With this activity, children will learn that dragons are represented differently in world cultures. They will create a golden dragon twirler that represents their own compassionate wishes.

Grade Level: K–5
Duration: 1 hour

Background:

For centuries, dragons have been represented in cultures throughout the world, though attitudes toward them differ. Chinese Emperors used the dragon as symbols of power, nobility, and divine descent for at least 6,000 years. They referred to their thrones as “dragon seats” and their beds as “dragon beds.” We can find many dragons on furniture, clothing, jewelry, and decorations throughout the palace in Kuan Yin.

In Chinese Buddhism, artists depict the dragon as a symbol of the spiritual power, wisdom, and enlightenment versus the worldly power of imperial rule. This is the type of dragon that appears to Ling and Miao Shan to assist the sisters in response to Ling’s heartfelt compassionate wish.

Resources to Support Learning:

• The Role of Dragons in Chinese Culture: The Cleveland Museum of Art offers a lesson plan intended for grades 3-5 that can be adapted to fit grades K–2 here.
• Dragons in Buddhism: Great Serpents of Buddhist Art and Literature

See more:

• Q&A with Kuan Yin author Maya van der Meer
• History and Symbolism in Kuan Yin: The Princess Who Became the Goddess of Compassion
• How Many Animals and Mythological Creatures Can You Find?