World Cultures Lesson 36:
China: Part II
Japanese and Chinese Dragons

Japanese dragons are called tatsu or ryu and are very often snake-like in appearance. In Japan the dragon symbol decorates many different items such as clothes and Buddhist temples. Dragons can also serve as fountainheads. The dragon symbol is also used as the insignia for the royal family.

In Japanese mythology it is said that a female dragon gave birth to 9 dragons. Each of these dragons has different attributes. There are also 4 dragon kings that rule the earth.  
These dragon kings reside on the edge of the earth. Sui riu is unique because when it is suffering it creates rain that is red in color. Han riu is a giant 40-foot dragon that is striped in many colors. Ka riu is a small red colored dragon only 7 feet in length. Ri riu is a dragon with great vision that is said to see over 100 miles into the distance. Japanese dragons can change their size whenever they want to, and they have the ability to become invisible.

The Japanese dragon has 3 claws. They believe that the further a dragon travels from its home of origin, the more claws it grows. The Japanese dragon does not have wings, but that does not prevent it from flying.

The Chinese refer to themselves as long de chuan ren, which means descendants of the dragon. Chinese dragons are known as long (long "o" as in "own"). There are four main types of long. Tien- Long is also known as the Celestial Dragon (dragon of heaven). Its responsibility is to protect the gods and the Emperor and his palaces. The celestial dragon would adorn the Emperor’s clothing. This dragon also marked certain paths and stairways that only the Emperor could walk upon.