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12 Aug
Talk about a nation that holds a creature that never existed in high esteem; then we zoom our 'lenses'- or maybe pen on China. In China, the dragon is often regarded as a very powerful and admirable. To show their devotedness to this imaginary creature, the Chinese people celebrate several festivals [like the 'Dragon Boat Festival], and the dragon dance is frequently performed during certain festivals. It is even said that the Chinese people believe are descendants of dragons- how this became accepted as truth [considering the fact that dragons are viewed as being 'unreal' by the Chinese people] is quite surprising to say the least.
Nature of the Chinese Dragon
The Chinese dragons are perceived to have been water-spewing creatures, and they were not the fierce type of dragon. Legend has it that this particular set of dragons dwelled at the bottom of rivers, lakes or any body of water deep enough to accommodate them. Plus, they were also associated with good luck and authority even as Chinese emperors were [and are still] customarily regarded as "sons of dragon'.
Chinese dragon in modern times
The legend of the Chinese dragon has been well preserved in several works of art. A common example is the (inanimate) replica of the dragon used in performing the 'dragon dance'. Furthermore, the image of the Chinese dragon is often crafted or engraved on various articles [like mugs, in and around one's immediate environment [in China]. The Chinese dragon culture also extends to fashion in which case, you will find different costumes with dragon designs embroidered on them.
From the foregoing, it suffices to say that the mythology of the Chinese dragon is arguably the most prominent [and maybe the most celebrated] of all dragon legends that had ever existed. This stance could remain unchanged for generations to come as stories about dragons get projected through folktales and the Chinese movie industry.