Imperial Dragons

Ancient Japanese legend describes koi fish swimming up a massive waterfall called "The Dragon Gate". If they reach the top of the waterfall, they transform into a dragon. Many pictures of Chinese dragons show a flaming pearl under their chin or in their claws. The pearl is associated with spiritual energy, wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality, thunder, or the moon. Chinese art often depicts a pair of dragons chasing or fighting over the flaming pearl.

Blue and Green
The colors blue and green are associated with nature, serenity, growth and health. Blue and green dragons symbolize the approaching spring, evoking the clear skies and new plants that the season brings. Other Chinese associations with blue and green include healing, rest, prosperity and harmony.

Black and White
Black and white are key colors on the Chinese spectrum, representing the balance of the black yin, which is negative, passive and feminine, and the white yang, which is positive, active and masculine. Black dragons are associated with winter and the North, while white dragons represent autumn and the West. In China, the color white is associated with purity as it is in Western cultures, but it also symbolizes mourning and mortality, suggesting that the white dragon functions as an omen of death. The black dragon is known for its power and vengeance and is often connected to storms.

Yellow and Gold
Yellow dragons have been called “superior” and “the most revered of the dragons” because they
represent the Emperor and the imperial family. Even in the 21st century, yellow is a color associated with solidity, reliability and warmth, and it is set aside for royalty and those of higher social class. Gold dragons share many of these assets and are recognized as symbols of wealth, wisdom and
compassion.

Red
Red is the traditional color of good fortune and happiness, and it is often used in large
celebrations, such as weddings. The red dragon is associated with luck, fire, passion and the heart.
It is the dragon of summer and the South. Other Chinese associations with the color red include
vitality, enthusiasm and creativity.

Purple
In Taoism, the color purple is also associated with religious devotion, healing and spiritual awareness. It is a color associated with spiritual transition and helps with overcoming difficult emotions. Purple dragons represent the soul or are guardians of, against negative energies.