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Art Stampin'
Up! Stamp Sets Writing
Horoscope
for 2004 Asian
Symbols Dragons
in Asian Arts
Art
How Chinese
paintings are mounted and preserved
How
paper cuts are made
Stampin' Up! Sets
Translation of Stampin' Up!
Asian Art set
Source: Unknown
The Chinese characters in this
set mean "Listen to your heart".
The character on the geisha
stamp means "bright, sun and moon".
The coin with 4 characters
is a stamp of a special coin that is very old and made from copper. The
top symbol means "good fortune", the left symbol "Peace",
the right symbol "health", and the bottom symbol "longevity".
Translation of Stampin' Up Kimono Set
Source: Unknown
Character means "Happy"
Writing
Chinese
calligraphy
Early
Chinese Writing
Types of Chinese Characters:
Two Sites
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/chinese_types.htm
http://logos.uoregon.edu/explore/orthography/chinese.html
How to Write Chinese Characters:
Two Sites
http://www.ocrat.com/ocrat/chargif/
http://zhongwen.com/shufa/
Chinese Writing System
http://www.cjvlang.com/Writing/writsys/writchin.html
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0857298.html
Chinese
Horoscope - Predictions for 2004
Source: Unknown
a. The Frugal Rat - The "Concealed
Charmer"
A much better year ahead in 2004 as the Rat and Monkey are the best of
friends. Unstable but dynamic, the Monkey year emboldens Rats and this
year's journey may resemble more of a hazardous adventure rather than
a picnic. The eclectic Rat's imagination (both positive and negative)
runs wild during Monkey years and moderation is critical. All in all,
a great year.
b. The Durable Ox - The "Head
Honcho"
A less exasperating year where gains outweigh losses. Oxen appreciate
a year devoid of jealous scenes, emotional displays and foolish declarations
of love, and Monkeys appreciate the Oxen's stability and reasonable nature.
However, "topsy-turvy" never has set well with Ox souls, and
the helter-skelter of Monkey years tend to unnerve them. Continue to keep
both feet on the floor.
c. The Noble Tiger - The "Go
Getter"
Much less supple and adaptable than Monkey's, Tigers prefer clear-cut
situations. This makes cloaked Monkey years difficult for the forthright
Tiger. The Monkeys tricks and guile cause set-backs for Tigers, bringing
criticism, and pointing out weaknesses. However, the formidable Tiger
combines their proud-bearing with the wizardry of Money year transforming
the Tiger into a fearless tightrope walker.
d. The Detached Rabbit - The
"Artful Dodger"
A year of "looking for love in all the wrong places" teaches
the lesson of contentment, and that the grass is not always greener on
the other side of the fence. Discreet Rabbits, so attached to their principles,
may feel scandalized by the Monkey's tactics and wiles used to escape
difficult situations. Rabbits must be calculating, have continual "presence
of mind" and leave nothing to chance this year.
e. The Unpredictable Dragon
- The "Theatrical Visionary"
Whew! Finally a brighter and more prosperous time for robust Dragons.
The Monkey, who seeks constant sources of excitement, compliments the
Dragon soul bringing confidence, charm and mutual success. While collaboration,
and assistance are offered, beware of rash acts, and immoderate pride
this year as anything may happen! (both positive and negative).
f. The Intuitive Snake - The
"Learned One"
The Snake and Monkey are soulmates, and Monkey years stimulate the Snake's
keen mind and free-flow of ideas. An excellent year for Snakes filled
with superb intellectual exchanges, professional alliances, ideas and
possibilities. As one of the few intellectual equals, Monkey years fascinate
the common-sense Snake. Ability and subtlety are the Snakes major trump
cards this year.
g. The Decisive Horse - The
"Happy Hedonist"
A year resembling an extended race-course. The Monkey tricks the Horse
into thinking that life with them will be different and seduces the Horse
by stroking their ego. Horses are dominated by emotion, passion and intense
commitment to projects and causes. Monkey years upset the equilibrium
of the Horse with it's about-faces, and unexpected occurrences. Vague
distrust and superficiality prevail.
h.. The Creative Goat - The
"Good Samaritan"
An extremely restless year of gaiety and fantasy, but events in Monkey
years happen too quickly for the Goat. While Goats and Monkeys are essentially
good friends, the self-assured Monkey tweaks insecurity in the Goat and
tends to leave them feeling left in the background. A high risk of throwing
out the baby with the bathwater, as Goat souls risk excesses and emotional
problems with their immediate family.
i. The Entertaining Monkey
- The "Merry Mercurial"
While a lively year of good times, good friends, and lack of boredom,
only rarely are your own Monkey years constructive and capable of permanent
development. Monkeys have difficulty staying on a straight and narrow
course, tempted to take detours and short-cuts for the pure pleasure of
discovery and novelty. However, you do find the year's prevalent upheaval
amusing, and will have a strong desire for travel.
j. The Perfectionist Rooster
- The "I can do better" inspirer.
