Who are the "Four Dragon Kings"? What do they hold respectively? Do you really understand?

  The Four Dragon Kings refer to Aoguang, Guangde King in the East China Sea, Aoqin, Guangli King in the South China Sea, ao run, King of Guang Shun in the West Sea, and Aoshun, King of Guangze in the North China Sea. In China's folk beliefs and cultural traditions, the Four Dragon Kings are regarded as the gods who manage the ocean and human climate, and have important status and functions. They live in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the West Sea and the North Sea, respectively, and are in charge of the weather and creatures in their respective sea areas. The following small series will take you to discuss in depth the origin, beliefs and worship of the four dragon kings, as well as their respective responsibilities and abilities.

  The Origin and Background of the Four Dragon Kings

  As important gods in Chinese folk beliefs, the origin of the Four Dragon Kings can be traced back to ancient China. In ancient myths and legends and cultures, the dragon has always been regarded as a sacred and majestic existence, which can control wind and rain, floods and natural disasters. With the passage of time, this worship of the Dragon God and the belief in the Poseidon gradually passed down and merged in all parts of China, forming the belief system of the Four Dragon Kings.

  In Taoism, the four dragon kings first appeared in The Dragon King Sutra of Heavy Rain, which was written by Taishang Yuanshi Tianzun. Taoism regards the dragon king as the god of the weather and thinks that they can exercise the ability to control the weather. In China's Buddhist tradition, there are also records about the Dragon King. Therefore, the beliefs of the four Dragon Kings have both Taoist elements and Buddhist influences, which reflects the diversity and inclusiveness of ancient religious beliefs in China.

  Duties and abilities of the Four Dragon Kings

  Donghai Guangde Wangaoguang

  Aoguang, the king of Guangde in the East China Sea, is the first of the four dragon kings, also known as Qinglong. He lives in the East China Sea and is in charge of the waters and meteorology along the East China Sea. Ao Guang is regarded as the god of rain, which can control rain, thunder, floods and tides. In folklore, Aoguang, the king of Guangde in the East China Sea, is often portrayed as a dignified and kind image, and his role is very important in people's lives. In history, Aoguang, the king of Guangde in the East China Sea, was also considered as a magical existence.

  Nanhai Guangliwang Aoqin

  Aoqin, the king of Guangli in the South China Sea, is the second of the four dragon kings, also known as the Red Dragon. He lives in the South China Sea and is in charge of the climate and weather phenomena in the southern waters. Aoqin is regarded as Vulcan, and can control fire, real fire on earth and lightning. In folk beliefs, Aoqin, the king of Guangli in the South China Sea, is worshipped as a god who is free from natural disasters.

  Ao run, King of Guang Shun in the West Sea.

  Ao run, king of Guang Shun in the West Sea, is the third of the four dragon kings, also known as Oolong. He lives in the West Sea and is in charge of the climate and wind and rain around the West Sea. Ao run is regarded as Fengshen, which can control wind convection and cool climate. In folklore, ao run, the king of Guang Shun in the West Sea, is often portrayed as a magnificent and charming figure, and his role is particularly significant in the life of the western region.

  Beihai Guangze Wang Aoshun

  Aoshun, the king of Guangze in Beihai, is the last of the four dragon kings, also known as the White Dragon. He lives in the North Sea and is in charge of the climate and weather phenomena in the northern waters. Aoshun is regarded as the snow god, and can control snow and ice weather such as snow, hail, freezing and frost. In the cold areas in the north, people have a deep belief in Aoshun, the king of Guangze in Beihai.

  The Cultural Value and Significance of the Four Dragon Kings

  As a part of China's traditional culture, the Four Dragon Kings have important cultural value and significance. It embodies the worship of dragons and the inheritance of dragon culture in ancient China. In the traditional culture of China, the dragon has always been regarded as a symbol of sacredness, auspiciousness, authority and auspiciousness, which is closely linked with the unification of imperial power, power and the country. As an important part of dragon culture, the four dragon kings reflect the worship of dragons and the worship of magical power in ancient times.

  The beliefs of the Four Dragon Kings also reflect the diversity and inclusiveness of Chinese folk beliefs. In China, the diversity of religious beliefs is one of its characteristics, and different regions and nationalities have their own belief systems and worship of gods. As the fusion of Taoist and Buddhist beliefs, the Four Dragon Kings reflect the diversity and integration of China's religious culture.

  Write to the end

  As important gods in traditional culture, the Four Dragon Kings have profound historical origins and cultural connotations. They live in the East China Sea, the South China Sea, the West Sea and the North Sea, respectively, and are in charge of the weather and life in their respective sea areas. The Four Dragon Kings still retain their unique values and significance in modern society. This belief is not only a religious ceremony, but also a manifestation of cultural traditions and values, representing the awe and gratitude of China for natural forces in ancient times. Therefore, the existence and inheritance of the four dragon kings are of great significance to China's religious, cultural and social development.