Dragon: Symbol in the West and China, History, Meaning and Myths
The dragon is a monster to be defeated in Europe and a benevolent power in China. Origins of the word, Saint George, the Welsh dragon, the Chinese lóng, the nine resemblances and respect.
Key points
| Word | From the Greek drakôn, “serpent” |
|---|---|
| In the West | A dangerous creature, guardian of treasure, adversary of heroes |
| In China | Lóng: power of water, rain and the emperor |
| Welsh dragon | Y Ddraig Goch, emblem of Wales |
| Zodiac animal | The fifth animal of the Chinese cycle |
| Dragon and wyvern | The wyvern has two legs; the heraldic dragon has four |
| Pitfall | Do not apply the European dragon to the Chinese dragon |
One word, many creatures
The word “dragon” comes from the Greek drakôn, meaning a large serpent. In traditions around the world, creatures resembling it are reptilian, winged or wingless, breathe fire or water, and are often linked to water or earth. These creatures are not the same from one culture to another, so the useful question is: which dragon are we talking about?
Western and Far Eastern dragons are the two great families, but there are many others: the feathered serpent of Mesoamerica, the serpent deities of India, the Mušhuššu of Mesopotamia.
The Western dragon: a monster to face
In Greek tradition, the dragon is a monstrous serpent that guards something (Ladon, guardian of the golden apples; Python of Delphi). In the Germanic and Norse world, the dragon (Fáfnir, the dragon of Beowulf) guards a hoard of treasure. In the Bible, the Book of Revelation (chapter 12) describes a great red dragon, identified with Satan, who is fought by the archangel Michael.
In the Middle Ages, accounts of Saint George slaying the dragon (the Golden Legend, 13th century) fixed the image of the knight and the monster. The dragon then embodied chaos, sin or the dangers of nature, and the hero who defeats it embodied order or faith.
The Chinese dragon: a benevolent power
In China, the dragon (lóng, 龙) is linked to rivers, clouds and rain, and therefore to agriculture and prosperity. It is also the symbol of the emperor: only the emperor could wear robes with five-clawed dragons. It is not entirely benevolent (it can bring floods), but it is not a monster to be killed.
A text from the Han period attributes to the dragon “nine resemblances”: the head of a camel, the horns of a deer, the eyes of a rabbit (or of a demon), the neck of a snake, the belly of a shellfish, the scales of a carp, the claws of an eagle, the paws of a tiger and the ears of an ox. Lists vary between authors.
Some comparative reference points
| Criterion | Western dragon | Chinese dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Winged reptile with four legs (often) | Serpent body, generally without wings, deer antlers |
| Element | Fire, scorching breath | Water, clouds, rain |
| Role | Guardian of treasure, monster | Power, luck, the emperor |
| Relation to humans | To be defeated | To be respected and honoured |
| Cultural examples | Saint George, Beowulf, Fáfnir | New Year festivals, dragon boats |
The Chinese zodiac makes the dragon the only imaginary animal among twelve real ones. See the dragon in Chinese astrology.
The Welsh dragon and other emblems
The Welsh flag bears a red dragon, Y Ddraig Goch. The account of two dragons, one red and one white, fighting beneath the tower of King Vortigern and revealed by the young Merlin, appears in the Historia Brittonum (9th century): the red symbolises the Britons, the white the Saxons. Henry Tudor flew a red dragon at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.
Dragons also appear in coats of arms: the heraldic wyvern has only two legs, which distinguishes it from the dragon.
Dragons, fossils and science
It has sometimes been suggested that the discovery of bones of large fossil animals fed legends. The idea is possible but hard to prove for any specific story. In China, fossils were traditionally called “dragon bones” and used in herbal medicine: this fact is documented.
As for the “Komodo dragon”, it is a large, very real lizard from Indonesia, named after the myth, which is not its origin.
Wearing it, giving it: respect and nuance
- As a Chinese gift, a dragon is a positive symbol of luck and power; avoid presenting it as a monster.
- In the West, it may signify protection (as a guardian) or strength.
- Avoid confusion: Chinese dragon ≠ European dragon ≠ wyvern.
- No dragon jewellery has been proven to protect; it is an emblem.
See also the phoenix and the unicorn, as well as our pendants. For animal symbolism in the card game, see The Serpent (Lenormand).
Frequently asked questions
What does the dragon symbolise?
In the West, a force to be defeated or a treasure to be guarded; in China, beneficent power, water and the emperor.
Is the Chinese dragon the same as the European dragon?
No. They have different forms, roles and symbolism. The first is revered, the second is often fought.
What is a wyvern?
A dragon with two legs and two wings, very common in heraldry.
Why is the dragon associated with Wales?
It appears in a 9th-century account, the Historia Brittonum, and on the banner of Henry Tudor in 1485.
Is the dragon an animal of the Chinese zodiac?
Yes, the fifth of the twelve-year cycle, and the only one that is not a real animal.
Also read
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice. Back to Symbol dictionary.