After the initial entertainment and novelty of the year has worn-off,
Roosters find Monkey years superficial. The Monkey's taste for socializing
and parties, will greatly please the Rooster, but the frank and honest
Rooster will not appreciate the Monkeys form of criticism and attitude
of superiority and their motto remains "I know better." Sit
this one out, and put everything back into order another time.
k. The Watchful Dog - The "Vanquishing
Vigilante."
Dogs have a tendency to complicate matters in Monkey years. Years ruled
by the Monkey can bring the culmination of family disturbances, accusations,
and losing face. The Dogs reputation may be on the line this year, do
not act with haste, but carefully deliberate your options. Even though
Dogs resent the carefree attitude and lack of perceived scruples during
Monkey years, any vigilante-like rushing into chaos, could bring disastrous
results. Take a deep breath and let it be...
l. The Tolerant Pig - The "Accommodating
Pacifist."
Reconciliation and reunion with former loves, as romance takes a more
positive course. The Pigs profound honesty and childlike trust is the
only thing that can disarm the manipulative instincts of the Monkey year.
It is the Pig who will transform this Monkey year, not the other way around.
However, the highs are high and the lows are low. The Pig has the last
word this year - a karmic reward for their lack of self-seeking and unconditional
love.
Asian
Symbols
Source: Unknown
Symbolism
The various symbols found on
Asian works of art have quite a long history. Confusiousism, Taoism, and
Buddhism each brought with them a complete set of beliefs, legends, and
superstitions. To even attempt a complete listing would be a lifetime
project. We are continually adding to this section as we find there meaning.
The Signs
Badger & Magpie - May you
experience great happiness
Basket of Fruit or Flowers - One of the Eight Immortals
Bats - Good Luck. 2 Bats together means double good fortune. 5 Bats means
The Five Blessings: long life, wealth, health, virtue, and a natural death
Butterflies With Plum Blossoms - symbolizes Long Life and Beauty.
With a Cat - means wish to live to 70 or 80 years
Bear / Panda Man Carp - Advantage or Benefit in Business
Cicada - Immortality, Life after Death
Cock - Reliability / Red Cock protects your house from fire
Crane - Longevity
Cricket - Fighting Spirit
Deer - Riches
Dove - Fidelity
Dragon - Male Vigor and Fertility, also the symbol for The Emperor
Dragon & Phoenix - Man and Wife
Duck - Married Bliss
Duck in Reeds - May you do well on your exams
Eagle - Strength
Eagle on a rock in Sea - Hero
Elephant - Strength and Astuteness
Riding an Elephant - Happiness
Fish - Wealth
Fisherman - One of the 4 Basic Occupations
Goose - Married Bliss
Heron with Lotus Flowers - May your path be upward
Endless Knot - Long Life without Setbacks
Lotus - Purity
Magnolia - Beautiful Woman
Onion - Clever
Ox / Water Buffalo - Coming of Spring
Peach - Longevity
Peacock - Dignity and Beauty
Phoenix - The Five Human Qualities: Virtue, Duty, Correct Behavior, Humanity,
Reliability
Pine Trees - Longevity, Steadfastness, and Self-Discipline
Quail - Courage
Sheep - Yang...The Male Principle
Snake - The Woman
Tiger -Courage and Bravery
Tortoise - Longevity & Immortality
Yin - The Female Principle
Yang - The Male Principle
Dragons
in Asian Arts
Source: Unknown
I have been wanting to address
dragons and their differences as pertains to Asian arts and thought you
all would enjoy the information and stories.
Japanese dragons have 3 toes.
Korean dragons have 4 toes and Chinese dragons have 5 toes.
There is a funny story about
how they are perceived in their various countries.
Japanese feel 3 toes is the correct number and that the countries west
of her had to add toes.
Koreans feel theirs is right and that Japanese lost a toe and the Chinese
added one.
