Encarta Search
Search Encarta about Long Wang

Advertisement

Windows Live® Search Results

  • Long-wang

    The Chinese Dragon Kings, mythical figures from Taoism. They are ruled by Yuan-shi tian-zong to whom they submit their reports once a year. They have jurisdiction over funerals and ...

  • Long Wang - MSN Encarta

    Long Wang, in Chinese religion, king of the dragons and ruler of the waters. Chinese dragons are traditionally regarded as water creatures, and in...

  • Long-wang@Everything2.com

    Also Lung-wang) "Dragon Kings" In Chinese Mythology, Long-wang were the dragon kings and mythical figures in Taoism. They were ruled either by Yuanshi Tian-Zong (the Celestial ...

See all search results in
Windows Live® Search Results
Also on Encarta

Long Wang

Encyclopedia Article
Find | Print | E-mail | Blog It

Long Wang or Dragon King, in Chinese religion, king of the dragons and ruler of the waters. Chinese dragons are traditionally regarded as water creatures, and in Chinese astronomy the appearance of the Dragon constellation was supposed to herald the rainy season. There are traditionally four principal Long Wang, each governing one of the four oceans of the world. The four brothers Ao Guang, Ao Run, Ao Shun, and Ao Qin serve the highest deity in Chinese religion, the Jade Emperor. Each lives in a crystal palace and together they rule over armies of aquatic creatures who police the ocean depths. In addition to these four Long Wang, local Long Wang also exist; they protect wells and have particular power over rain. The local Long Wang have large cults, and offerings are made to them in times of drought. Traditionally, in smaller villages prayers are said at local temples, and if no rain falls, the worshipers leave the image of the Long Wang out in the sun until it rains. When rain comes, a theatrical performance is held in honor of the Long Wang.



Find
Print
E-mail
Blog It


More from Encarta


© 2009 Microsoft