中西方龙文化差异
中西方龙文化差异剖析-18页文档资料
Differences
• 1. People's feeling and ideas about dragons.
• Chinese dragons • People in Chinese think that Chinese dragons
are auspicious beast(瑞兽) which can bring happiness and power, and even be worshiped as gods.
Similarity
• 1.The places where they live • Many Chinese and western dragons live in mountains,
sea, or rivers.
2.Dragons' abilities
• Chinese dragons and Western dragons have similar abilities, like flying or breathing fire.
2. Similarity and differences with other dragons which are the same species.
• Chinese dragons
• Most Chinese dragons look similar though they have different colors and small parts of body features.
4.They are powerful.
Western and Chinese dragons are the symbols of power.
5. They are the composite.
中西方文化映射下的龙的变异
中西方文化映射下的龙的变异中西方文化映射下的龙的变异龙,是中西方文化中丰富多彩的神奇生物,一直以来被人们所神秘化和崇拜。
在中西方文化中,龙不仅仅是一种生物形象,更是一种象征,体现着人们对力量、智慧和神秘力量的追求和崇拜。
然而,由于不同文化背景和传统的影响,中西方文化中的龙形象在外貌、特征和寓意上产生了显著的不同和变异。
首先,中西方文化中的龙在外貌上呈现出明显的差异。
在中国文化中,龙被描绘为蛇形的神奇生物,有着长长的身体和鳞片。
它的眼睛圆而大,口中露出尖锐的牙齿,身上生有金黄色的龙鳞。
中国人认为龙有祥瑞之气,是吉祥和权威的象征。
而在西方文化中,龙则常常被描绘成有翅膀、四肢的怪兽,长有尖锐的爪子和锐利的牙齿。
西方人认为龙是邪恶和破坏力的象征,龙的形象通常伴随着火焰和烟雾。
这种明显的形象差异反映了中西方文化在审美观念和思维方式上的差异。
其次,中西方文化对龙的特征和寓意的理解也存在显著的差异。
在中国文化中,龙被视为上天赐予的吉祥之物,象征着皇权和君主的权威,被人们尊崇为神圣的存在。
中国人相信龙可以带来宏伟壮丽的景象,给人们带来好运和幸福。
而在西方文化中,龙常常被描绘为恶龙或巨龙,被认为是邪恶和破坏的象征。
西方人相信龙具有超自然的力量,可以带来混乱和灾难。
这种特征和寓意上的差异与中西方文化对权力和神秘力量的追求及对世界观的不同有着密切的关系。
最后,中西方文化对龙的崇拜方式和庆祝活动也呈现出显著的差异。
在中国文化中,“龙舟节”是一个重要的传统节日,人们划龙舟以庆祝这个节日。
而在西方文化中,尽管龙的形象常常被用于相关符号和庆典中,但没有像中国般丰富的形式和庆祝活动。
这种差异可能与中西方文化中不同的传统和价值观有关,同时也反映了中西方对龙的崇拜方式和庆祝活动的重视程度的差异。
综上所述,中西方文化映射下的龙的变异可以从外貌、特征和寓意、崇拜方式和庆祝活动等多个方面展现出来。
这些差异不仅仅体现了中西方文化之间的审美观念和思维方式的差异,更反映了中西方文化背后不同的传统、价值观和世界观的差异。
中国龙与西方龙的文化比较
学院:国际教育交流学院班级:2011级汉硕课程名称:中国文化与跨文化交际任课教师:韩鉴堂姓名:赵晓青学号:11111105中国文化,博大精深,在众多具有代表中华精神意义的事物中,龙的地位尤为彰显。
中国人敬龙,爱龙,把龙奉为图腾,在许多事物上将龙作为装饰,用来表示福祉。
中国有数千年的龙文化,海内外数亿中国同胞称自己为“龙的传人”,将中国文化称为“龙的文化”。
九州大地上,“龙”已经渗透到中国社会的各个方面,称为中国文化的凝聚和沉积,龙成了中华民族的象征,中国文化的象征。
对每一个炎黄子孙来说,“龙的传人”无疑是一种特殊的符号,并且为每个人喜欢,随着世界越来越小,对龙的这样的特殊感情传播到世界各地,在世界各国的华人居住区内,龙是最多并最引起注目的饰物,因而,“龙的传人”,“龙的国度”也得到了世界的认可。
随着全球化进程的推进,人类已经进入了多元文化并存的时代,跨文化交际的地位越来越重要。
未来促进跨文化交际,人们开始对中西方龙文化进行比对,很多人都认为而这之间有很大的差异,虽然它们都是没有考证的传说之物,体积庞大,都能飞翔,能力无边,都是想象中充满传奇色彩的动物,又都在文化中长久的保存下来。
但事实上,中国的龙和西方的dragon是两种完全不同的动物。
Dragon一词与龙的对译正如phoenix与凤凰的强行对译,这样的强行对译对中国文化的理解造成了一定的障碍,所以,笔者试图从中西方文化中dragon和龙的不同起源和发展背景,探索它们在不同文化中的象征和意义。
一、中国龙一)龙的形象关于龙的形象,在中国历史上有很多不同的解释。
《说文》曰:“龙,鳞虫之长,能幽能明,能大能小,能长能短,春分而登天,秋分而入川。
”《广雅》云:“有鳞曰蛟龙,有翼曰应龙,有角曰虬龙,无角月螭(chi)龙。
”宋人罗愿的《尔雅翼·释龙》:“角似鹿、头似驼。
眼似兔、项似蛇、腹似蜃、鳞似鱼、爪似鹰、掌似虎、耳似牛。
”《辞海》解释“龙”为古代传说中的一种有鳞有须,能兴云作雨的神异动物。
中西方龙文化差异 ppt课件
中西方龙文化差异
• 1.The places where they live • Many Chinese and western dragons live in mountains,
sea, or riveห้องสมุดไป่ตู้s.
中西方龙文化差异
• Chinese dragons and Western dragons have similar abilities, like flying or breathing fire.
For Chinese people, dragon is a composite of parts from nine animals: the horns of a deer; the head of a camel(驼 头); the eyes of a devil; the neck of a snake; the abdomen of a large cockle; the scales of a carp(鱼鳞); the claws of an eagle(鹰爪); the paws of a tiger; and the ears of an ox.