China of course feels they are right and the further from China the dragon
goes the fewer toes it has.
I maintain that with this kind
of thinking it is not surprising that in getting to the west (non-Asian)
dragons needed to add wings. Western dragons are winged serpents with
4 legs. No Asian dragon has big bat-like wings.
I am borrowing this eloquent
explanation from: http://www.asianideas.com/desofdrag.html
For centuries, the dragon has
been a symbol of power and mystery. Depicted in countless legends, both
Eastern and Western, the dragon has provoked man to fear and worship it.
In medieval Europe, it was a bloodthirsty, fire-breathing figure. Its
malevolence and ferociousness struck terror in all.
However, in Asia, it is the
contrary. The mighty dragon is a mythical beast long celebrated for its
benevolence, intelligence and good will. The dragon has been a common
symbol of identity for East Asian cultures. In fact, Chinese people all
over the world are affectionately known as lung de chuan ren, or the "descendants
of the dragon." Known in Chinese as lung, the Asian dragon was believed
to have originated in China.
There are several distinct
species of Chinese dragons:
The Horned Dragon is considered to be the mightiest.
The Celestial Dragon supports the heavens and protects the Gods.
The Earth Dragon rules all of the earth.
The Spiritual Dragon controls the wind and rain.
The Treasure Dragon is the keeper of precious metals and gems.
The Winged Dragon is the only dragon with wings.
The Coiling Dragon dwells in the ocean.
The Yellow Dragon is a hornless dragon known for its scholarly knowledge.
Chinese dragons are also physically
concise -- 117 scales, of which 36 are imbued with Yin energy and 81 with
Yang energy. They are also equipped with exactly 5 claws in each hand
and each foot. Since the reign of Emperor Kao Tsu during the Han Dynasty
(206 B.C.), a dragon depicted with five claws is considered the emblem
of imperial power in China. According to Chinese legend, the farther a
dragon travels away from China, the more claws it loses. This explains
why dragons from other Asian countries have less than five claws.
A little to the north, the
Koreans have lived for centuries with their own distinct set of beliefs.
But they are also bound by a common Asian symbol. In Korea, dragons are
called yong, and there are three main types:
Yong is the most powerful and protects the sky.
Yo is hornless and lives in the ocean.
Kyo dwells in the mountains on Earth.
The Korean dragon has the head
of a camel, the horns of a deer, the eyes of a rabbit, the ears of an
ox, the neck of a snake, the belly of a frog, the scales of a carp, the
claws of a hawk, and the feet of a tiger.
Like the Chinese, Koreans also
believe the original Asian dragon originated in their homeland, where
it was born with 81 scales lining its back and four claws in each hand
and each foot. According to legend, a yong traveling to the West or South
would grow an extra claw -- thus, Chinese dragons have five claws. As
it travels to the East or North it loses a claw, thus dragons from Japan
would have three claws.
Dragons in Japan are similar
to their Chinese counterparts. Known as tatsu or ryu, Japanese dragons
are also national symbols and the insignia of the royal family. According
to Japanese lore, a single female dragon spawned nine young dragons --
and like the Chinese, each of the nine became distinctive sub-types, reigning
in heaven, the seas, and all points of the Earth. However, Japanese dragons
are more serpent-like and have the ability to alter its size at will,
or become invisible.
Tatsus are also identifiable
by their three claws. Chinese beliefs maintain that since the dragon has
traveled so far away from China, they have lost all but three claws in
Japan. But in Japan, the original Asian dragon is native to their country,
where it was born with only three claws. According to the Japanese, dragons
traveling away from Japan would grow extra claws.
Regardless of the region of
origin, Asian dragons are usually depicted in the colors blue, black,
white, red, or the ever-popular yellow. Often, they are shown bearing
a pearl in their mouth, under their chin, or in their claws. This pearl
symbolizes the power that enables the dragon to ascend to heaven. A beloved
figure, dragons are not only a symbol of identity, but also the essence
of Asia.
The wings on Asian dragons
are bird's wings not bat's wings. Also, they only get wings (those that
do) when they are very old.
This is more information on
the Asian dragon as purloined from: http://www.crystalinks.com/chinadragons.html
The symbol of the dragon represents
spiraling day.
The Celestial Chinese Dragon
is comparable as the symbol of the Chinese race itself. Chinese around
the world, proudly proclaim themselves "Lung Tik Chuan Ren"
(Descendents of the Dragon). Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical
creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune.
As the emblem of the Emperor
and the Imperial command, the legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the
ancient Chinese civilization and shaped their culture until today. Its
benevolence signifies greatness, goodness and blessings.
The Chinese Dragon, or Lung
, symbolizes power and excellence, valiancy and boldness, heroism and
perseverance, nobility and divinity. A dragon overcomes obstacles until
success is his. He is energetic, decisive, optimistic, intelligent and
ambitious.
Unlike the negative energies
associated with Western Dragons, most Eastern Dragons are beautiful, friendly,
and wise. They are the angels of the Orient. Instead of being hated, they
are loved and worshipped. Temples and shrines have been built to honor
them, for they control the rain, rivers, lakes, and seas. Many Chinese
cities have pagodas where people used to burn incense and pray to dragons.
The Black Dragon Pool Chapel, near Peking, was reserved for the Empress
and her court. Special worship services took place there on the first
and fifteenth of every month. Dragon shrines and altars can still be seen
in many parts of the Far East. They are usually along seashores and riverbanks,
because most Eastern Dragons live in water. The Isle of the Temple, in
Japan's Inland Sea, has become a famous stopover for pilgrims who meditate
and pray to dragons.
Both male and female dragons
have mated with humans. Their descendants became great rulers. The Japanese
Emperor Hirohito traced his ancestry back 125 generations to Princess
Fruitful Jewel, daughter of a Dragon King of the Sea. Emperors in many
Asian countries claimed to have dragon ancestors. This made them so proud,
that everything they used was decorated with dragons and described in
terms of the dragon: dragon-throne, dragon-robe, dragon-bed, dragon-boat.
Calling an emperor "dragon-face" was a supreme compliment. People
believed that rulers could change themselves into dragons. For hundreds
of years, Japanese emperors sat concealed behind bamboo curtains whenever
visitors came. Anyone who dared to peek was condemned to death.
Everything connected with Eastern
Dragons is blessed. The Year of the Dragon, which takes place ever twelve
years, is lucky. Present-day Oriental astrologers claim that children
born during Dragon Years enjoy health, wealth, and long life.
Dragons are so wise that they
have been royal advisors. A thirteenth-century Cambodian king spent his
nights in a golden tower, where he consulted with the real ruler of the
land a nine-headed dragon.
Eastern Dragons are vain, even
though they are wise. They are insulted when a ruler doesn't follow their
advice, or when people do not honor their importance. Then, by thrashing
about, dragons either stop making rain and cause water shortages, or they
breathe black clouds that bring storms and floods. Small dragons do minor
mischief, such as making roofs leak, or causing rice to be sticky. People
set off firecrackers and carry immense paper dragons in special parades.
They also race dragon-shaped boats in water all to please and appease
their dragons.
The Dragon brings upon the
essence of life, in the form of its celestial breath, known to many as
sheng chi. He yields life and bestows its power in the form of the seasons,
bringing water from rain, warmth from the sunshine, wind from the seas
and soil from the earth. The Dragon is the ultimate representation of
the forces of Mother Nature. The greatest divine force on Earth.
The Chinese Dragon is often
seen as the symbol of divine protection and vigilance. It is regarded
as the Supreme Being amongst all creatures. It has the ability to live
in the seas, fly up the heavens and coiled up in the land in the form
of mountains. Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off
wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all
that hold his emblem. The Chinese Dragon is look upon as the ultimate
symbol of Good Fortune.
Year of the Dragon - personality
traits: The Dragon person is self confident and impulsive and consequently
does not always listen to the advice of others. He is also a perfectionist
and he sets high standards for himself. Although strong and decisive the
Dragon is not manipulative or sly. He refuses to deceive or compromise
and fails to spot subversive intent. He enjoys being in command and like
an emperor holding court he eliminates obstacles until success is his.
WOOD DRAGON: The Wood Dragon
is creative, imaginative, and inquisitive. He is both a thinker and a
doer and is capable of brilliant new concepts. His every move is guided
by sound logic. His drive and ambition allow him to put many of his ideas
into practice, nevertheless this Dragon is capable of concealing his domination
and tries not to offend. He will even compromise if it is advantages.
Although not as self-centered as other Dragons, he is still outspoken
and fearless when challenged.
