The symbol of the dragon in Chinese culture: Celebrating the Lunar New Year

This thesis is concerned with the magnificent and historical Chinese culture and heritage. It investigates the origin of the symbol of the mighty dragon and how it came to be a national emblem. It examines the cultural resonance surrounding this auspicious beast and seeks to examine how his divine manifesting powers correlate to the infamous Spring Festival (Chinese New Year). This examination includes detailed discussions of Spring Festival and its origins, of the use of the Dragon as a symbol in imperial Chinese clothing, and of the integration of this symbol within the Spring Festival. In the exploration of this symbiotic relationship between the dragon and Chinese New Year, it will consider how external factors such as the recent Covid-19 pandemic affected this age-old festival.