The Five Types of Chinese Dragons
There are five types of Chinese Dragons, four of those being from the Long family of dragon, and the final being the famed Imperial Dragon. [The term Long is an Americanized version of the Chinese word Lung, meaning deaf.]
These five dragons each have their own dominion over which they reign:
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The first, Tian Long, means heavenly guard. These dragons were in charge of protecting the dwellings of the Gods. They are also sometimes referred to as the celestial dragons.
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The second type was the Shen Long, or spirit dragon. These dragons were in charge of making rain for mankind. They were also responsible for any flooding that might occur.
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The third type of dragon was the Di Long are the dragons of the earth. Their responsibility is to care for the rivers and streams.
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The fourth type of dragon is known as the Cang Long. These dragons are in charge of protecting the beloved Imperial Treasure.
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The fifth dragon is the Imperial Dragon, which has, perhaps, the most material for which to study as they are depicted on all the many shrines and temples within the Forbidden City and beyond.
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