In Vietnam, the dragon is considered the most important and sacred symbol of this Eastern ethnic group, from remote times to the present time.

According to the old myth of the creation of the Kinh people, all the Vietnamese citizens descend from a dragon. For them, the dragon is a fantastic animal that governs the rain. For that reason, when one is blessed by a dragon, one succeeds in agriculture.

The fabulous dragon is a symbol that represents the king, the prosperity and the energy of the Vietnamese nation. Like the Chinese dragon, the Vietnamese is the symbol of the Yang. It represents the universe, the life, the existence and the growth.

DRAGONS AND DYNASTIES

During the dynasty of Tran (1225-1400), the dragons had a similar aspect to those of the previous dynasty of Ly.

Nevertheless, it is possible to emphasize some different details: its tail is shorter; its body is slightly fatter. The Vietnamese dragon can be represented with different types of tails.

The Tran dragon symbolized the martial arts, because the Tran Kings were descendants of a Mandarin commander.

Since the Vietnamese people had to fight against the invasions of the Mongols, the image of the dragon was influenced by the Chinese dragon, thanks to the reach of Confucianism inthese lands.

Later they are represented in legends in a very majestic way: Vietnamese dragons begin to portray lion heads and a great nose.

THE DECAY OF THE ART

During the dynasty of Nguyen (1802-1883), the dragon began to be imagined with a spiral tail, one fiery fin, and great claws.

In time, the image of this animal went degenerating, until it lost its majestic form.

For many, such change must be considered as a signal of the artistic declination suffered by the following Vietnamese dynasty.

 

 

Shennong, The King of the Seas

 

The legend of the grandson of Shennong, the sea dragon king, affirms that he was married with a fairy and had one hundred children.

Shennong, vietnamese dragon The first-born of this marriage became the king of the First Dynasty of Vietnam; he later proclaimed himself emperor. This story is the origin of the old Vietnamese proverb “dragon children, fairy progeny”.

Vietnamese people consider themselves to be descendants of valiant dragons.

Emperor Hùng was the one who taught citizens to tattoo themselves with dragon images in their chests, abdomens and thighs. It was an amulet of protection and seasoned spiritual strength.

ITS OUTER ASPECT

The physical appearance of a Vietnamese dragon was an image combination of a crocodile, a serpent, a lizard and a bird.

The adoration of the crocodile is explained because, historically, the Vietnamese inhabitants always lived near rivers. So, they learned to venerate this sacred animal.

At archaeological excavations, experts found objects that combined images of dragons with real animals: crocodile-dragon, crocodile-serpent and dragon-cat statues and pottery.

The thin dragons represented the king and became part of the Vietnamese Literature quickly. They had slightly winding bodies which ended sharply in a small tail.

The body of the Vietnamese dragon was segmented in twelve sections that represented the twelve months of the year.

In addition, the Vietnamese dragons have fins, beard, prominent eyes and some of them had large horns. The legs are small and thin.

Finally, these fabulous animals have the capacity to change the weather and are responsible of the harvests' quality.


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Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries had its humble beginnings as an idea of a few artisans and craftsmen who enjoy performing with live steel fighting. As well as a patchwork quilt tent canvas. Most had prior military experience hence the name.

 

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries.

 

Vendertainers that brought many things to a show and are know for helping out where ever they can.

As well as being a place where the older hand made items could be found made by them and enjoyed by all.

We expanded over the years to become well known at what we do. Now we represent over 100 artisans and craftsman that are well known in their venues and some just starting out. Some of their works have been premiered in TV, stage and movies on a regular basis.

Specializing in Medieval, Goth , Stage Film, BDFSM and Practitioner.

Patchwork Merchant Mercenaries a Dept of, Ask For IT was started by artists and former military veterans, and sword fighters, representing over 100 artisans, one who made his living traveling from fair to festival vending medieval wares. The majority of his customers are re-enactors, SCAdians and the like, looking to build their kit with period clothing, feast gear, adornments, etc.

Likewise, it is typical for these history-lovers to peruse the tent (aka mobile store front) and, upon finding something that pleases the eye, ask "Is this period?"

A deceitful query!! This is not a yes or no question. One must have a damn good understanding of European history (at least) from the fall of Rome to the mid-1600's to properly answer. Taking into account, also, the culture in which the querent is dressed is vitally important. You see, though it may be well within medieval period, it would be strange to see a Viking wearing a Caftan...or is it?

After a festival's time of answering weighty questions such as these, I'd sleep like a log! Only a mad man could possibly remember the place and time for each piece of kitchen ware, weaponry, cloth, and chain within a span of 1,000 years!! Surely there must be an easier way, a place where he could post all this knowledge...

Traveling Within The World is meant to be such a place. A place for all of these artists to keep in touch and directly interact with their fellow geeks and re-enactment hobbyists, their clientele.

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