Dragons in Chinese culture are very different from European dragons. Instead of being terrifying fire-breathers, Chinese dragons are usually wise, friendly, and lucky. According to Chinese mythology, they live in rivers, lakes, and oceans, and they are in charge of bringing rain to farms and growing things.
Chinese dragons are long and snake-shaped, with four legs and no wings. Despite having no wings, they can fly through the clouds. Traditional Chinese paintings often show them coiling through stormy skies bringing thunder and rain. People used to pray to them during droughts to ask for water for their crops.
The dragon is one of the most powerful symbols in Chinese culture. There is a Chinese zodiac sign called the Year of the Dragon, and being born in it is considered very lucky. For thousands of years only the Chinese emperor was allowed to wear robes with a five-clawed dragon embroidered on them. Other people had to settle for fewer claws.