中西方龙文化差异
• Chinese dragons often appear in Chinese festivals, celebration and weddings.
• For example:Dragon Boat Festival
Western dragons look different form Chinese dragon. The typical Western dragon is a large, scaly creature like a dinosaur or a huge lizard.It has wings and four legs.
西方文化中的龙
西方文化中的龙
西方文化中的龙与中国的龙有着不同的起源和象征意义。
在西方文化中,龙通常被描述为一种邪恶的生物,代表着黑暗、邪恶和破坏。
在欧洲的古代神话和传说中,龙常常被描绘成一种巨大的、有着鳞片和爪子的爬行动物,能够喷火、飞行和吞噬人类。
这些传说往往与英雄主义和骑士文化相关联,龙常常被视为一种需要被英雄击败的邪恶力量。
在基督教文化中,龙也被视为一种邪恶的生物,常常被描绘成恶魔或撒旦的象征。
在《圣经》中,龙被描述为一种具有强大力量的邪恶生物,需要被上帝的子民所击败。
除此之外,西方文化中的龙也常常被赋予了不同的文化内涵和寓意。
例如,在欧洲的文艺复兴时期,龙被视为一种野蛮、粗犷和残暴的生物,需要被文明和教化所驯服。
而在现代文化中,龙则常常被描绘成一种神秘的、有着超凡力量的生物,能够给人们带来好运、财富和智慧。
总之,西方文化中的龙与中国文化中的龙有着不同的起源和象征意义。
它通常被描述为一种邪恶的生物,需要被英雄或神灵所击败或驯服。
同时,西方文化中的龙也具有着丰富的文化内涵和寓意,代表着黑暗、邪恶、破坏等多种意义。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习龙是中国传统文化中的一个重要元素,被认为是神话中的神兽,具有神灵的力量和象征意义。
而在西方,龙文化也有着深厚的底蕴,但与中国龙文化有着很大的不同。
下面将对中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化进行对比学习。
1. 龙的形态中国的龙形态多为蛇形,长有鬃毛、长须以及四脚。
它们多为祥云环绕、口吐珠宝,是东方文化中的贵族象征。
而在西方文化中,龙多呈现出类似于巨蜥的形态,大多长有翅膀、坚硬的鳞甲、尖锐的爪子和锐利的牙齿。
2. 龙的象征意义中国的龙自古以来被视为祥瑞吉祥之物,具有祈福、保佑人民平安的象征意义。
龙在中国文化中被视为带来好运和繁荣的代表,也是中国皇帝权力的象征。
而在西方文化中,龙被视为怪物、恶魔等,代表着邪恶、破坏、毁灭。
西方龙所代表的是威胁人类生存的危险形象。
龙的形象在西方文化中常常被用来表现邪恶力量,被勇士们打败。
3. 龙的传说中国文化中有着丰富的龙传说,如“龙生九子”、“龙吟虎啸”等。
其中,最有名的故事是《西游记》中的龙王争宝和龙宫宝库。
龙王争宝中的龙王都是深海中居住的海龙,他们掌管着海洋、天气和水域生物的命运。
而在西方文化中,也有着丰富的龙传说。
例如,希腊神话中的巨龙拉达曼提斯,是所有龙中最有名的一位。
它的身形庞大,能够吐出火焰烧毁一切,代表着人类面临的威胁和障碍。
在英国传说中,圆桌骑士的亚瑟王将会与一只邪恶龙战斗,完成自己作为国王的成就。
4. 龙的艺术表现中国的龙文化在绘画、雕塑、建筑等方面都有着非常重要的表现。
中国画中的龙通常是一种抽象的艺术形式,被视为唯美主义和象征主义的典范。
而在中国古代建筑中,龙被视为一种精神化的设计元素。
而在西方文化中,龙则更多被用来在装饰品、家居用品等领域中进行表现,如盘子、壁挂、雕塑等。
在艺术表现上,西方龙通常更注重形象的真实、生动和具体表现。
总体而言,中国“龙”与西方“龙”在形态、象征意义、传说以及艺术表现方面都有着很大的区别和差异。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习“龙”作为中国传统文化中的一种神秘而庄严的形象,其象征着强大的力量和高尚的品质。
许多中国人把自己视为“龙”的传人,因为“龙”在中国文化中拥有着崇高的地位。
与此不同,西方的“龙”文化则比较古老而神秘,通常被视为邪恶和野蛮。
接下来我们将比较中国“龙”与西方“龙”的文化差异。
首先,中国的“龙”文化与西方的“龙”文化具有完全不同的起源和传承。
中国的“龙”文化可以追溯到公元前4000多年的新石器时代,据考究,人们早期是将与龙相似的动物封建慑或图腾,表示对这种物种的信仰和崇拜。
再加上医药和会书,龙就成为了众人信仰的神话。
而西方的“龙”文化则主要源于希腊文学和北欧神话,其形象多被描绘成勇猛而残暴的怪物。
这种巨大的怪物在西方的文化中代表了恶魔和魔鬼,通常用于描述不可捉摸和难以征服的敌人。
其次,中国的“龙”文化被视为华夏文化的重要象征之一,其形象长期被视为权威和尊崇,有时被视为国家的象征。
许多帝王都在自己的宝座上雕刻个人的龙图案。
例如,中国的皇帝就称为“龙”,在中国的宫廷文化中,龙被视为至高无上的存在。
与之相反,尽管西方也有描绘“龙”的文化,但西方人并没有把“龙”文化作为国家的象征。
相反,西方文化中的“龙”常被描绘成猛烈而野蛮的独立存在。
最后,就“龙”的外表而言,中国人比较喜欢宝石和龙鳞的使用,通常用这些宝石和龙鳞来装饰龙的身体。
中国龙一般都在东方文化中被描述为长长的身体,形似蟒蛇带有爬行虫类的特点,有几只爪子并有鱼鳞。
在中国的艺术作品中,龙被视为一种美丽而和谐的形象,并且通常被用来代表优美的中华文化。
与之相反,在西方的文化中,“龙”通常被描述为残忍和丑陋的怪物,有着翅膀和长长的尾巴,常被用于描绘神话和恐怖的场面。
总的来说,中国的“龙”文化和西方的“龙”文化具有很大的差异。
中国的“龙”文化代表了中华文明的特点和精髓,被视为国家的象征;而西方的“龙”文化则主要是神话和传说中的形象,通常代表着邪恶和野蛮。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习龙,在中国文化中具有独特的地位和象征意义,被视为吉祥、神秘、权力和力量的象征。
而在西方文化中,龙也是一个重要的符号,但与中国的龙在形象和象征意义上有着明显的不同。
本文将对中国“龙”与西方“龙”的文化对比进行学习探讨。
一、中国“龙”的文化意义中国的龙在文化中具有非常重要的地位,被誉为“中国的国宝”,被视为古代神话传说中的至高无上者,常被用来代表中国的国家和民族。
在中国传统文化中,龙是尊贵、神秘、威严和权力的象征,被视为上天赐予的祥瑞之物,也是中国文化中不可或缺的重要元素之一。
龙在中国文化中的形象通常是长身蛇腹,四足鳞甲,云端凤尾,常被描绘成腾云驾雾、昂首挺胸的神态。
在古代,中国皇帝被称为“龙的传人”,政权常以龙命名,如“龙的传人”、“龙椅”等。
龙在中国文化中的地位不仅仅是一个神话传说,更是体现了古代中国人对权力和权威的崇拜。
二、西方“龙”的文化意义在西方文化中,龙也是一个重要的符号,但与中国的龙在形象和象征意义上有所不同。
在西方的传说中,龙通常被描绘为邪恶的、危险的生物,常常被用来代表厄运、破坏和邪恶力量。
在古代欧洲的传说中,英雄经常要面对着各种形态的巨龙,而且龙的形象通常是满身火焰、巨大而凶猛。
龙在西方文化中的形象常常与传说中的骑士、公主、王国和魔法联系在一起,是许多童话故事和魔幻小说中的重要元素。
在基督教文化中,龙更被视为魔鬼的代表,与圣经中的战斗、毁灭和神圣力量联系在一起。
四、两种文化中龙的异同尽管中国的龙和西方的龙在文化意义上有很大的不同,但也有一些共同点。
龙在两种文化中都被视为神秘、神圣和具有特殊能力的生物,都具有非常高的象征意义。
在古代的传说故事中,龙在两种文化中都扮演着重要的角色,被赋予了各种神话传说中的神秘力量。
龙在两种文化中都被广泛运用在艺术表现、民间传说、建筑装饰等方面,是古代文化的重要元素之一。
五、对两种文化中龙的思考通过对中国的龙和西方的龙文化对比的学习,我们可以看到不同文化中对同一符号的不同诠释和理解。
中西方文化中对龙的解读的差异
中西方文化中对龙的解读的差异对现代中国人来说,龙的形象更是一种符号、一种意绪、一种血肉相联的情感,“龙的子孙”、“龙的传人"这些称谓,常令人们激动、奋发、自豪。
龙的文化除了在中华大地上传播承继外,还被远渡海外的华人带到了世界各地,在世界各国的华人居住区或中国城内,最多和最引人注目的饰物仍然是龙。
因而,“龙的传人”、“龙的国度”也获得了世界的认同。
龙是中国人的独特文化创造、观念创造、符号创造. “龙的精神"是中华民族的象征,是中国五千年伟大历史的象征,是崛起的伟大中国人们勤劳、勇敢、不屈不挠、大胆创造、诚信和谐的立于世界民族之林的精神。
中国龙的起源,可以追溯到八千年前。
在漫长的远古岁月中,它曾作为先民们与神沟通的工具而存在,担负着村落的兴衰。
它的形象被广泛应用于祭祀器皿,承担起天神代言人的角色。
人们还用泥沙土石在田里制成龙的形象,以此求雨。
姑且把巫术与宗教因素撇开,龙的起源与原始图腾信仰也能找出不少联系.图腾,源于印地安语,原意是“他的亲属”或“标记”.原始氏族,对周遭的自然物象知之甚微,这样,他们就凭借着猜测,认定有那么一种具有超凡主宰能力的物种,它与降雨息息相关,控制着世界的秩序,而他们,又与这种特定的物种有着亲缘关系,因此,他们将这种动物作为本氏族的象征和保护神,并将其取名为龙,遂自称为“龙的传人"。
据古代文献记载,中国是有不少氏族曾以龙为图腾的,从远古时期黄帝、炎帝的子孙到尧、舜、禹的族人,以至再后来的吴国、越国的子民。
这些关于龙的神话虽已经过后人的修改和加工,但仍然涵载了当时的历史背景。
公元前约26世纪,黄帝和蚩尤在涿鹿掀起大战,传说中,黄帝派出了“应龙"参与对战,应龙是一种可以掌管风雨,长有翅膀的巨龙。
在中国神话里,龙到底长一个什么样子,似乎没人能说得清。
在宋代,古人明确提出了一个龙的形象:“角似鹿、头似驼、眼似兔、项似蛇、腹似蜃、鳞似鱼、爪似鹰、掌似虎、耳似牛”.到了当代,龙的形象可塑性更强,在卡通、电影中扮演着不同的角色。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习1. 引言1.1 介绍中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化龙,作为中华文化的重要符号,自古以来就承载着丰富的象征意义。
传说中,龙是中国传统神话文化中的一种神秘生物,被视为吉祥、权力及神灵的象征。
中国古代帝王称自己为“龙”,龙被当作是帝王的象征,体现了尊贵与权威。
龙在中国文化中还象征着力量、智慧和勇气,同时也被当作是保护祥瑞的象征。
龙在中国文化中的地位非常尊崇,被广泛用于文学、绘画、雕刻等艺术形式中。
相比之下,西方文化中的“龙”则具有截然不同的形象和象征意义。
在西方传统中,“龙”常常被描绘为一种具有恶意的生物,经常是魔法与黑暗的象征,被视为邪恶与毁灭之力的代表。
西方文化中的龙常常被描绘为巨大的有翼怪兽,常常被英雄所驱逐或打败。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化的对比,不仅展示了不同文化对于神秘生物的不同理解,也显示了文化间的差异。
通过比较研究中国“龙”与西方“龙”,我们可以更好地理解两种不同文化的价值观、审美观及传统观念。
【2000字】1.2 阐明比较研究的重要性比较研究是一种重要的方法,可以帮助我们更好地理解不同文化之间的差异与共通之处。
在比较研究中,我们可以通过对中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化的对比分析,认识到不同文化对同一符号的理解和表达方式的差异,进而揭示出不同文化背景下的思维模式和审美观念。
通过比较研究,我们可以拓展我们的视野,增进我们对世界多元文化的理解和认识,促进不同文化之间的交流与融合。
比较研究也可以帮助我们更好地保护和传承自己的文化遗产,促进文化的创新与发展。
比较研究对于我们深入探究中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化的差异与共通之处,以及对中西方文化交流与融合的影响具有重要意义。
通过比较研究,我们可以更好地理解和珍惜中国“龙”与西方“龙”这一共同的文化遗产,推动不同文化间的相互尊重与合作,促进文明的共同进步。
2. 正文2.1 中国“龙”的起源与象征意义中国“龙”的起源可以追溯到上古时期。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习龙,在中国文化中是一个极其重要的形象和符号。
作为中国的传统文化符号之一,龙一直以来都在中国文化中扮演着重要的角色。
而在西方文化中,龙也是一个具有神秘色彩和重要地位的形象。
本文将就中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化进行一番对比学习,探寻其中的异同之处。
首先我们先来看看中国文化中的龙。
中国传统文化中,龙被人们视为“神”的象征,被认为是一种非常强大的生物。
在中国文化传统当中,袁绍的文章,很早之前就有关于“龙”的记载。
例如《山海经》就有着对龙的描绘:“水中有兽焉,其状如蛟蛤,若有角,长九百丈。
” 这样的记载表明,龙在中国古代传说中的形象已经非常强大和神秘。
除了传说中的形象之外,龙在中国文化中还有很多神话传说,如“龙的传人”、“龙的传承”等等,这些都是中国人对龙文化的传承和发扬。
在中国传统文化中,龙代表着力量、威严、智慧等等。
人们在一些重大的场合会用龙的符号来象征权力和威严,以此来表现自己的地位和身份。
相对于中国的龙文化,西方的龙文化也有着非常浓厚的神秘色彩。
西方的龙传说最早可以追溯到古希腊文化中,那时的人们相信地下有巨龙守护着金子和宝藏。
在中世纪的欧洲,龙被认为是一种凶恶的生物,它在人们的心中是邪恶与破坏的代表。
在《圣经》中,龙更是被视为邪恶的象征,是上帝的敌人。
但随着时间的推移,西方的龙文化也逐渐发生了变化,龙也被赋予了更多的象征意义,如勇气、智慧、自由等等。
许多古代西方的骑士小说和神话故事中,龙都是一个重要的角色。
例如著名的英国传说《圣乔治与龙》就讲述了圣乔治驱赶凶恶龙的故事,成为了西方文化中的一个经典形象。
可以看出,西方的龙文化也是一个经久不衰的传统文化。
中国的龙文化和西方的龙文化在某些方面是相似的,但又有着很多不同。
中西方对龙的认知是不一样的。
在中国文化中,龙被人们视为“神”的象征,是一种崇高的存在,而在西方文化中,龙则是一种邪恶的象征,代表着破坏和邪恶。
这是两种文化对龙的认知和评价的重大不同之处。
中西方龙文化
中西方龙文化
一方面,中国和西方的龙文化实际上颇有不同。
从中国古代的神话和传说中,龙被认
为是一种可以保护人类财富的神圣动物,另一方面,在西方传统文化中,龙则是一个不可
捉摸的野生动物。
在中国,龙被认为有控制天气、引导雨洒及播散吉祥福气的力量,堪称中国古代神话
和传说中最为标志性的动物之一。
据古老的中国历史记载,中国传统社会将国家最高权力
帝王视为“真龙天子”,以示尊崇。
在很多历史文献中,我们都会看到宫殿、宗祠、生肖
和封禅帝王用龙所表达的“满国皆督,一言为贵”的心意。
此外,龙在中国文化中具有重要而甚广的地位,龙纹也就在这样的文化背景之下变得
流行起来,从古代到现在,龙纹已在中国历史上UI活跃的担当着许多重要的角色。
其中
最重要的当属于千百万的龙纹在各种绘画、雕像、刻石、泥塑、陶器等中出现的现象,并
成为中国工艺品制作的标志之一。
另一方面,在西方民间传说中,龙大多被描绘成一条拥有仁慈及恐怖两面性的宏伟野兽,传说其有着几乎不可战胜的力量与勇气,但通常是一些贪婪、不友善的动作让龙被当
成一个具有危险力量的怪物,所以在传说故事中,龙常常是与骑士们一起搏斗以及被杀死的。
总的来说,中国和西方的龙文化实际上大不相同,中国传统上,龙既是一种神圣的保
护财富的动物,也是一种展示贵族象征的象征;而在西方,龙则被描绘为一种可怕的怪物,具有极具破坏性的力量。
因此,我们不得不承认,中西方龙文化上的差异有着深远的意义。
中西方龙文化的差异
中文摘要中国龙与西方龙在形象、象征意义、文化特征等方面都有着很大的差异。
中国龙主要是正面形象,曾被奉为雷神、雨神,是帝王的象征;而龙在西方神话中是看守财宝的怪物,凶狠、残暴、危害百姓,与中国的龙有本质的区别。
本文主要根据中国龙与西方龙各自的形象特点和文化特征,用说明和对比的方法分析了它们的起源、神话传说、形象意义、以及相同点和不同点。
同时从东西方政治、人的性格特点和宗教等三方面阐述东西方龙文化存在差异的原因。
希望通过本文的研究,能够从整体上认识东西方龙的形象,以更加客观和宽容的态度看待中西方的龙文化,深入了解东西方龙文化的深层含义。
关键词:龙;象征意义;文化AbstractChinese dragon and western dragon are much different in images, symbolistic meanings, culture features and other aspects. Chinese dragon always enjoys a positive significant meaning, which is worshiped as the god of thunder and rain. While in the western culture, dragon is a kind of violent and savage monster. So Chinese dragon and western dragon are essentially different. Based on their distinct features, this essay analyses the different origins, mythologies, symbolistic meanings and cultures of Chinese dragon and western dragon and tries to explore the reasons for different dragon cultures in terms of politics, human characters and religions. Through such a study, this paper attempts to generally explain the different images and symbolistic meanings of Chinese dragon and western dragon so as to ensure a more objective and tolerant attitude towards their cultural differences.Key words: dragon; symbolistic meaning; cultureTable of Contents中文摘要 (I)Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... I I Table of Contents . (III)1. Introduction (1)2. Dragon in Chinese and Western Mythologies (2)2.1. Dragon in Chinese Mythology (2)2.2. Dragon in Western Mythology (3)3. Images and Symbolistic Meanings of Dragon (4)3.1. Images of Dragon in China (4)3.2. Symbolistic Meanings of Dragon in China (5)3.3. Images of Dragon in the West (6)3.4. Symbolistic Meanings of Dragon in the West (7)4. Comparisons of Dragons Between China and the West (8)4.1. Parallels of Chinese Dragon and Western Dragon (9)4.2. Differences of Chinese Dragon and Western Dragon (9)5. Reasons for the Difference Between Chinese Dragon and Western Dragon (10)5.1. In Politics (10)5.2. In Human Characters (11)5.3. In Religions (12)6. Conclusion (14)Bibliography (15)1. IntroductionNowadays, with the development of national strength, China enjoys a much more significant place in the world and its influences have spread the whole world. Naturally and subsequently there exist many cultural conflicts between China and the west. And dragon culture is one of the most typical examples. From many books and other channels we have grasped a general knowledge of Chinese dragon and western dragon. But in order to understand more about their cultures and symbolistic meanings, we need to study further their origins, images, cultural meanings and other aspects.Since ancient times to now, dragon in China has become a typical symbol of the nation, which has been acknowledged by both Chinese people and foreigners. In China, the image of dragon enjoys a positive symbol and people give all kinds of virtues and good qualifications to dragon. And Chinese people believe that they are descendants of dragon, which makes them very proud. So we can understand that dragon is very popular and welcome in China. However, in the west, dragon is regarded as evil, which brings disasters and harmfulnesses to human. The traits of western dragon are fierce, violent, aggressive and harmful. Although there are so many differences between Chinese dragon and western dragon, we should study the deeper cultural meanings under their images and achieve better understandings between China and the west.In china we have spent a long time studying and researching the origin of dragons and finally we achieve a relatively common view that the image of dragons is a mixture of other animals’ different physical parts. In ancient times dragons were regarded as totems by many ethnics. In the primitive society , ancient people could not give natural phenomena an appropriate explanations, so they contributed those phenomena to gods, who were represented by animals. According to legend, in ancient times, different tribes had different totems. However, after Yellow Emperor unified the whole China he gradually integrated other tribes’ totems a nd created his own totem, called Lung and it was endowed with the power of wind, rain and thunder and could swim in water like fish, fly in the sky like bird. Dragons were regarded as the king of all animals and the ablest god. It is said that dragons can both become visible and invisible, thin and thick, long and short. Based on historical archaeology, a dragon made of shells was found in a tomb of Song Dynasty, which was about six thousand years ago. Therefore we can figure that the dragonsappeared in the primitive society, earlier than Xia Dynasty. In other words, dragons emerged at the Neolithic Age. In addition , the earliest origin of dragon can go back to eight thousand years ago.While western dragons appeared much later than Chinese dragons. About four thousand years ago, western dragons first appeared in western fairy tales, which were actually regarded as harmful monsters. And the Bible also tells some stories about dragon. Job 41 describes the most vivid and detailed images of dragons, which was written before 10 BC. So we can see that western dragons must appear earlier than that time. In ancient Greece, the Homer Epic was finished between 9 BC and 8 BC. While the legend of western dragons were at the time of ancient Greek culture, from 2ooo BC to 1000 BC. So the dragons in mythology must be before the time of ancient Greece culture period, namely the primitive society of Greece. We can see from the male and female statues found in Eridu relics of Mesopotamia that their heads were shown as lizard or serpent, which may be a kind of variants of dragon. The Eridu culture appeared approximately between 4300 BC and 3500 BC, before which was the primitive society. According to Greek myth, the dragons first mentioned was a giant dragon which fought against Zeus, the king of gods. These giant dragons had ugly faces, clutter hairs and long scaled tales. However, the most typical fairy tale about dragon was that Apollo used his bow and arrow to kill a giant dragon called Python, which caused great disasters to human. As the ancient Greek culture influenced the western culture deeply, the image of Greek dragon was inherited and expanded in Europe. Later, the appearance of dragons were found in Italy, German, north Europe countries and Britain.2. Dragon in Chinese and Western MythologiesBoth Chinese dragon and western dragon are very mysterious creatures in legend. In mythologies, they have mystic forces. However, the most different thing is that Chinese dragon uses its power to help and bless people and the western dragon dose the opposite. So they have different images in mythologies and people have different feelings about them.2.1. Dragon in Chinese MythologyAs Chinese dragons and western dragons have different origins, they have differentsymbolistic meanings and culture influences and their inheritances are also different. In Chinese mythology, dragons are a kind of supernatural and magical animal, which are good at changing, winding, and raining. They are the king of all scaled animals and they can become visible and invisible, thin and thick, long and short whenever they want. According to legend, the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors had close relations with dragon, as well as Shennong(patron of agriculture) and Nu Wa(a goddess in Chinese mythology). It is said that Yan Emperor was born because of his mother’s catching a glimpse of a dragon. In Chinese feudal society, dragons symbolized the power of emperor and all the emperors of past ages regarded themselves as dragons and wore dragon decorations. It is also said that Yao and Shun(ancient sages) both had connections with dragons. When it came to the period of King Yu, it was said that dragons helped him tame the flood. And at the last years of Qin Dynasty, people regarded Qin Shi Huang as the father of dragons. In the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang fabricated that he was the son of dragon to consolidate his regime.All in all, the image of dragon in Chinese mythology is positive and people render all kinds of virtues and good qualifications to dragons. We can also see from many tales and legends that dragons are brave and never afraid of violence; they are so clever and that can predict the future.2.2. Dragon in Western MythologyIn western mythology, there are many kinds of dragons, which have a big family. As the proverb goes that a dragon has one hundred sons and they are all different. Some dragons hide under sea, some sleep under volcano and some lay in marsh. Western dragons have strong magic so they can resist all kinds of magic attacks. But when their eyes are exposed, they are easy to get hurt. Western dragons can breathe fire to attack enemies. They like to hide in caves protecting a great deal of treasure. Among all kinds of western dragons, the dragons portrayed in the Bible have the dominant role. According to the Bible, dragons are serpents. In Genesis, Satan incarnates a serpent and induces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. In Revelation, there are two sentences saying: The great dragon was huffed down--that ancient serpent called the devil or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. The Old Testament also mentions dragons for many times, for example: they are from Greece, called Drakon , poisonous serpents. Usually, western dragons have these traits: a kind of imaginative and fabulous animal, like lizard, large body, fierce, wearing two wings and along tail, having eagle--like claws, able to fly and breathe out fire.3. Images and Symbolistic Meanings of DragonChinese dragon and western dragon belong to different cultures and they they both have various images and symbolistic meanings. In China, dragon dragon is regarded as a very kind and blessing spirit which is worshiped as the god of thunder and rain. It protects human’s possessions and rescue human’s lives. While in the western culture, dragon plays a very noxious and vicious role, which always brings disasters to human and even eats people. In the Bible, dragon is portrayed as an evil fighting against God. So Chinese dragon and western dragon have essentially different symbolistic meanings.3.1. Images of Dragon in ChinaIn china, the dragons are said that they are made up of many other different animals on the Earth.We can describe a dragon like this: the body of a snake, scales of a carp, head of a camel, horns of a giant stag, the eyes of a hare ,ears like a bull, a neck like an snake, belly of a clam, paws like a tiger, and claws like an eagle. Most of them are shown to have a lion-type mane around its neck, on its chin, and on each elbow, and they have two horns decorating their wide-mouthed head and two long feeler whiskers which spread out from their snout. Chinese dragons have 117 scales, 81 infused with yang, the good, and 36 infused with yin, the bad. This evens out the dragon’s temper and personality.The image of the dragon has gone through a series of changes over the centuries becoming more and more mighty and beautiful. The original description on a primitive bronze ware portrays it as a ferocious and mysterious creature. In the Han Dynasty (206BC - 220), it became magnificent and unrestrained. From the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), the image became delicate and flowery.According to colors, there are several different kinds of dragons , which may be yellow dragon , blue dragon, black dragon, white dragon or red dragon. Among these the most highly worshiped was the yellow dragon and so each emperor in the past ages wore a gown decorated with a yellow dragon pattern.Although there are differences in appearance, the bases are similar. This is because it is a combination of the features of other animals, with which people are familiar. A dragon has areaching forehead indicating wisdom and a pair of antlers signifying longevity. Its ox ears imply success in the imperial examination; it has tiger eyes as a symbol of power; eagle claws showing bravery; while a fish's tail implies flexibility and the horse teeth are a mark of diligence and so on.3.2. Symbolistic Meanings of Dragon in ChinaSince primitive times people have regarded the dragon as an auspicious creature with the power to bless and protect their lives. As tribes fought for domination and came to be united under a common banner the dragon was adopted as a national icon. Because of the mysterious supernature power it was regarded as the god of rain, thunder, the rainbow, and the stars. The ancient society that was founded upon agriculture and animal husbandry totally relied upon its natural environment, particularly the climate, the dragon was worshiped as the source of all that was beneficial to well being. This concept has been kept for thousands of years and more and more deifications are bestowed upon the dragon ranging from being a bringer of joy to prophecy and miracles. With the establishment of a feudal society, emperors regarded themselves as the dragon thereby making it the exclusive symbol of imperial majesty. Anyone who subsequently used the dragon as a symbol either intentionally or erroneously could be regarded as offending their ruler and condemned to death.According to many Chinese legends, dragons have many different appearances and the different appearances express different symbolistic meanings, such as a kind of dragons appears as a tortoise that symbolizes good luck and tolerance. This kind of symbolistic meaning expresses Chinese people could take responsibilities and duty. Another kind of dragons is like a tiger, which means justice of the world. And this kind of symbolistic meaning expresses Chinese people love a kind of justice life, and symbolizes Chinese people’s healthy attitudes of life. Some of dragons are like a lizard without a tail. It symbolizes that a person likes to take adventure or means a brave character. We know that Chinese people had a brave character in ancient time and today, so we as a nation have so charming cultures and experiences. We also know that we Chinese people hold loyalty motto from ancient time to today, we also can find such information from a kind of dragons, and it is like a spiral shell bearing a likeness to a closed mouth, which symbolizes honesty. So we always say honesty is best policy.There is a dragon that looks like a dolphin or a whale, symbolizing that China also is a powerful ocean country. China is famous for her delicious cousin in the world. A kind of dragons, named “tao tie” symbolizes a culture of Ch inese food and at the same time this kind of dragons symbolizes greedy characters of people, and to warn people against self-indulgence and greed. There are many religions in China, such as Buddhism. A kind of dragons is like a lion, which is often introduced into the imagery of Chinese Buddhism and would be depicted on Buddha thrones and incense burners. It symbolizes Chinese Buddhism, and tells us that China could go in parallel with other culture.We know that Chinese people love to use some things to symbolizes good luck and wealthy.A kind of dragons is the best one to express wealthy and good luck, which is called “pixiu”. For this reason, many Chinese people have a statue of “pixiu” on certain furniture, and it is believed that “pixiu” made of jade is the most effective for such purposes.These different symbolistic meanings of dragons are so popular among Chinese people. Ancient Chinese People believed that dragons had many mysterious powers controlling the world. Chinese people think that they are decedents of dragons, so they love dragons and respect them. As different symbolistic meanings of dragons spread among Chinese people, Chinese people themselves also enrich these symbolistic meanings of dragons.3.3. Images of Dragon in the WestThe dragon is a legendary creature, which is prevalent in the mythic cultures of many countries. Britain, with its diverse history, has a tradition of dragons stemming from Saxon, Celtic and Norse influences, as well as those from further field.The most common dragon to appear in British folklore, perhaps the earliest root of the dragon legend is the worm (wurm), which stemmed from Norse influences and the Anglo Saxon word Wyrm or vurm. In appearance the worm is wingless and scaly with no arms or legs, very similar to a gigantic snake but with the added dread of poisonous breath, and the