Contents:Contents:1.Information on the Chinese Dragon

1.Information on the Chinese Dragon2. More Information on the Chinese Dragon

2. More Information on the Chinese Dragon3.Timeline of Chinese History3.Timeline of Chinese History4. Customs and Etiquettes 4. Customs and Etiquettes

Contents:Contents:1.Information on the Chinese Dragon

1.Information on the Chinese Dragon2. More Information on the Chinese Dragon

2. More Information on the Chinese Dragon3.Timeline of Chinese History3.Timeline of Chinese History4. Customs and Etiquettes 4. Customs and Etiquettes

By Tracy Zheng

The Chinese Dragon

The people of China proudly call themselves “Lung Tik Chuan Ren,” meaning the Descendants of the Dragon. Dragons are known as a godly legendary creature who bring good fortune and prosperity. The dragon is also known to have shaped the Chinese culture. The Chinese Dragon or Lung represents power, excellence, boldness, heroism, firmness, nobility, and, last, but not least, religion. A dragon is known to overcome his obstacles until he succeeds. Chinese people believe that a dragon is lively, decisive, hopeful, cogent, and determined.

There are many different types of dragons in China. There are the vicious Western and beautiful Eastern dragon, Wood Dragons, Fire Dragons, Earth Dragons, Metal Dragons, and Water Dragons. Each of these dragons all have their own character traits. The Wood Dragon is creative, imaginative, and curious. Every move he makes is from logic. The Fire Dragon is the most talkative and competitive. He sometimes pushes too hard and expects a little too much from everyone. The Earth Dragon is a quiet and thoughtful dragon. The Metal Dragon is the most strong- willed dragon of all. The Water Dragon is less self-centered and opinionated than the other dragons.

More About the Chinese Dragon and Information Related to the Chinese Dragon

There are nine ways that Chinese people have traditionally represented these dragons. The first way is carving dragons on top of bells and gongs, because of the dragons’ habit of crying loudly when attacked. The second way is carving dragons on the screws of fiddles, because most dragons enjoy music. The third way is carving on top of stone tablets, since dragons enjoy literature. The fourth way is found on the bottom of stone monuments. The fifth way is placed on eaves of temples, because the dragon is always alert of danger. The sixth way is on beams of bridges. The seventh way is to carve them on Buddha’s temple. The eighth way is to carve them on hilts of swords, because dragons are capable to slaughter. The ninth way is carved on prison, because a dragon is fond of troublemaking.

The people who are born in the year ofthe dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, and brave. They inspire confidence and trust. People born in the year of the Dragon are the most unusual in the eastern zodiac. They neither borrow money and never gives flowery speeches, but they may be soft-hearted, which gives others an advantage over them.

CUSTOMS AND ETIQUETTES

MEETINGS AND GREETINGS.…Greetings are very formal and the oldest person is always greeted first. Handshakes are the most common way to greet foreigners. Many Chinese people look to the ground when greeting somebody. A person is usually addressed by an honorific name or their surname. Some also are called by their first name. They would tell you what they want you to call them. When greeting a Chinese person, you should always be ready to laugh at yourself.

GIFT GIVING….Most gifts are given during Chinese New Year, births, weddings, and recently birthdays. Many Chinese people think that a decent food basket is a wonderful gift. In China, you should not give scissors, knives, or other utensils, because they believe that that is wrecking the relationship. You also should not give clocks, handkerchiefs, or straw sandals, as they are for funerals and death. Flowers are also for funerals. You shouldn’t wrap gifts in blue, white, or black paper. Always give presents with two hands. Gifts are not opened when received, and may be refused three times before accepted.

DINING…..Chinese people like to entertain in restaurants rather than their own home. You should arrive on time, remove your shoes before you going to a person’s house, bring a small gift for the hostess, and eat well to show that you enjoy the food. Learn how to use chopsticks, wait to be told to sit, and allow the host to begin eating first. Also try everything that is offered. Don’t ever take the last serving of food and don’t ever put bones in your bowl.