This article examines the mythological symbol of dragon and shows that the dragon is not a composite totem, as some Chinese researchers believe, and not a real animal, but, first of all, a mental category, a living reflection of reality, the embodiment of nature (自然). From the Han Dynasty, the emperor began to position himself as the incarnation of the dragon and was called “The True Dragon and the Son of Heaven”, which emphasized his divine origin and gave the right to control the empire. Gradually, a single religious cult has been established: it was the worship of the dragon Long-wang (the King of Dragons), which was also beneficial to the ruling house. In general, this article shows that the creation of the imperial symbol of dragon was associated with folk beliefs in Heavenly signs, the need to create a pantheon of Chinese gods and ancestors, systematization and often usage of local cults and traditions to legitimize the power of the emperor.
Key words: mythology, totem, Chinese beliefs, dragon cult, heavenly omen, imperial symbol
DOI: 10.22250/20728662_2023_1_22
About the author
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Valeriia V. Garrido – external PhD student, Department of the History of Philosophy, The Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University); 6 Miklukho-Maklay str., Moscow, 117198, Russia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |