In Chinese culture, dragons are associated with strength, good luck, and power. They represent authority and power in controlling floods, rainfall, water, and typhoons. It was assumed that emperors descended from dragons, hence why it is most popular in the twelve zodiac signs. The popularity of the dragon has remained to date, with most people even planning births around dragon years to attract good fortunes for their little ones.
What does the Chinese dragon signify?
The Chinese people believe the dragon presents valiancy, excellence, determination, and power. It also presents divinity, dignity, and the power to overcome all obstacles to achieve success. In addition, the creature is spirited, intelligent, confident, determined, and enthusiastic.
In ancient China, it was believed emperors reincarnated from mighty dragons. Thereby, they were a sign of wealth and royalty. The founder of the Han Dynasty, Liu Bang, believed he was conceived after his mother had a dragon dream. In the Tang Dynasty, the dragon was scripted as an imperial symbol; hence the emperor and his officials would wear robes with dragons; some were even preserved only for the emperor.
Top 6 popular dragon patterns on hanfu dress
With the significance of the dragon, many people still highly associated with them. Therefore, most hanfu sets and dresses today feature the dragon and are very popular among those who wish to relive the traditions and beliefs. Some of the most popular patterns you will find on the hanfu include the following.
1. Zheng Dragon
This sitting dragon is characterized by a curved body, positive dragon head, and four feet well distributed on the body. You will also find walking dragons slopping sideways. On the hanfu, this dragon will usually be embroidered on the chest, back, and sleeve ends.
2. Tuan Dragon
It is a circular pattern, usually with dragons and clouds. The dragon is usually middle placed, coiled with auspicious clouds surrounding it in a circle. Fire flames and pearls, or rolling mountains and water waves might also be part of the clouds. The dragon will mostly have claws or small embroidered accessories. On the hanfu, this pattern signifies nobility and is usually on the back or chest.
3. Li Dragon
In this pattern, the dragon’s body is upright, with its head turned to the side. The scale size is significant in identifying dragons from the Qing and Ming dynasties. If the scales are few and large, the dragon is from Ming Dynasty, whereas if they are many and small, they are from Qing Dynasty.
4. Two Dragons and Pearls
This pattern will have the dragons appearing as though they are playing with the pearls. They are coiled, and the pearls fire like and between the two dragons. Ming and Qing dynasties’ hanfu dresses usually have this pattern.
5. Zisun Dragon
It is a pattern mixing large and small dragons and was special to the royal family. A large dragon that is middle placed, surrounded by smaller dragons, signifies the flourishing and prosperity of the royal family.
6. Guojian Dragon
The layout of this pattern will comprise different animals. The head will be of a dragon, lion, phoenix, or other animal, arranged in the back or chest, with the body usually spreading to the shoulders, the tail, and the back.
These are just a few of the dragon patterns; you will find hanfu dresses with lots of attractive patterns, including the following:
This pitch-black hanfu is striking, especially with the huge dragon embroidery at the back. The dragon seems to be playing with a red ribbon and is in an upright position. Other patterns on the skirt, sleeves, belt and collar in colors bring the best out of this black hanfu set, which is both classic and elegant.
This is a vibrant red, and white hanfu set your eyes will be drawn to effortlessly. The huge dragon on the coat is life-like, spreading across the back, sleeves, and front; the head sits at the back. The dragon patterns run around the bottom of the skirt and the hem playfully, leaving a cheerful trail together with other patterns. The same playful, beautiful bright patterns are on the white top. There is everything to love about this hanfu suitable for parties and cocktails.
The cool blue color of the hanfu set is calming to the eyes and mind. The dragon patterns are made in white threads adding to the elegance and neatness of the dress. The dragons are largely on the back and sleeves, while other beautiful patterns complete the set on the collar and skirt. The set comprises a maxi skirt and a long light coat ideal for summer and spring. This is the kind of hanfu that commands respect!
It is a bright red hanfu with huge dragon patterns on the back and shoulders. Like most dragon hanfu dresses, the dragon is allowed to shine; other patterns are present but very minimal. It will keep eyes rolling up and down along the dragon’s body. This is a good choice if you wish to shine without going overboard.
This is a grey hanfu with landscapes, flowers, and a huge dragon at the back of the coat. The streak of red creates balance with the cool blue and gray neutral colors selected for this hanfu set. Step out beautifully with your significant other in this.
Conclusion
The dragon is undoubtedly a very symbolic animal in Chinese culture and very significant for that matter. If it feels like the kind of animal you would love to associate with, why not grab a dragon hanfu today? With so many colors and designs, you will find a style that best describes your personality and showcases the dragon just like you like it. The price differs from one hanfu to another, so finding something stunning but affordable is relatively easy. Start the search today!