Dragons in the Temple
Dragons carry a significant role in Chinese culture. It symbolizes a ranking, prosperity and fortune. By engraving or sculpting dragon on building monuments, it enhances the strength and appearance of the architectural language.
Shots I have captured from Bright Hill Temple ensemble the dragon symbols. Rail post wrapped around with carved dragon, size of 20cm in diameter and 45cm in height. It envelops the place for offerings where visitors pay respect to their ancestors.
A pair of magnificent butterfly-like beams, painted with dragon’s character proudly tie down to the frame of the holy minder.
The wall art revealing the interesting and legendary myths.
The temples are guided and guarded by the dragons sitting on the roof ridge. It clearly defines a place with respectable reputation and status.
AddGrainOnEarth 
May 23, 2013 at 12:10 am
they are gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! I want one on my lowly roof! 🙂
May 23, 2013 at 12:24 am
You can have it! But it might too heavy for your roof! 🙂
May 23, 2013 at 1:47 am
If I think of dragons in a sort of western style, I shudder and shake. Mean and nasty.
But when I think of dragons of China I think beauty and majesty.
Didn’t study it. Just from stories and pictures.
May 23, 2013 at 8:33 pm
Yes! This is strange! When dragon appears in the East, it become fortune.
In the West, become misfortune! 😦
What about in between? May be some good and some bad, who knows!:)
May 23, 2013 at 2:25 am
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
Beautiful Mr. Sydney.
May 23, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Thank you! Happy Blogging! 🙂
May 23, 2013 at 2:32 am
Dragons can be beautiful 🙂
May 23, 2013 at 8:35 pm
True! I just wonder where they came from? 🙂
May 23, 2013 at 4:11 am
I LOVE dragons!
May 23, 2013 at 8:36 pm
That’s good, then they will bring fortune to you! 🙂
May 24, 2013 at 3:18 am
Oh they do! I met you didn’t I? 😉
May 23, 2013 at 9:35 am
what is the myth you’re mention in the picture #4? i’m curious about it.
May 23, 2013 at 8:48 pm
Actually I was referring dragon itself is a myth.
But by looking at the wall art, it seems like the 9 dragons are whirling around the fire ball in the center.
Dragon in old dynasty in Chinese culture, it represents Emperor or high official.
So for this case, I believe it’s talking about prosperity and status! 🙂
May 24, 2013 at 11:47 am
love it. thank you
May 24, 2013 at 5:47 am
Great post! I love learning about this wonderful and rich Chinese culture, thank you for sharing.
Maria
May 24, 2013 at 10:53 am
You are welcome! Maria! 🙂
May 26, 2013 at 8:26 am
Besides the fact that I’ve always loved dragons, I must say… that in my opinion, the intricate beauty put into your art, and sculptures/architecture is amazing. the colors, when used, are always so eye catching and rich. Very lovely! 😀
May 27, 2013 at 1:10 am
Thank you, Keli! 🙂
June 5, 2013 at 2:08 am
I like the intricate carvings on the rail post. I think I need to add some dragon carvings to my yard.
June 6, 2013 at 7:30 pm
Haha! Dragon is not a bad idea either! 🙂