Did you know that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese zodiac? But we're not just talking about any dragon—we're diving into the captivating tale of the \"loong,\" a mythical creature that has symbolized the Chinese people for millennia. 🐉
Chinese legends tell us that the loong is an immortal being, ruling over the water systems in heaven and on earth with immense power. Ancient emperors even claimed to be reincarnations of the loong god to justify their royal status and wow the masses. Talk about a power move!
But where did this legendary creature come from? Let's journey back in time to find out.
The Yangshao Period: Where It All Began 🌄
The roots of loong culture trace back to the Yangshao Culture—a civilization from central China dating back 5,500 to 7,000 years ago. This period saw the first appearances of loong patterns, like ichthyosaurs, snake dragons, pig dragons, and crocodile dragons. Pretty wild, right?
During those times, people believed that everything in nature had a spirit—what we call \"animism.\" With low social productivity, they looked to nature for guidance and worshipped plants and animals that played significant roles in their lives or just seemed downright intimidating. The loong was born from this mix of reverence and awe.
The Jade Pig Loong: A Fascinating Fusion 🐷🐍
In the Liaohe River Basin of northeast China, one of the earliest birthplaces of Chinese jade culture, artisans crafted the jade pig loong—a creature combining features of a snake and a pig. It's like the original mash-up! This unique figure shows how the loong evolved by blending different animals that held special meaning to the people.
So next time you think of dragons, remember the loong—a symbol rich in history and culture, weaving together the beliefs and creativity of ancient China. Who knew that a mythical creature could have such a down-to-earth origin story?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
