often appear on various bronze ritual vessels.

The image has also changed from the simple and plain

Become more mysterious and fierce

(Bronze climbing dragon from the Western Zhou Dynasty, photographer @Bowu Capsule, map @Hanqing/Planet Research Institute)

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The dragon at this time

Not only has a standardized image

It also has its own name

(Evolution of dragon characters, drawn by @Hanqing/Planetary Research Institute)

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Thousands of years

Let the dragon that grew up eating "hundreds of families"

Gradually faded away the "childishness" of ancient times

It becomes mature

About to officially enter the "God Realm"

Embrace the extraordinary mission

02

Entering the "Divine Realm"

- The Dragon's Power and Folk Image -

Dragon's "immortal life"

It didn't start well

For people in ancient times

Dragons can be domesticated pets

Its meat can even be eaten.

(From "Zuo Zhuan·Zhao Gong 29th Year", the dragon here is most likely a crocodile, which was made into meat sauce and offered to King Xia after its death)

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Emperor Shun's family kept dragons...A female dragon died and was minced into meat and fed to Emperor Xia.

Chinese people do not keep idle spirits

If you want to "make a name for yourself" in the divine world

It won't work if you don't have strong enough strength

Dragon decided to learn some "special skills"

(Jade Dragon from the Shang Dynasty, photographer @柳叶氘)

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Art comes from life

Crocodile, one of the prototype animals of dragon

Always with water

The rainy season happens to be when they are more active

The ancients who observed these phenomena

They associated crocodiles with rain.

The dragon thus "learned"

Clouds and rain

(Crocodile hunting in the water, the picture shows a caiman, for illustration only, picture source @Visual China)

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For large agricultural countries

This skill is very important

Long also took the responsibility

The mission of controlling rainwater

During the flood

It is a great helper in dredging waterways.

(From "Classic of Mountains and Seas", Yinglong dredged the spring for Dayu)

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When Yu was controlling the flood, a dragon drew a line on the ground with its tail, and water flowed out. Yu used this to control the flood.

During a long drought

People will also hold rain-praying ceremonies

Waving its body

Hope it answers prayers

Bring down the rain for everyone

(As early as the Shang Dynasty, there were records of praying for rain through dragon dancing, photographer @蔡朝阳)

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Chenshi (early morning)

It's a good time for Shenlong to rain

So it was included in the calendar

Became the " Dragon " in the Chinese Zodiac

Closely linked to people’s destiny

(The records of the Chinese zodiac date were already in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. Photographer: @袁欢欢, map: @汉青/星球研究院)

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More than that

Dragon flying through the clouds

Possessing the ability to communicate between heaven and earth

(A Western Han Dynasty jade pendant with openwork dragon and phoenix patterns, in which the dragon seems to be running in the clouds, photographer @柳叶氘)

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It is a mount

Guided by the gods

Flying between heaven and earth

(Please watch in horizontal mode, the dragon here looks very cute, image source @Wikimedia Commons, map @Hanqing/Planet Research Institute)

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It is also a "frequent visitor" in the tomb

Between Life and Death

Bring the souls of the dead to the immortal world

(The dragon in the silk painting of the Mawangdui Han Tomb became a means to guide the soul of the tomb owner to heaven. Photographer @任俊豪)

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Tang Dynasty

With the introduction of Buddhism

The Image of the "Dragon King" in Buddhist Classics

Into people's sight

As a member of the "Beast Path"

They are both good and evil

Possessing magical powers

They also have their own joys, anger, anger, and stupidity.

(Dunhuang Cave 35: "Dragon King Worshiping Buddha". The Sanskrit word "Naga" for snake was mistranslated into "dragon", so the Dragon King in the picture has a human head and a snake body. Photographer @Sun Zhijun)

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In the combination of foreign culture and local beliefs

Dragon Transformation

Became the Dragon King with a dragon head and a human body

Dragon with "human touch"

Loved by the people

They worshipped the Dragon King and built temples for him.

Dragon, thus gained a new mission

Become a protector of one side

Protecting the local weather and good harvests

(There are often Dragon King Temples near rivers, lakes and seas. Photographer: @张伟)

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By word of mouth

The story of the dragon has become more complete

Beyond the personified image

I have my own children too

(The earliest description of the dragon giving birth to nine sons was seen in the Ming Dynasty, and there are many versions. This picture only selects some of them for display. Map by @Hanqing/Planetary Research Institute)

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With great power comes great responsibility

As the protector of the place

Nature also protects people's health

Dragon, the leader of scaly creatures

Can suppress various poisonous insects

(From "Shuowen Jiezi")

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The dragon is the leader of all scaly insects. It can be dark or bright, small or huge, short or long. It ascends to the sky at the spring equinox and dives into the abyss at the autumnal equinox.

Therefore, every second day of the second month of the lunar calendar

People will scatter ashes to smoke insects

Called "Dragon Induction"

It is hoped that the dragon will "raise its head and move" on this day.

Drive away the poisonous insects that stir during the spring equinox

Free everyone from disease

(On February 2, the dragon raises its head, and people touch the dragon's head to seek blessings. Image source: Visual China)

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In addition to these main businesses

Long is still an active

Folk art workers

It is a regular guest in the drama

(Dragon head mask in Nuo opera, picture source: Visual China)

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A classic element in architecture

(A lifelike dragon sculpture in Taifu Temple in Fenyang, Shanxi Province, photographer @邢睿泽)

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It is also an important role in painting

(The picture shows the "Nine Dragons" painted by Chen Rong in the Song Dynasty. Each dragon has a different expression. Photographer @包浩霖)

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Although the task is complicated

But fortunately, the business ability is strong

While Long was flourishing among the people

Also favored by the royal family

So, the dragon successfully "came ashore"

Got the royal "official edition"

03

Chosen Dragon

- Dragons and Feudal Kingship -

When the Dragon Enters the Emperor's House

Around the Han Dynasty

Liu Bang, the founding emperor of a humble origin

In order to declare its orthodoxy to the world

Then he set his sights on the dragon.

Thus, Liu Bang in the history books changed

Became the "Son of the Dragon"

(From "Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of Emperor Gaozu")

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At that time, there were thunder and lightning, and Taigong went to see, and saw a dragon on it. Later, she became pregnant and gave birth to Gaozu.

Under the influence of history books

Not only was Liu Bang's father a dragon

Liu Bang himself is a dragon

Liu Bang's son is also a dragon

Such a "big deal"

It is nothing more than borrowing the sacred attributes of the dragon.

To emphasize the legitimacy of the Western Han regime

(Dragon head-shaped bow hat from the Western Han Dynasty, photographer @一一的博物集)

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Affected by this

Emperors began to realize the value of dragons

Bind themselves to the dragon

The dragon seems to have the aura of an emperor.

But also under great pressure

Became a public opinion maker

The "Tool Dragon" that proves its destiny

(Tang Chijin walking dragon, photographer @柳叶氘)

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Dragons and the Royal Family Are More Connected

In the Yuan Dynasty

The rulers tried to completely monopolize the dragon

The government officially issued a ban

In addition to official institutions

Folks are not allowed to weave any dragon-related patterns

(The dragon's appearance combines the characteristics of various animals, photographer @李伟, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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Every policy from above has its own countermeasures

People's love for dragons for thousands of years

How can it be stopped by a ban?

To avoid censorship

People have made "magic changes" to dragon patterns

Some have reduced their angles

Some are missing a claw

Various variations of dragon patterns emerge in endlessly

(The dragon on this piece of porcelain looks very strange, photographer @脉影, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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Not only dragon pattern

Dragons that appear in folk festivals

Looks even more varied

There is a dragon made of benches

(Yunhe Bench Dragon in Zhejiang, photographer @梅育源)

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There is a dragon made of grass

(Fenkou Grass Dragon Dance, photographer @程海波)

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There is a dragon made of fireworks

(Fireworks Dragon, image source: @Visual China)

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In people's hands

Dragons come in all shapes and sizes.