FIRE DRAGON: The Fire Dragon
is the most extroverted and competitive Dragon. He tends to push too hard
and expects a lot from everyone. His criticisms are objective and he has
the ability to arouse massive popular support. His insatiable ambition
can make him short-tempered and intolerant. He is an empire builder who
needs to master his less favorable traits and learn how to communicate
more humbly with people as individuals.
EARTH DRAGON: The Earth Dragon is a quieter, more reflective Dragon, He
will be appreciative of other's opinions even if he fails to agree with
them. He is reasonable in his approach to problems and his leadership
is less dictatorial. He is not given to outbursts of temper, but at the
same time demands respect. He knows the value of cooperation and is more
diplomatic than the other Dragons. He is ambitious, but his initiatives
are less hurried and more carefully thought out.
METAL DRAGON: The Metal Dragon
is the most strong-willed Dragon. He is inflexible, unbending and combative.
He gives little regard to the feelings of others. This ruthlessness can
result in a rapid rise to a position of authority, but often at the cost
of destroying important relationships. It is futile to attempt to convince
him that certain things are simply undoable. He will go it alone if he
can't gain support. He succeeds because he refuses to accept failure.
WATER DRAGON: The Water Dragon
is less selfish and opinionated than the other Dragons. He is more inhibited
and less power-hungry. He can accept defeat without recriminations. He
makes a good negotiator as he knows when, where, and how to apply pressure.
He has a tendency to be over-optimistic and needs to learn how to relinquish
what is unfeasible so that he can concentrate his energies on the most
rewarding endeavors.
Types of Dragons
There are nine major types
of Chinese dragons. These include the horned dragon, the winged dragon,
the celestial dragon (which supports and protects the mansions of the
gods), the spiritual dragon which generates wind and rain for the benefit
of mankind), the dragon of hidden treasures (which keeps guard over concealed
wealth), the coiling dragon (which lives in water), and the yellow dragon
(which once emerged from water and presented the legendary Emperor Fu
Shi with the elements of writing) The last of the nine is the dragon king,
which actually consists of four separate dragons, each of which rules
over one of the four seas, those of the east, south, west, and north.
The most powerful generalized
type of Chinese dragon is the horned dragon, or lung, which can produce
rain and is totally deaf. Additionally, there is a homeless dragon (Ii)
that lives in the ocean and another type (chiao) that is scale-covered
and usually inhabits marshes but also keeps dens in the mountains.
There are also nine ways the
Chinese have traditionally represented these dragons, each one revealing
a different dragon characteristic.
There are dragons carved on the tops of bells and gongs, because of the
beast's habit of calling loudly when attacked.
A second type is carved on the screws of fiddles, since most dragons are
fond of music.
A third is carved on the tops of stone tablets, because of dragons' love
of literature.
A fourth is found at the bottom of stone monuments, as dragons can support
heavy weights.
A fifth is placed on the eaves of temples, as dragons are ever alert to
danger.
A sixth occurs on the beams of bridges, since dragons are fond of water.
A seventh is carved on Buddha's throne, as dragons like to rest.
An eighth is placed on the hilts of swords, since dragons are known to
be capable of slaughter.
The ninth is carved on prison gates, as these are dragons that are fond
of quarreling and trouble making.
The colors of Chinese dragons
are evidently quite variable, but in the case of the chiao type its back
is striped with green, its sides are yellow, and it is crimson underneath.
The nine major characteristics
of a lung type dragon include a head like a camel's, horns like a deer's,
eyes like a hare's, ears like a bull's, a neck like an iguana's, a belly
like a frog's, scales like a carp's, paws like a tiger's, and claws like
an eagle's. It has a pair of large canine teeth in its upper jaw. The
long, tendril-like whiskers extending from either side of its mouth are
probably used for feeling its way along the bottom of muddy ponds.
In color dragons varies from
greenish to golden, with a series of alternating short and long spines
extending down the back and along the tail, where they become longer.
One specimen had wings at its side, and walked on top of the water. Another
tossed its mane back and forth making noises that sounded like a flute.
Cow-heads are also common.
A ten-footer, found lying on the banks of China's Yangtze River, was different
from most because of its long, thick eyebrows. A Yellow River variety,
seen on shore in the 1920s by a Chinese teacher, was bright blue, and
as big as five cows. Both dragons crawled into the water as soon as it
started to rain.
