Eastern/Oriental Dragon - Dragon Information Article Written by Fantopia.net

Eastern/Oriental Dragon

The Eastern dragon has several different species of dragons, but they all have long, slender, serpent like bodies, four legs with sharp claws, scales, horns and a large ornate head. Their body sizes can range from small to massive creatures. These species of dragons are identified by their feet and the number of claws. The Japanese dragon has three toes, while the Korean dragon has four toes and the Chinese dragons have five toes. The Eastern or Oriental dragon is not prone to have wings to fly or the ability to breathe fire such as it's cousin the Western dragon. They are more colorful and a much more ornamental dragon, usually having fur or feather plumage with long whiskers. The people believe that the dragon is a combination or accummulation of several creatures that makes it quite unique to only that part of the world. The dragon plays an important role in their life and is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac.

People believe that the Eastern dragon is a symbol for good luck and will bring to those who show devotion good fortune. It is a symbol of protection, power and that he has the power to bring needed rain for agriculture and prosperity. Imperial dragons were used as a symbol for royalty and sewn into silk on clothing, banners and flags. The hierarcky was recognized by the number of claws that the imperial dragon prosessed. The king or emporor's dragon had five claws, a prince had four claws and lower ranking officials had three claws on their dragons. Only the king or emporor was allowed to posess a imperial dragon with five claws.