Cloth, grass, bamboo, paper, wood, yarn

As long as it is common materials in life

Can be made into a dragon

(A toy dragon lantern made of paper, photographer @Yu Yiqi)

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Facing reality

The rulers had to make concessions

Redefining the image of the dragon

That is, " five claws and two horns "

Only the Emperor

You can wear it on your body

(The dragon with bared fangs and claws on the emperor's clothing, photographer @脉影, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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In the Ming and Qing Dynasties

The desires of the emperors are growing

So, the dragon took over

Aspects of Royal Life

It is the royal guard.

Hovering on the beams of the palace

Waiting beside the emperor's couch

(Golden dragon under the plaque of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, photographer @柳叶氘)

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It takes care of the trivial "housework"

Brocade quilt, tea cup, fruit plate, stationery

It is everywhere

(Dragons in Ming and Qing imperial artifacts, photographers @柳叶氘&袁欢欢&杨文杰)

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It has also become

The "Contractor" of the Royal Project

Up to the ceiling

Down to the sewer

Every detail

It must be strictly controlled

(The Chi head on the base of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City will appear as a "thousand dragons spitting water" every time it rains heavily. Photographer @潘之望)

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Despite having many magical powers

But at this time, the dragon

Rather than being a totem worshipped exclusively by the royal family,

It is better to say that it is the emperor's exclusive "tool dragon"

(Dragon in the Forbidden City, photographer @焦潇翔&宫迷&姚朝辉&柳叶氘)

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Although the work is hard

But in the eyes of outsiders

At least it's a respectable job.

The dragon who works diligently in the royal family

Maybe you won't think of

It is about to usher in the trough of "Dragon Life"

1911

The first shot of the Xinhai Revolution

Completely destroyed the feudal monarchy that had lasted for thousands of years

A dragon that is highly bound to the royal family

As a result, he was implicated

(The yellow dragon flag symbolizing the Qing government, photographer @吕效楠, map @汉青/星球研究院)

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Losing the imperial power as a "backer"

The dragon is no longer a symbol of holiness and majesty

Instead, it has become a symbol of ignorance and backwardness.

Progressives see it as a target for destruction

I wish I could get rid of it as soon as possible

(From "The Activities of the Tongmenghui in Hong Kong and Macao and Memories of Guangdong Women's Participation in the Revolution" in 1911)

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A group of students from Pei Kee School went to the Bao Heng Silver Shop on Camp Street to protest against the hanging of the Qing Dynasty's dragon flag. They had an argument with the shop owner and threw stones at the dragon flag.

The dragon at this time

It's no longer as lively as it used to be.

It is in a "dragon life crisis"

Where will it go from here?

04

Flying into ordinary people's homes

- Dragons and Modern Society -

More than 60 years later

As the curtain of reform and opening up opened

China at this time

Facing unprecedented opportunities

With the determination to realize national rejuvenation and move towards the world

This is China's opportunity

It's also a chance for the dragon

(From the song "Descendants of the Dragon" released in 1978)

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"There was a dragon in the ancient East

Its name is China

There was a group of people in the ancient East

They are all descendants of the dragon."

As described in the song

Perhaps no animal can compare to a dragon.

It is more suitable to symbolize the Chinese nation.

After all, it has long been in history

It has been with us for thousands of years

(Dragon dance in the sun, image source: Visual China)

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Dragons are always with us.

Dragon customs in ancient times

It was passed down

A new lease of life

Initially, it was only used during sacrifices to pray for rain.

The dragon dance

Now it has become an everyday celebration.

