Dragon Kings of the Four Seas
Dragon Kings of the four seas
Worshipped by many Chinese Villages for good weather, bountiful harvest all year round, The 4 Dragon Kings are considered the rulers of weather and water. Each Dragon King governs a part of the Sea of China. The 4 Dragon Kings are:
- Ao Guang 敖廣 - The Dragon King of the East China Sea. He is also known as the Azure Dragon or Blue-Green Dragon. Ao Guang is the essence of spring and is represented as the wood element.
- Ao Qin 敖欽 - He governs the South China Sea. Ao Qin also known as the Red Dragon. He is the essence of summer and represents the fire element.
- Ao Shun 敖順 - Also known as the Black Dragon or Dark Dragon. Ao shun governs the North China Sea/ Lake Baikal. He is the essence of winter and represents the water element.
- Ao Run 敖閏 - Also known as the white dragon and the patron of Lake Qinghai (West). He is the essence of autumn and represents the metal element.
Here is the cosmological diagram of the dragon kings:
The colours of the dragons also represents different meanings.
Blue and Green Dragons
In Fengshui the colour green represents the wood element. The wood element represents growth, health and peace. Thus, a blue/green dragon symbolises spring, new life and growth.
Red Dragons
Red is known to be an auspicious colour. Often seen as decorations during festivals and weddings so as to instil happiness and good luck. Thus, the red dragon symbolises good fortune and luck.
Black Dragons
The colour black in known to be a colour often associated with revenge. Black dragons are also often seen tattooed on triad members as it symbolises vengeance. It is also often linked to catastrophes such as floods and storms.
White Dragons
The white dragon symbolises purity and virtue. However, it is sometimes associated with mourning and death.
Yellow Dragons
In ancient China, the colour yellow symbolises is the colour of royalty. Yellow dragons are often depicted on the emperor’s robes and it is also the symbol of the emperor. They represents authority, good fortune and wisdom.
Golden Dragons
The golden dragon is associated with powerful deities. The golden dragon symbolises wealth, prosperity, strength, abundance and power.
