Wisdom and Longevity
Dragons are the most common mythical creatures in Thailand. Dragons have long symbolized power, creativity, heaven, and good fortune. Dragons are also thought to have authority over bodies of water, rain, floods, and storms.
Dragons in Thailand are comprised of nine parts, each associated with different animals on earth. The head is that of a chameleon, scales of carp fish, horns of the giant stag, eyes of the hare, ears of the water buffalo, neck of a snake, belly of a clam, paws of a tiger and claws of an eagle. Culturally, dragons are associated with wisdom, power, creativity and good fortune.
In Thailand, statues of dragons decorate roofs and gates of temples and images of dragons adorn the walls, both as guardians and to symbolize the dragon's power of clarity. Buddhist dragons often are depicted holding a mani jewel, which represents the Buddha's teaching.