ability to rejoin after being cut into pieces. These great worms were often the metal to test the courage of aspiring heroes. The Lambton worm was one such creature as was the dragon of Loschy Hill. As well as making young heroes, dragons often have other similarities within folklore. They are often associated with the guarding of treasure (or captive maidens), and with sacred wells, hillocks,springs and deep caves. This may have some relations to ancient religious beliefs and mythic patterns, and esoterically dragons have been linked with the belief in earth energies and chthonic subterranean forces.The typical Western dragon is a large, scaly creature resembling a dinosaur or a large lizard. It usually has wiazor sngs and it can fly and breathe fire.The wyvern: these dragons have two wings, but only two legs, sometimes shown as having claws on the wings, acting like another pair of “hands”. The Wyvern is sometimes depicted as having a rharp stinger filled with poison on the end of its tail.The Hydra: these dragons have multiple necks and heads. They may or may not have wings or legs.Pernese Dragon: These dragons have four legs, and two wings. They have smooth, leathery skin witho ut scales. The dragon’s eyes are compound and faceted like a fly's that can change colors depending on the moods of the dragon. They have a telepathic ability with other dragons, and their rider. Pernese dragons can also teleport into “between”, which can avoid danger. Gold and green dragons are Female. Bronze, brown and blue is Male. They can breathe fire by first swallowing a certain type of flammable rock known as Firestone.From the information of western dragons we know that western dragons also have different kinds and appearances. But all kinds of western dragons are strong and huge and all of them are like a kind of huge animals. They have no intelligence and minds.3.4. Symbolistic Meanings of Dragon in the WestWestern dragons are usually portrayed as evil, mean, and bloodthirsty. They are also known to have huge hoards of gold and jewels hidden in their lairs. The most famous dragons are portrayed as Western-type dragons in Beowulf and the Dragon, and Draco in the movie Dragon Heart. Some stories have the western dragons as the Devil in Christianity. Other stories in legend say that eating a dragon’s heart will give a person the power of understanding birds, eating a dragon’s tongue enables the person to win any argument, and rubbing the dragon’s blood on skin will protect a person against stab wounds. Another myth references Vlad Drakul to mean Son of the Dragon, or Devil. The end of the dragon came with the establishment of Christianity, and knights that were eager to prove their faith. The knights quickly realized that dragon hunting wasvery profitable, and soon most the dragons in the world were destroyed in a very short time. Vikings had dragon figureheads on the prow of their ships. The dragons on the ships were believed to endow keen site and cunning to the Viking warriors. Today the Welsh flag still has a red dragon on a green or white background, and the red dragon is their national symbol.The history of the wyvern seems to come from Europe. The history of this dragon is not so clear. It seems to be mixed in with the history of the 4-legged dragon. Wyvern has been depicted in heraldry on shields and banners for hundreds of years, and is considered a sign of strength to those who bear the symbol. One of the more famous wyverns is Vermithrax in the movie DragonSlayer.In Greek mythology Hercules fought a grand hydra with 8 heads (history tells us 6 to 9 heads for this particular hydra). Every time he managed to slash one off with sword, two would come in its place. He finally figured out by burning the stump with a torch, and it could not grow another head. That is how Hercules rid the world of the mighty hydra. Also in Greek mythology, Jason killed a hydra to get the Golden Fleece.The colonists of Pern (A world created from the stories by Anne McCaffrey) genetically engineered these huge dragons from their small cousins, Firelizards. Pernese dragons and their riders have a life-long relationship. This is started at the Impression. This is when the dragons hatch and choose their human partner. If the human partner dies without the dragon, the dragon will go between permanently. If the dragon dies, the human usually wastes away until they pass on。
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习
中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化对比学习龙,作为中国传统文化中的一种重要符号和象征,从古至今一直扮演着重要的角色。
中国龙与西方龙文化有着许多异同之处,通过对比学习可以更好地理解这两种文化及其背后的历史和意义。
本文将对中国“龙”与西方“龙”文化进行对比学习,探讨它们的共同之处和不同点,以及这些文化对于两个国家的影响。
让我们先了解一下中国的龙文化。
