A Guide to the Mythical Dragon of the East – Mythical Encyclopedia (2024)

Seiryū is a term that refers to a variety of things in Japanese culture, including a character in the anime series YuYu Hakusho and a cultivar of the Japanese maple tree. However, the term is most commonly associated with the Seiryu dragon, a mythical creature of Japanese folklore. The Seiryu is one of the four divine beast gods in Japanese mythology, and is associated with the element of water.

In Chinese mythology, the Seiryu is known as the Azure Dragon and is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. The Azure Dragon represents the east and the spring season, and is associated with the element of wood. In Japanese mythology, the Seiryu is often depicted as a benevolent creature that protects the land and its people. It is said to have the power to control the rains and the rivers, and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity.

Mythology and Origins

Chinese Influence

Seiryū, also known as Qinglong in Chinese mythology, is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations. It represents the east and the spring season. Seiryū is often depicted as a blue dragon with a pearl in its mouth, which is believed to have the power to grant wishes. The dragon is also closely associated with Taoism, feng shui, astrology, and the five element theory, which are forms of Chinese mysticism.

Japanese Legends

Seiryū has also been adopted into Japanese mythology and has become an important figure in Japanese culture. According to Japanese legends, Seiryū is one of the four divine beasts that guard the four corners of the world. The Blue Dragon is believed to rule over the east and is associated with the element of wood and the spring season. In Japanese art, Seiryū is often depicted as a dragon with blue scales and a long, flowing mane. The dragon is also shown holding a wish-fulfilling jewel, which is similar to the Chinese depiction.

Overall, Seiryū is a beloved figure in both Chinese and Japanese mythology, and its influence can be seen in art, literature, and popular culture throughout Asia and beyond.

Cultural Significance

Festivals and Celebrations

The Seiryū-e Festival is held twice a year, every spring and autumn, at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto. The festival is a colorful celebration that pays tribute to the powerful deity and seeks to invoke blessings of regional peace and prosperity. Visitors from around the world come to witness the spectacular colors and music that bring the temple to life during the festival.

Artistic Representations

Seiryū is often depicted in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and even tattoos. The creature’s representation in art is often associated with its symbolic meaning of protection, wisdom, and good fortune. Seiryū is also represented in Japanese gardens, where it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the garden and its visitors.

In conclusion, Seiryū holds a special place in Japanese culture and mythology. Its representation in festivals, art, and gardens is a testament to its enduring significance and influence.

Astronomical Association

Seiryū is a mythical creature from Japanese folklore and is associated with the eastern sky. It is believed that Seiryū spans seven of the twenty-eight Chinese constellations, taking up one quarter of the entire sky.

The Azure Dragon Constellation

The Azure Dragon Constellation is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations. It represents the east and the spring season. The Azure Dragon is also known as Qinglong in Chinese, and is one of the Dragon Gods who represent the mount or chthonic forces of the Five Regions’ Highest Deities.

According to Chinese mythology, the Azure Dragon was born from a heavenly river and was sent to earth to protect the people. It is said that the Azure Dragon controls the rain and the wind, and is associated with good fortune, longevity, and wisdom.

In modern astronomy, the Azure Dragon Constellation is not officially recognized as a constellation. However, some of the stars that make up the constellation are part of other constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.

Overall, the Azure Dragon Constellation is an important part of Chinese mythology and continues to be a symbol of good fortune and protection in modern times.

Seiryū in Popular Culture

Anime and Manga

Seiryū is a popular character in anime and manga. In the anime series YuYu Hakusho, Seiryū is one of the Four Saint Beasts and is known as the Spirit Beast of the East. In the manga series Fushigi Yūgi, Seiryū is one of the four gods of the world of the book, and is also known as the Blue Dragon. Seiryū is also a character in the anime series Saint Seiya, where he is one of the Gold Saints and is known as the Dragon Shiryū.

Video Games

Seiryū has also made appearances in various video games. In the popular fighting game series Street Fighter, Seiryū is depicted as a special move used by the character Ryu. In the game Final Fantasy VII, Seiryū is one of the four dragons that the player must defeat to obtain the Bahamut summon materia. Seiryū is also a character in the video game Persona 4, where he is one of the Personas that the player can summon and use in battle.

Overall, Seiryū has become a popular figure in popular culture, appearing in various forms of media such as anime, manga, and video games.

Religious Context

Buddhism

Seiryū has a significant role in the Shingon-sect Esoteric Buddhist temple in south Kyoto called Daigoji. The temple is devoted to the practice of Vajrayana Buddhism, which is also known as the Diamond Way. Seiryū Gongen is a female deity who protects the temple. She is believed to have scriptural origins as the third daughter of the Dragon King, Shagara, who is associated with the sea and rainmaking.

Shinto Beliefs

Seiryū is also a part of Shinto beliefs in Japan. The four guardian spirits, including Seiryū, are popular in many East Asian mythologies. The four guardian spirits are known as Seiryū, Suzaku, Byakko, and Genbu in Japan. These four symbols originate from Chinese constellations, but Japan adopted the mythology, and the four guardians were incorporated into Shinto beliefs. Seiryū is associated with the east and is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Overall, Seiryū is an essential part of both Buddhist and Shinto beliefs in Japan and is revered for its protective powers.

Symbolism and Interpretation

Elemental Associations

In Japanese mythology, Seiryū is associated with the element of wood, which represents growth and new beginnings. This is fitting, as Seiryū is often depicted as a dragon soaring through the sky, representing the limitless potential of growth and expansion. It is also said that Seiryū has the power to control the wind, which further emphasizes his association with the element of wood.

Directional Significance

Seiryū is also associated with the east, which is the direction of the rising sun and the beginning of a new day. This direction is symbolic of new beginnings, growth, and the potential for change. Seiryū is often depicted as a guardian of the east, watching over the land and protecting it from harm.

In Chinese mythology, Seiryū is associated with the element of water, which represents fluidity and adaptability. This is fitting, as Seiryū is often depicted as a dragon swimming through the water, representing the ability to move with ease and adapt to changing circ*mstances. It is also said that Seiryū has the power to control the rain, which further emphasizes his association with the element of water.

Seiryū is also associated with the season of spring, which is a time of growth and renewal. This season is symbolic of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for growth and change. Seiryū is often depicted as a symbol of spring, representing the limitless potential for growth and expansion that this season brings.