Flaming Pearl English I— Louise S. McGehee School 2005 (“Dragons”)

Characteristics of the Pearl and the Dragon  The flaming pearl can be seen as a ball or spiral with flames.  Dragons are constantly being associated with the flaming pearl (“Dragons”).  The dragon:  Horns of a deer  Five claws of a hawk  Neck of a snake  Scales of a fish (“Dragons”). (“Myths”)

Purpose of the Flaming Pearl  Dragons are the guardians of the pearl  The dragon is a symbol of “spiritual perfection”  It is often, because of its power, seen as a symbol of the Emperor and his people  Interestingly enough the dragon can also embody a spiraling day; the same characterization of the flaming pearl  The Flaming Pearl represents several different elements of ancient Chinese myth endeavors  Luck  Potentiality (“Dragons”). (“Myths”)

The Myths/History of the Flaming Pearl  There are several versions of the Flaming Pearl legend. The majority include Xiao Sheng, a young grass harvester: Sheng’s grass began to grow scarce. Xiao Sheng was then forced to travel further for a decent harvest (“Myths”).  In his travels he found an area where the grass was lush and plenty. Xiao Sheng decided, however, he didn’t want to harvest so far for food (“Myths”).

Myth of the Flaming Pearl Cont.  He, instead, dug up the grass to move to his home. In digging he discovered a pearl underneath the grass. He put the pearl into a small jar of rice. The next day Xiao Sheng checked the jar of rice to discover that the rice's amount multiplied (“Myths”). (“The Dragon”)

Myth of the Flaming Pearl Cont.  The pearl reproduced anything it was placed with. Xiao Sheng, with this realization, planted the pearl with some coins. The money multiplied, just as the rice multiplied (“Myths”). (“Pearls”)

Myth of the Flaming Pearl Cont.  Xiao Sheng’s newly found wealth did not go unnoticed by robbers. Not wanting his pearl to be stolen, Xiao Sheng swallowed it. After, his insides burned, he tried to quench his thirst by drinking from the river, though the river was too dry. Despite his attempts to cease the burning it continued. Finally Xiao Sheng transformed into a dragon. In his transformation Xiao Sheng restored the river’s water, eliminating drought (“Myths”).

Deviations From the Myths  In some myths, Xiao Sheng was able, as a dragon, to bend the river.  Some also say the water released from the dragon was the cause of the river’s curves.  The less popular myth names the character Nie Lang (Chinese). (“Eastern”)

Modern Connections  Often, in both contemporary and ancient Chinese art, the flaming pearl is shown with the dragon. In most pieces the dragon is depicted chasing the pearl or holding the pearl in his mouth or under his chin. The dragon, primarily known as an emblem of the Emperor’s power, is physically stunted without the pearl  Often, in both contemporary and ancient Chinese art, the flaming pearl is shown with the dragon. In most pieces the dragon is depicted chasing the pearl or holding the pearl in his mouth or under his chin. The dragon, primarily known as an emblem of the Emperor’s power, is physically stunted without the pearl (“Dish”). (“Dish”) Dragons Chasing the Flaming Pearl

Modern Connections cont.  Disney’s Mulan— the legend of a girl replacing her father in battle— shows a statue of “The Great Stone Dragon.”  The dragon holds the flaming pearl under its chin, an essential and most common pose of the dragon (“Mulan”). (“Mulan”)

Modern Connections Cont.  Today, even in China, the flaming pearl has probably lost most of its significance.  The dragon, more commonly used and seen in movies and cartoons, is still recognized with the same strength as in myth.  Dragons, even in these movies, still carry the pearl.

Works Cited “Chinese Dragons.” Crystalinks.com. 4 January < dragons.html>. “Dish Showing a Dragon Chasing the Flaming Pearl.” World Cultures. National Museums of Liverpool. 6 January world/asia/dragondish.html. world/asia/dragondish.htmlhttp:// world/asia/dragondish.html “The Dragon's Pearl.” Fairrosa.com.. 14 October January 2005 < dragons.pearl.html>. “DRAGONS ~ WINGED SERPENTS.” Crystalinks.com. 4 January “DRAGONS ~ WINGED SERPENTS.” Crystalinks.com. 4 January “Eastern: Dragons Pearl.” Shadowscapes.com. 4 January < image/reddragon.shtml>. “Mulan.” IMBD. 10 January “Mulan.” IMBD. 10 January “Myths and Legends: Past, Present and Future.” Glodershop.com. 4 January < com/myths_entry_detail. php?RECORD _KEY(quilts)=ID&ID(quilts)=51>. “Pearls.” American Museum of Natural History. 10 January The Serene Dragon. 4 January (“Pearls”).