Traditional Lanterns

• The Dragon King
• King of the Birds

Few animals are as closely associated with Chinese civilization as the dragon.

To the Chinese, this animal symbolizes extraordinary powers: it can change the shape, it lives under the sea and controls the rain. Because of its all-powerful nature, the dragon has been associated with Chinese emperors for more than 2,000 years.

According the ancient Chinese cosmology, the world is surrounded by four seas, corresponding to the four cardinal points. Four dragon kings reign at these points, in resplendent crystal palaces, guarded by the denizens of the seas, such as fish and shrimps.

The dragon king may be kind, bringing spring rains, or cruel, unleashing typhoons and floods. It rarely leaves its palace, but when it does it becomes as vast as the sea, and its movements can shake mountains. The dragon king often takes on human shape, a transformation that has given rise to many legends.

In order to obtain the rain necessary for a good harvest, the dragon king became an important cult figure starting in the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties, particularly in southern China, where many temples were erected in its honour.

The festivities surrounding the Chinese New Year always include a dragon dance. The dragons can also be seen during the "Dragon Boat Festival" which takes place on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar.

Legend has it that the phoenix was originally a very simple bird that worked hard, day and night.

During a drought its endurance allowed it to save many other birds.

To thank phoenix, each one presented it with its most beautiful feather – and so the phoenix became the most beautiful and the king of birds.

The combination of the dragon and the phoenix symbolizes the Emperor and Empress. They are a good omen, symbolizing distinction and happiness.