Chinese Dragons

Chinese Dragons, as the name suggests, originate in China. Statues of Chinese Dragons have been found from over 7000 years ago. Unlike the European Dragon they are serpentine in shape, long and thin, as well as being covered in scales. They do not usually have wings as their ability to fly is magical, not controlled by nature. Some can breathe fire, others can not, but they all have the ability to control the weather, especially the rainfall. If the local dragon is satisfied with the people he will ensure there is plenty of rain, but if he is unhappy or the people kill the dragon a great drought occurs. It is also said that if a Chinese Dragon is killed their blood will destroy crops and render previously fertile land useless.
The Ancient Chinese Emperors were supposedly dragons in human form, and when he died he would travel to the Heavens as a dragon, where he would be welcomed by the Jade Dragon. The Jade Dragon is the ruler of all the dragons, and ultimately the universe. He is both immortal and invincible, so he will never die.
The Chinese Dragon is one of the Twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Every year is named after one animal, until twelve years are complete. The Chinese Dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese Zodiac.
Even today belief in the Chinese Dragon is strong, particularly in more rural locations. The dragon is associated with many supernatural powers, among them being overlords of water.
The Chinese dragon is also associated with the number 9 as 9 is the largest single digit number, and the dragon is superior to all. They supposedly have 117 scales (varying sizes), which is a multiple of 9. There are also nine different types of Chinese dragon, and a Chinese dragon will have nine children.
The Chinese dragon can be any size imaginable. It does not depend on age, and is in fact up to the dragon itself to choose its size. They have the ability to change their size at any time. The year of the dragon is also the year in which most babies are born, as the dragon is the guardian and protector of the young. Each family supposedly had a guardian dragon who lived alongside the family's ancestors.
Chinese dragons are also the guardians of luck, and at the beginning of each year the family will make offerings to their guardian dragon in the hope that good fortune will fall upon them.
For more information visit the following sites:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_dragon
• http://jlaszlo.hubpages.com/hub/Interesting-Facts-About-Chinese-Dragons