Dragons are the most striking creature in Chinese mythology. They were benevolent and powerful; so much so, that these creatures represent yang and all things male. The Emperor of China used as his symbol the Imperial Dragon, a supreme beast with five claws instead of the four on lesser creatures.

Feng Shui dragons are typically depicted with a pearl. This symbolizes power, masculinity and abundant wealth; perfect for the ambitious, result-orientated executive. Its presence on a desk will assert the owner’s dominance into the subconscious of anyone who sees it.

The Feng Shui dragon is also commonly seen with its paws firmly on the platform, and it's snake-like body performing marvelous acrobatics! Feng Shui dragons are suitable for career men and women, as well as academics and literary students. This dragon should be placed in high-activity working areas.

Dragons are almost synonymous with Chinese culture - indeed, the dragon image has penetrated itself to such an extent that it had become the national symbol during the Qing Dynasty rule.

Today, though China is more or less related to the panda image beginning in the 20th century, the timeless dragon is still highly regarded by both the Chinese and around the world.

The Origin of the Chinese Dragon

The origin of the Chinese dragon is not certain, but many scholars agree that it originated from totems of different tribes in China. Some have suggested that it comes from a stylized depiction of existing animals, such as snakes, fish, or crocodiles.

The image of the coiled snake with an elongated body, popularly depicted in documents, clothes and even embroidered on Imperial garb, is alleged to have been merged by symbols of various tribesmen. This began during the Yellow Emperor rule during civil wars, when the Emperor Huang Di would incorporate symbols of his defeated enemy's into his own - this would clearly explain the famed Chinese dragon with an elongated body, crocodile-like legs, whiskers, beady eyes, bat wings and even a healthy profusion of beardlike hairs on its chin.

Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin or juggled in a paw. The pearl, called the Pearl of Heaven, is associated with wealth, good luck, and prosperity.

The Dragon and Feng Shui

Feng Shui usage of the dragon is very extensive - indeed, from personal dragon amulets for safekeeping to huge illustration of the Yang-natured animals in conference rooms, the dragon is arguably the most often-used Feng Shui enhancer.

The Chinese believe that the dragon is able to instill personal strength as well as stamina and an authoritative stance to a person. Its strong energy is also said to be a potent Wealth Feng Shui enhancer. Therefore, homemakers and corporate figures alike often adopt the dragon image into their lives for extra income capacity.