4. Green Dragon
4.
Green Dragon (Chn: Qinglong
, Jp: Seiryuu) Guardians of the east= East, Spring, Blue/Green,
Green Dragon is associated with the element
of Wood
The dragon corresponds to the season spring,
the color green/blue, the element wood, and the virtue propriety;
supports and maintains the country (controls rain, symbol of the Emperor’s
power). Often paired with the Phoenix,
for the two represent both conflict and wedded bliss. In both China and
Japan, Dragon and Phoenix
symbolism is associated closely with the imperial family -- the emperor
(dragon) and the empress (phoenix).
Represents the yang principle;
often portrayed surrounded by water or clouds.
In Chinese mythology, there are five types of dragon:
(1) the celestial dragons who guard the abodes
of the gods;
(2) dragon spirits, who rule over wind and
rain but can also cause flooding;
(3) earth dragons, who cleanse the rivers
and deepen the oceans;
(4) treasure-guarding dragons
(5) imperial dragons, those with five claws
instead of the usual four
HISTORICAL
NOTES
At the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual
creatures (Sì Shòu )
The Han Dynasty Chinese cosmologists distinguished Four Creatures of the
World
and since then have become deeply rooted in Chinese mythology.
These animals are the Green Dragon,
White Tiger, Phoenix ,
Tortoise & Snakeskin
Each creature represents one of the four world directions, seasons, and
"elements".
Sometimes there are five animals because every once in a while
the snake will be depicted with the Black Tortoise.
(The Phoenix- S , The Green Dragon- E , The Tortoise- N , The
White Tiger- W)