In the rich map of Chinese culture, the dragon is undoubtedly an indispensable role. It is both a magical creature of myths and legends, and a beloved subject of various art forms in reality. The origin of the dragon and the cultural connotations behind it have been explored by scholars. Among them, the records in the oracle bone inscriptions and the association with the stars reveal to us the mysterious origin of the Chinese dragon.
1. The association between the dragon character and the stars in the oracle bone inscription
The oracle bone inscription, as one of the oldest Chinese scripts, gives us a lot of information about dragons. In the oracle bone inscription, the character "dragon" resembles a sinuous snake with horns on its head and scales on its body. This image is actually closely related to astronomical astronomical signs.
In ancient times, people observed the sky and connected the stars to form various patterns, which were seen as symbols of the gods or beasts. Among them, there is an image composed of stars, which is very similar to the word "dragon" in the oracle bone inscription. This astrological sign is actually what we call "Dracon" today.
2. The origin of Dracons and dragons
Draco is one of the constellations in the northern sky, and its image is as its name suggests, like a giant dragon winding across the sky. In ancient Chinese astronomy, Draco was regarded as the god in charge of rain. Whenever the summer rainy season comes, people believe that it is due to the divine power of Draco. Over time, this heavenly dragon became the god of rain in people's hearts, which is what we now call "dragon".
3. Zhou Yizhong's "Kanglong has regrets"
The Book of Changes is an important philosophical work in ancient China, and the description of the dragon is even more deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. "Kanglong has regrets" is a proverb in the trigram of "Zhou Yi". Here, "hyper" refers to a very high place, and "regret" means negligence or regret. The meaning of this phrase is that when the dragon flies too high to fall back, it will encounter difficulties and even disasters.
This description does not come out of nowhere, but is based on observations of the constellation Draco. During the summer rainy season, the constellation Draco rises from the east, and over time it gradually rises to the highest point in the sky and then begins to descend until it disappears into the west. In this process, if the rainy season is too long, causing rivers to overflow and farmland to flood, it is believed that the dragon's excessive strength is the cause. As a result, "Kang Long has regrets" has become a warning to people to make rational use of natural resources and avoid disasters caused by excesses.
4. Conclusion: The origin and cultural significance of the Chinese dragon
Through a comprehensive investigation of oracle bone inscriptions, astronomy, and the Zhou Yi, we can see that the origin of the Chinese dragon is closely related to the stars in the sky. From observing the astrological signs of Dracous to worshipping it as the god of rain, to integrating it into the philosophy of the I Ching, the image of the dragon has been continuously enriched and developed in Chinese culture.
Today, the dragon has become one of the symbols of Chinese culture. It represents strength, wisdom, and auspiciousness. However, we should not forget the astronomical knowledge and the reverence of the ancients for nature. It is these deep-seated cultural connotations that make the legend of the dragon more colorful and an indispensable part of Chinese culture.
When we delve into the origin of the Chinese dragon, we are not only interested in the astronomical knowledge behind it, but also in the spiritual roots and cultural soul of the Chinese nation. The origin, development and evolution of the dragon is not only a historical trajectory, but also a unique display of the spirit of the Chinese nation. This spirit will continue to inspire us to face the challenges and opportunities of the future.
In general, the origin of the Chinese dragon is a complex and interesting topic. It touches on a variety of fields such as ancient astronomy, religious beliefs, and philosophical thought. By digging deeper into these areas, we can more fully understand the true meaning and value of dragons in Chinese culture. This is one of the important cornerstones for the inheritance and development of Chinese culture.