The Dragon and the Crown of Heaven: Power, Ritual, and Myth in Ancient China
In ancient Chinese thought, the dragon was far more than a mythical beast—it was the embodiment of supreme cosmic power, ruler of heaven, earth, and water, a force woven into the very fabric of imperial authority. Its symbolism transcended mere legend, becoming a living metaphor for sovereign control over natural and spiritual realms. This article explores how dragon imagery, numerological systems—especially the sacred number 350—and royal rituals such as “Royal Fishing” converged to reinforce dynastic legitimacy and cosmic harmony.
The Dragon as Sovereign Force in Chinese CosmologyThe dragon’s dominion over the natural elements mirrored the emperor’s mandate to govern with celestial approval. In Chinese cosmology, the dragon represented the dynamic balance between yin and yang,