There are countless symbols used in different cultures around the world, each with its own significance. The Chinese dragon is perhaps one of the most interesting and enduring symbols.
This mythical beast has been a staple of Chinese mythology for generations, and is now recognized as a symbol of Chinese martial arts, and more specifically, the sword. In this article, heartswords.com will reveal what the Chinese dragon represents. We will then discuss the various dragons that appear on Chinese swords, their locations, and their symbolic meanings.
What does the Chinese dragon represent?
The Chinese dragon is a mythical creature that has been a symbol of Chinese civilization for more than a thousand years. Chinese culture regards it as a symbol of good luck and prosperity because it is respected by people.
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is the supreme deity of land and sky. The common image is a giant snake-like beast with four arms and legs, sharp claws, and a head with horns and a beard. It is said that its breath has the power to destroy and create all things and control the weather.
The Chinese dragon sometimes takes the form of a fish or turtle, but is usually shown as a four-legged snake. The origins are unclear, but Chinese giant and elongated crocodiles, thunder, and some form of nature worship may have played a role. It was the original symbol of some of China’s earliest empires, of might, power, and the distinction between the able and the incompetent (the latter being likened to worms).
Chinese Dragon Sword Types
There are various dragon shapes on Chinese swords. However, it is the color rather than the shape that determines the meaning of the dragon. Here are the most common colors of the Chinese dragon.
- Red – Good luck
- Black – Revenge and Evil
- White – Virtue and Purity
- Blue and green – new life, plant growth and spring
- Yellow – Power, wisdom and wealth
- Gold – power, wealth, prosperity, gain and strength
The common dragons on Chinese swords are Qinglong, Yilong, Jiaolong, Minglong, Yunlong, Baolong, Panlong, Longwang, etc. They all have different values and mythological backgrounds. Although these are the most common, the shapes on the swords are mostly from the mythical dragon giving birth to nine sons, or simply called Yalong.
1. Bixi
The Bixi is the oldest dragon and due to its age it can be depicted as a turtle on some swords. It has very sharp teeth and can carry heavy objects on its back, making it a common sword shape.
2. Prison Ox
Qiuniu is yellow in color and shaped like scales. Its origins suggest that it loves music, which is why it has very wavy features that can sometimes go around the entire hilt.
3. Jiaozi
The Ya Zi is full of fighting or killing energy and is usually carved on the blade or hilt of a sword. The belly of this dragon can often be seen on swords, and sometimes the head of a leopard or other animal can be seen. It can be seen on the hilt of a Chinese sword, with its mouth open, and it looks like the blade is its flame, which is easy to find on a Guan Dao.
4. Mocking the Wind
The Taunting Wind is a fierce dragon form that is often seen on ceremonial swords. It is a dragon form that lacks the same energy as other dragons.
5. Pulao
Most of the pulao are round, with the dragon head and tail connected. That is why they are often seen on the pommel or guard of a sword.
6. Chiwen
The Chinese Chiwen is sometimes depicted with a fish body, mainly because it originated from the ocean. Since the Chiwen’s background story is about devouring other creatures, this is a popular pattern on swords. Its most distinctive feature is its two angry and evil eyes.
7. Bi’an
The Bi’an is a gatekeeper type of Chinese dragon. It is usually placed on top of a sword guard, and sometimes in the opening of a scabbard. Its huge head and eyes can be seen, sometimes with an open mouth and two clawed hands.
8. Suanni
A dragon shaped like a lion or with the body of a lion is called a suanni. It is a very popular dragon on swords, often seen on the blades of martial artists. It can stand on all fours, or sometimes sit cross-legged with its head facing upwards.
9. Negative Xi
The most popular dragon shape on Chinese swords is the Fuxi. Its body is spread over the entire guard, hilt, pommel and scabbard, and sometimes even the blade. It has four legs, two near the tail and two near the head, with whiskers, eyes and sharp teeth.
The meaning of the Chinese dragon on the sword parts
If you want to customize your own Chinese sword and understand the meaning of the dragon on the sword, here we will introduce the different parts of the Chinese sword and the meaning of the dragon in these parts.
Blade – The blade of a Chinese sword is an important part of the sword as it is often displayed with a dragon symbol to bring good luck. Chiseling, inlaying and carving are methods of etching or carving dragon images into the blade. The dragon’s body may wrap around the blade or extend from the guard and hilt to the tip of the sword. The dragon on the blade symbolizes power, fortitude, strength and courage.
Sword Guard – A sword guard can take the shape of a dragon’s mouth, face, crown or claws, allowing the creature’s unique features to become an extension of the sword guard. The dragon design on this sword guard is a reminder of its martial arts heritage and a symbol of strength and protection.
Hilt – The dragon pattern on the hilt can be carefully carved and made of precious materials such as gold, ivory or jade. The head and tail of the dragon or the body of the dragon can be used as the connecting piece of the hilt. The dragon pattern on the hilt is a symbol of the emperor’s power and authority and often appears in royal ceremonies.
Scabbard – Usually made of wood or lacquer, the scabbard can be decorated with an elaborate dragon pattern. The dragon head and tail or body can serve as the tail of the scabbard. In traditional Chinese weddings, the dragon pattern on the scabbard symbolizes the groom’s strength and ability to protect the bride.
Pommel – The pommel is the metal end cap that holds the tang to the hilt, and can be any size or shape, and is sometimes the only part of a Chinese sword where a dragon appears (because it is held down by the hand). It is said to grant its bearer dragon-like agility, as well as authority, luck, strength, and guidance.
Tassel – One of the most unique and important parts of a Chinese sword is the tassel of the Chinese sword. It is a piece of flowing silk material attached to the end of the sword. It can be made in a variety of colors, and to some, it may look like the winding and soaring tail of a Chinese dragon.