A few dragons begin life as
fish. Carp, who successfully jump rapids and leap over waterfalls, change
into fish-dragons. A popular saying, "The carp has leaped through
the dragon's gate," means success, especially for students who have
passed their exams.
Male dragons sometimes mate
with other kinds of animals. A dragon fathers an elephant when he mates
with a pig, and he sires a racehorse, after mating with a mare.
The 4 Dragons: A Chinese Tale
Once upon a time, there were
no rivers and lakes on earth, but only the Eastern Sea, in which lived
four dragons: the Long Dragon, the Yellow Dragon, the Black Dragon and
the Pearl Dragon.
One day the four dragons flew
from the sea into the sky. They soared and dived, playing at hide-and-seek
in the clouds.
"Come over here quickly!"
the Pearl Dragon cried out suddenly.
"What's up?" asked
the other three, looking down in the direction where the Pearl Dragon
pointed. On the earth they saw many people putting out fruits and cakes,
and burning incense sticks. They were praying! A white-haired woman, kneeling
on the ground with a thin boy on her back, murmured:
"Please send rain quickly,
God of Heaven, to give our children rice to eat.."
For there had been no rain
for a long time. The crops withered, the grass turned yellow and fields
cracked under the scorching sun.
"How poor the people are!"
said the Yellow Dragon. "And they will die if it doesn't rain soon."
The Long Dragon nodded. Then
he suggested, "Let's go and beg the Jade Emperor for rain."
So saying, he leapt into the
clouds. The others followed closely and flew towards the Heavenly Palace.
Being in charge of all the
affairs in heaven, on earth and in the sea, the Jade Emperor was very
powerful. He was not pleased to see the dragons rushing in. "Why
do you come here instead of staying in the sea and behaving yourselves?"
The Long Dragon stepped forward
and said, "The crops on earth are withering and dying, Your Majesty.
I beg you to send rain down quickly!"
"All right. You go back
first, I'll send some rain down tomorrow." The Jade Emperor pretended
to agree while listening to the songs of the fairies.
"Thanks, Your Majesty!"
The four dragons went happily back.
But ten days passed, and not
a drop of rain came down.
The people suffered more, some
eating bark, some grass roots, some forced to eat white clay when they
ran out of bark and grass roots. Seeing all this, the four dragons felt
very sorry, for they knew the Jade Emperor only cared about pleasure,
and never took the people to heart. They could only rely on themselves
to relieve the people of their miseries. But how to do it?
Seeing the vast sea, the Long
Dragon said that he had an idea.
"What is it? Out with
it, quickly!" the other three demanded.
"Look, is there not plenty
of water in the sea where we live? We should scoop it up and spray it
towards the sky. The water will be like rain drops and come down to save
the people and their crops."
"Good idea!" The
others clapped their hands.
"But," said the Long
Dragon after thinking a bit, "we will be blamed if the Jade Emperor
learns of this."
"I will do anything to
save the people," the Yellow Dragon said resolutely.
"Let's begin. We will
never regret it." The Black Dragon and the Pearl Dragon were not
to be outdone.
They flew to the sea, scooped
up water in their mouths, and then flew back into the sky, where they
sprayed the water out over the earth. The four dragons flew back and forth,
making the sky dark all around. Before long the seawater became rain pouring
down from the sky.
"It's raining! It's raining!"
"The crops will be saved!"
The people cried and leaped
with joy. On the ground the wheat stalks raised their heads and the sorghum
stalks straightened up.
The god of the sea discovered
these events and reported to the Jade Emperor. "How dare the four
dragons bring rain without my permission!" The Jade Emperor was enraged,
and ordered the heavenly generals and their troops to arrest the four
dragons. Being far outnumbered, the four dragons could not defend themselves,
and they were soon arrested and brought back to the heavenly palace.
"Go and get four mountains
to lay upon them so that they can never escape!" The Jade Emperor
ordered the Mountain God. The Mountain God used his magic power to make
four mountains fly there, whistling in the wind from afar, and pressed
them down upon the four dragons.
Imprisoned as they were, they
never regretted their actions. Determined to do good for the people forever,
they turned themselves into four rivers, which flowed past high mountains
and deep valleys, crossing the land from the west to the east and finally
emptying into the sea. And so China's four great rivers were formed --
the Heilongjian (Black Dragon) in the far north, the Huanghe (Yellow River)
in central China, the Changjiang (Yangtze, or Long River) farther south,
and the Zhujiang (Pearl) in the very far south.
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