In the world of jewelry, dragon – the mythical, fire-breathing beast, has always been more than just an eye-catching figure. It comes packed with complex meanings and symbolisms, and that is exactly what we’re going to explore today…
Origin of the name ‘Dragon’
Contrary to popular belief, the name ‘dragon’ is not an English word. Some say it comes from the Latin word, ‘draconem’, which means a ‘huge serpent’. But, it could also be derived from the ancient Greek word ‘drákōn’, which can loosely be translated to ‘a giant serpent-like creature’.
The intriguing history
Dragons have appeared in mythologies and tales of several Asian and European cultures. Several studies suggest that the earliest mention of these giant, flying serpents can be found in stories belonging to the Greek and Sumerian era.
Western legends stated that the dragons burned down villages and attacked people, and were therefore believed to be evil. The Asian folklores, however, showed dragons in a different light and depicted them as extremely powerful.
Fascinating symbolism
While most western stories deem dragons as dangerous, the eastern tales show them as protectors. In China, they are said to signify life, light and power. They are even believed to represent yang or masculine energy, which is fierce and influential.
The Japanese consider dragons only second to Gods with regards to strength and power, and they’re associated with knowledge and wisdom. In Korea and Vietnam, dragons represent new beginnings and growth. The Celtic dragons, in particular, are said to signify courage and fearlessness.
In general, this mystical creature is considered a symbol of wealth, dignity, longevity and prosperity. Therefore jewelry featuring the dragon are quite sought-after.
Dragon jewelry in the past
Several accessories featured the dragon, thanks to the many positive connotations attached to it. Most of these creations were designed in precious metals and paid homage to the beauty of dragons in an artistic way. At times, these jewelry pieces were also embellished with colored gemstones to add a touch of vibrancy.
People from various civilizations considered the dragon to be a powerful talisman and wore it as a protective amulet. As this creature was associated with wealth and power, people even wore dragon jewelry in the hopes of attracting financial success and good luck.
Dragon jewelry, today
Currently, it is steadily gaining popularity among the masses. Some have started flaunting dragon accessories for its symbolic value, while others are wearing it to simply make a style statement.
If you wish to wear dragon jewelry for its significance, then remember that the metal used for the design also matters. The gold dragon is said to be the strongest, and is also considered a symbol of vitality. The silver dragon, on the other hand, comes second in terms of popularity as it is linked to honesty and freedom.
Nevertheless, whichever metal the jewelry is designed in, you can always wear it to make a power-packed and lasting impression. Due to its distinctive design, dragon accessories will be a great choice for various casual occasions. Lastly, given its association with good luck, dragon jewelry will also be a meaningful gift for your loved ones.
Also read – Does Tanzanite Have a Special Meaning?
