Which one are real dragons

[sun888_99]

Dear cecil,
I saw some wooden dragons with wings. But the
dragons I have do not have any wings. I wanted to know which one are considered real
dragon? The one with wings or one with no wings. Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,
To a varying degree, there are many types of dragons. Some are `English' in origin e.g. those you see in the show `Dragon Heart' with Sean Connery as the `dragon's' features and voice. There are many other `types' of dragon where they come from.
The `traditional' Chinese dragon from what I understand does not have wings. For example, if one has the opportunity to see a dragon `dance' where performers hold the head, body and tail and move around gracefully (similar to the fashion where u see a lion dance).
Therefore, I have not come across any dragons with winds as what u have mentioned.
What matters is the symbolism e.g. a dragon with our without wings (by definition) is still a dragon. It is equally important to also understand that there are a Five claw (supreme dragon), the four claw ones and lower down (the ranking) even the use of "serpents" which have features similiar to a dragon.
In the past, only the Emperor is allowed to wear the embelm of a five claw dragon. The next higher rank e.g. Prime Minister the four claw dragon.. and further down the line `serpents' which also looked like a dragon.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 10/8/99 1:48:53 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
I saw some wooden dragons with
wings. But the
dragons I have do not have any
wings. I wanted to know which
one are considered real
dragon? The one with wings or
one with no wings. Thanks.