Do you want to know the meanings of the Japanese dragon? Well, do not miss this article where I will talk about japanese dragon symbols and why they are quite similar to chinese dragons.
The main difference between the Japanese dragon and the Chinese dragon is that the Japanese dragon only has two fingers or claws, while the Chinese dragon has five claws and the common dragon has four fingers according to Asian mythology.
What is the Japanese dragon and types of dragons in Japan?
In Japan there are two types of dragons that control the elements of nature such as: rain, fire and earth Do you want to know what these dragons are? Well, do not miss the definition of each of these types of dragons below.
The Japanese water dragon
This type of Japanese dragon is a aquatic deity which according to Japanese philosophy and literature is found in bodies of water or rain. In fact, the Japanese word that defines the water dragon is Mizuchi. This name comes from the Chinese dragon, since according to the country's mythology, this type of dragon must be a wingless serpent, that has claw-shaped feet which makes the rain fall when it is necessary.
the japanese dragon of heaven
Another Japanese dragon, which can be found within the culture of the country of the rising sun, is the dragon of heaven or clouds. This type of dragon, compared to others in Chinese mythology, also has powers that make rain appear, darken the day or attract atmospheric phenomena based on how humans behave on Earth.
What are the different Japanese words to define dragon?
If you like the Japanese language you should know that the word dragon originated in this country. However, dragon refers to a mythological animal that has three fingers and that when migrating to the north of the Japanese country he gained another. Due to his journey north he received a fifth finger and an additional claw because he gained certain knowledge along his journey.
in the japanese language There are very few words to define these dragons, although the most popular are the following: ryu and tatsu. Both words have been borrowed from an old Japanese dialect, which has been translated into the Anglo-Saxon language as dragon.
Dragons and their physiognomy
It can be said that Japanese dragons, like most Asian dragons They are quite thin and long with a body that is shaped like a snake. and it can also be composed of other animals with chin beards. You can find some dragons that have some very peculiar characteristics like the following:
- They may have the antlers of a deer.
- The eyes of a rabbit.
- The paws of a tiger.
- The ears of an ox.
- The wings of the carp.
- The snake neck.
What are the symbols of the Japanese dragon?
Dragons can be used throughout Japanese culture, as they are symbols that offer strength, courage and energy wherever it is represented. Unlike dragons, which can be found in Western mythology, Asian dragons don't usually have wings. although most do have powers and abilities to fly.
Asian dragons can fly through the skies because at the top of their head they have a knot that allows them to magically fly.
Furthermore, you can find some books of ancient Japanese mythology where it is said that some of these dragons could live underwater and that in fact many of them continue to live in lakes and oceans.
Can dragons be found in Buddhist temples?
You can find many dragon symbols, for example, in Buddhist temples and also in some Shinto shrines. It is common for some temple and shrine names to have the word dragon in them, because you can find paintings without motives that adorn the temples of these religions.
Many of the ceilings of these temples have also been painted with several dragons that protect the place.
In addition, the head is of a dragon that you can find in Buddhist or Shinto temples are often adorned with objects and bells that have to do with the place of prayer.
Do Japanese evil dragons exist?
Although, many mythological beliefs say that japanese dragons weren't always good, there are many myths in western mythology that some of these dragons were evil.
For example, the dragon uwibami It is a dragon that symbolizes all directions before acting and was a dragon widely used by ancient warriors.
The dragon Yamata-no-orochi symbolizes the concept that a task is never finished until it is completed in detail.
For its part, the dragon Yofune-nashi symbolizes the truths that are hidden and those people who want to discover the truth but try to hide it from the person concerned.
What do you think of this curious fact?