Were there really dragons or unicorns in ancient China?
Dragon is a miraculous animal in ancient myths and legends in China and other East Asian regions, and it is the leader of scale insects. Often used as a symbol of good luck, it is one of the most representative traditional cultures of East Asian nations such as Han nationality, and the legend of dragon is very rich.
The creatures in China ancient folk myths and legends that can be seen in China's ancient books and records can't be found in reality, but the components of their images come from reality, which plays the role of exorcising evil spirits, avoiding disasters and praying for blessings.
Kirin is a traditional auspicious animal in China, with a gentle temperament. It is said that it can live for two thousand years. The ancients believed that wherever Kirin haunts, there must be auspicious signs. Sometimes it is used to describe people with outstanding talents and both ability and political integrity.
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The historical origin of dragons:
Paleontologists have always believed that long-horned dragon is a fictional image of ancient ancestors, which only exists in myths and legends. 1987, "China Yilong" was discovered at Yangshao Cultural Site in Shui Bo, western Puyang County, Henan Province. The dragon pattern of mussels unearthed this time is the earliest dragon pattern found in China so far, about 6600 years ago.
However, 1996 The "Xinlong Man" fossil unearthed in Xinpu Township, Guanling County, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, has a pair of symmetrical "dragon horns" on its head, which is very similar to the mythical dragon and has attracted the attention of paleontologists.
The fossil is collected in Xingwei Paleontological Fossil Museum, Anshun City, Guizhou Province. Completely preserved, with a total length of 7.6 meters. Dragon horns grow on the left and right sides of the widest part of the head. The two corners are symmetrical, about 27 cm long and slightly curved. This pair of "Dragon Horn" stands out from the dragon head, resembling the legendary dragon image.
The "Dragon Horn" of the newly discovered "Xinlong Man" fossil in Guanling, Guizhou Province is the first discovery in China, which provides physical evidence for the horned dragon in ancient legends, provides a new idea for studying the origin of the dragon image, and has great scientific and historical value. Therefore, perhaps "dragon" has a true or generally true ancient prototype in form, but its function is mysterious.
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