Eastern and Western Dragons. Characteristics of Image Perception and Interpretation

Abstract

The article analyzes the features and meanings of the fantasy image of the Dragon in China and in European countries, their symbolism in historical traditions and in modern culture. In China, the Dragon is an example of the embodiment of a positive attitude of people, a symbol of goodness, well–being and universal worship, in Europe since ancient times it has been a symbol of evil and dangerous power, and the images of the legendary "dragon fighters" are recognized as heroes. The purpose of the article is to comprehend the resurgent interest in modern society in the peculiarities of the interpretation of this zoomorphic symbol in the cultures of the East and West. The concepts of the interpretations of the eastern and Western images were created in accordance with the spiritual needs that influenced their characteristics. A special contribution of the author to the study of this topic is the comprehension of the national influence of cultural traditions on the formation of artistic qualities in creating the image of a Dragon. It is concluded that the peculiarities of the evolution of images were manifested in the fact that in European art the images were oriented to realistic persuasiveness, and in Chinese art - to decorativeness. In addition, it was determined that the formation of this fantastic phenomenon occurred in accordance with the national mentality and the national picture of the world.