An indispensable part

(Dragon and Phoenix Dance at the West Gate of Chenghai, Shantou, photographer @城市穿越客)

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Once the Jingchu region

Dragon boat race in memory of Qu Yuan

Now it has become a

Popular sports events

(Dragon Boat Race, Photographer @Lu Wen)

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The figure of soaring reversal

It has long been deeply engraved in people's hearts

It can fly in the air

(A dragon made of drones, photographer @匪霸)

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Can dance in fire

(Dancing Fire Dragon, Photographer @张乐)

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Can swim in water

(The "Golden Dragon" cruising on the water, photographer @罗期文)

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Along the way

Long has been through a lot.

Its existence is almost as long as Chinese civilization.

It was once the totem of the ancient tribe

It is a divine beast that calls the wind and rain.

It is a symbol of royal majesty

(Chibi of the Forbidden City, photographer @王天羽)

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After going through the trials of time

After years of precipitation

Dragon finally ushered in the real highlight moment

That is to become the Chinese nation

"Spiritual endorsement"

All good and positive things

They can all be dragons

It is the magnificent and beautiful mountains and rivers of the motherland

(Please watch in horizontal mode, Qinling Mountains is also known as the "Dragon's Backbone of China", photographer @王永杰)

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It is a "domineering" national project

(The interior of the nuclear island of the nuclear power project "Hualong One", picture source: @Guo Donghai)

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It is a courageous scientific exploration

(Polar research ship Xuelong and penguins, photographer @阿凡昌)

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It is also every self-improvement

Chinese people who love life

(People dancing the dragon, photographer @城市穿越客)

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From the beginning of entering the divine world

To the Chosen Dragon

Totem in the hearts of 1.4 billion people

The dragon took eight thousand years

But no matter how its identity changes

There is a job

But it never changed

That is carrying people

Desire for a happy life

(An old man drawing a sugar dragon, photographer @苏凌汉)

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perhaps

There are no dragons in the world

Some are only Chinese

Dream and creation

(Beijing Jiankou Great Wall, like a circling dragon, photographer @周青阳, map @杜睿/Planet Research Institute)

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There is a vast world with great potential

The new year is about to begin

Wish you all

Dragon is the root of everything

Have a safe journey!!!!

This article was created by

Written by : Huang Taiji

Editor : Director

Image : Pan Chenxia

Design : Han Qing & Du Rui

Map : Zhang Songnan

Review : Mirror & Zhou Tianxiu & Zheng Yi

Cover design : Hanqing

External review experts

Zhang Jinshuo, deputy director and research curator of the National Museum of Zoology

Guo Dongjun, curator of the Archaeological Research Center of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage

Note:

1. Chapter 1 There are many different opinions about the prototype of the dragon, and this article only lists some of them.

2. Chapter 2: Regarding the origin of the dragon’s ability to make clouds and rain, there are many speculations in the academic community. This article adopts the crocodile origin theory.

3. Chapter 2 There are many different opinions about the origin of the Dragon Raising its Head festival on February 2. Some believe that it is related to the changes in the positions of the stars.

【References】

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[3] Li Ling. Chinese New Year with the Twelve Zodiac Signs[M]. Life·Reading·New Knowledge Sanlian Bookstore, 2020.

[4] Ji Chengming. Chinese dragon worship customs[M]. Xiangtan University Press, 2020.

[5] Yuan Jing. Animal Exploration: Discovering China in the Chinese Zodiac[M]. Guangxi Normal University Press, 2023.

[6] Zhu Xueliang. The evolution of dragon worship from ancient times to the Qin and Han dynasties and its cultural implications[J]. Literature and Culture, 2012(03).

[7] Li Ling. On dragons, including taotie patterns[J]. Journal of the National Museum of China, 2017(03).

[8] Zhu Naicheng. Totems and dragons in the Yanhuang era and the origin and formation of Chinese dragon culture[J]. Journal of Xinyang Normal University, 2019(09).

[9] Yuan Guangkuo. Dragon Totem: The Origin, Identity and Inheritance of the Chinese Dragon from an Archaeological Perspective[J]. Guangming Daily, 20201202.