在中国传统文化中,龙被视为祥瑞的象征,是最高尚的精神象征之一。
中国龙被视为顺势而为的精神与行动象征,代表着权威和神圣的力量,同时也代表着水的象征,并被认为可以为人类带来福祉。
中国龙的形象多种多样,有五爪龙、四爪龙、三爪龙等不同类型的龙,但无论是哪种类型的龙,都被视为人类的保护神和幸运之兽。
而在西方文化中,龙被视为一种凶恶的生物。
西方的龙通常被描绘为一种巨大的、有翅膀的、喷火的怪兽,总是在与勇士的战斗中被描绘出来。
在西方传统中,龙通常被认为是邪恶的象征,代表着破坏和死亡的力量。
从希腊神话中的海德拉到中世纪的骑士传说中的龙,西方龙总是被描述为邪恶的生物,而与它们交战的勇士则成为英雄。
通过对比中国龙与西方龙文化,我们可以看到它们在象征意义和文化内涵方面的差异。
中国龙象征祥瑞和权威,代表着积极的意义,而西方龙则代表着消极的力量。
除了象征意义的差异之外,中国龙与西方龙在形象上也有着显著的不同。
中国龙通常被描述为蛇身、鱼鳞、鹿角、马耳、爪牙的生物,而西方龙则通常被描绘为一个有着鳞甲、巨大翅膀和爪子的生物。
这两种不同的形象体现了两种文化对于龙的认识和想象的差异。
中国龙与西方龙还在传统故事和神话中有着不同的表现。
在中国传统文化中,龙是天神和圣者,代表着积极向上的力量。
中国许多的神话和传说中,都会提到龙的存在,而且龙也经常被描绘成为伟大的英雄和守护神。
而在西方传统文化中,龙则总是被描绘成为邪恶的生物,它们通常是一种危害人类和摧毁社会和秩序的力量。
对于不同的文化而言,它们对龙的认知和看法也反映了不同的历史和价值观。
[整理版]“龙”意象在中西文化中的差异
“龙”意象在中西文化中的差异比较文学中的主题学研究是指不同国家、不同文明中的不同作家对相同主题的不同处理,主题学既属于实证性影响研究,也是对并无事实联系的不同文学之间的相同主题进行比较研究。
它强调的是不同国家的作家对相同母题、情境、意象、题材的不同处理。
我们是炎黄子孙、是龙的传人,“龙的精神”更是中华民族的象征。
中国龙具有神秘的色彩,代表着正义的神的形象;而在遥远的西方,龙虽然拥有强大的力量及魔法能力,却常被认为是邪恶的化身。
对于“龙”(dragon)这,词语,中国人认为龙象征吉祥.毫无贬义汉语中“望子成龙”就是指家长希望孩子长大后能有所成就一而在西方人看来.龙是象征邪恶.是魔鬼的化身.具有贬义在美国电影“The Woman Wears Prada”《时尚女魔头》1中那个孤僻,苛刻的女老板就被她的员工私底下叫做“Dragon Lady”,喻意为一个女魔头般的人物造成这种附加意义差异的原因在于中西方文化的差异,即是“龙”的意象在中西文化中的差异。
首先,来看看中西方龙的起源。
从文字资料看, 最早的字典《说文》已收入“龙”字并做了解释。
龙的观念和形象当出现在这个资料产生之前, 也即春秋战国时代之前。
从考古资料看, 从殷墟中出土的甲骨文中已经有“龙”字了。
中国“龙”的形象当出现在殷朝之前。
那么西方龙生于何时? 《圣经》中有数处说到龙。
这本经写于公元前 10 世纪。
那么, 龙肯定产生于这个时期之前。
神话中的龙一定产生在此之前, 也即希腊的原始社会时期。
在西亚两河流域的埃利都遗址发掘出的男女泥塑像头部都呈蜥蜴或蛇形。
这恐怕是龙形象的一种变体吧。
这样看来, 我们似可以说中国龙和西方龙产生在大约相同的时期。
“龙”的起源虽然是在同一时期,但是它的形象确实截然不同的,中国的龙是“龙生九子,每子不同”,而西方的龙则是“龙生百子,每子不同”。
中国龙的形象是丰富多彩的, 大体上分, 既有恶者也有善者, 还有不恶不善者, 有的龙性格有变化和发展。
龙的传说阅读理解
龙的传说阅读理解
摘要:
1.龙的传说的起源和发展
2.中国龙和西方龙的差异
3.龙在文化中的象征意义
4.龙的传说对现代社会的影响
正文:
一、龙的传说的起源和发展
龙,作为一种神话传说中的生物,拥有着神秘的形象和强大的力量。
在世界各地,尤其是亚洲地区,龙的传说有着悠久的历史和丰富的文化内涵。
从古至今,人们一直在探索龙的起源和发展。
二、中国龙和西方龙的差异
1.外形特征:中国龙通常具有蛇身、鳞片、鹿角、鹰爪等特征,形象威猛而庄严;西方龙则多呈蜥蜴状,拥有翅膀和火焰,形象凶猛而极具攻击性。
2.象征意义:在中国文化中,龙代表着权威、尊贵和吉祥,是中华民族的象征;而在西方文化中,龙则更多地代表着邪恶、危险和力量,具有复杂的象征意义。
三、龙在文化中的象征意义
1.中国文化中的龙:在中国传统文化中,龙被赋予了诸多美好的寓意,如祥瑞、繁荣、昌盛等。
此外,龙还是皇家权威的象征,皇帝常被称为“真龙天子”。
2.西方文化中的龙:在西方文化中,龙常常出现在神话、传说和史诗中,
象征着智慧、力量和勇气。
同时,西方龙也常被视为邪恶势力的象征,与英雄展开激烈的战斗。
四、龙的传说对现代社会的影响
尽管龙只是一种虚构的生物,但其传说对现代社会产生了深远的影响。
在艺术、文学、影视等领域,龙的形象被广泛运用,为人们带来丰富的想象空间和审美享受。
同时,龙的传说也激发了人们对于神秘、力量和勇气的向往,成为人们精神世界的重要组成部分。
总之,龙的传说作为一种独特的文化现象,不仅承载着丰富的历史和文化信息,还在现代社会中发挥着重要的影响力。
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3. Dragons and festivals
• Chinese dragons often appear in Chinese festivals, celebration and weddings. • For example:Dragon Boat Festival
Western dragons
3.They are mysterious animals.
• No one, (if yes, only few) has ever seen real Chinese and Western dragons. And that is why so many legends and stories about dragons have been talked for thousands of years.
Western dragons
• Western dragons look very different from other western dragons. Some look like snakes, when others look like dinosaurs, and even lions.
Similarity
• 1.The places where they live • Many Chinese and western dragons live in mountains,
sea, or rivers.
2.Dragons' abilities
• Chinese dragons and Western dragons have similar abilities, like flying or breathing fire.
2. Similarity and differences with other dragons which are the same species.
• Chinese dragons
• Most Chinese dragons look similar though they have different colors and small parts of body features.
• As we know, western dragons seldom appear in festivals.
谢谢观赏
Cultural differences between Chinese and Western dhinese and western dragon 2.Similarity
3.Differences
The image of Chinese and Western dragon
The Chinese dragon is depicted as a long,scaled,snakelike creature with five claws. They are shown in the colors blue, black, white, red, or yellow.
For Chinese people, dragon is a composite of parts from nine animals: the horns of a deer; the head of a camel(驼 头); the eyes of a devil; the neck of a snake; the abdomen of a large cockle; the scales of a carp(鱼鳞); the claws of an eagle(鹰爪); the paws of a tiger; and the ears of an ox.
4.They are powerful.
Western and Chinese dragons are the symbols of power.
5. They are the composite.
• We can see many animals’ features on Chinese and western dragons.
Differences
• 1. People's feeling and ideas about dragons.
• Chinese dragons • People in Chinese think that Chinese dragons are auspicious beast(瑞兽) which can bring happiness and power, and even be worshiped as gods.
Western dragons
• Western dragons are portrayed as evil because they would eat people or destroy villages. So there is much folklore about the fighting between heroes and dragons. But there are still some exceptions. Some of them are wise and would help people when they need advice.
Western dragons look different form Chinese dragon. The typical Western dragon is a large, scaly creature like a dinosaur or a huge lizard.It has wings and four legs.