The dragon has great symbolic value in Chinese culture. Dragons are regarded as talismans of power, strength and good fortune. In Chinese myth they are depicted as being wise and possessed of magical powers. Dragon-themed gifts, therefore, would be appropriate for many different occasions but especially when you want to wish the receiver good luck, strength and happiness. They are particularly apt during the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar or to someone born in one of those years.
The Year of the Dragon
The Dragon lies fifth in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, and each year is also associated with an element. The combination can provide good ideas for gifts for people born in the Year of the Dragon. For instance, according to Chinese Zodiac.com, the years 1940 and 2000 were both Metal Dragon years, so an appropriate gift may be a metal figurine, possibly in gold as this is the color associated with that kind of dragon.
Water Dragons (1952) are associated with blue, Wood Dragons (1964) with green, Fire (1976 and 2000) with red, and Earth (1988) with yellow. So pictures, jewelery or statuettes of dragons in these colors are appropriate for someone with those birth years.
As another gift option, arrange to have a full Chinese zodiac reading for the person born in the year of the dragon.
Jade
Because jade is a highly symbolic material in Chinese culture -- associated with vivacity, compassion, justice and good luck -- a dragon made of jade makes an especially meaningful gift. A jade dragon, new or antique, could take many different forms: jewelery, statuettes, key rings or a wall mounted piece. Antique stores, jewelers or specialist Chinese-themed shops often carry jade objects.
Paintings, Ink Drawings and Images
Depictions of dragons are significant in Chinese culture -- it is taboo to deface an image of a dragon. A painting or drawing of a traditional Chinese dragon could be an excellent decorative piece for a home. Chinese dragon imagery adorns everyday objects and is common in popular culture, where it can be seen decorating everything from cars to skateboards and even people's bodies as tatoos. A specially commissioned artist's image of a dragon makes an unusual and thoughtful gift.
Calligraphy
Dozens of Chinese Calligraphic characters symbolize "dragon." You can give a calligraphic depiction of one of these characters on a piece of parchment or rice paper.
Toys, Figurines and Statues
As fixtures of popular culture, dragons appear as everything from stuffed toys to futuristic robots. Figurines and statues of dragons include indoor art or conversation pieces, and marble and stone dragons for outdoor use.
Books
For someone interested in the mythology or art of dragons, "The Handbook of Chinese Mythology" by Lihui Yang and Deming An, "The Chinese Dragon" by L. Newton Hayes or other books can explain the place of the dragon in Chinese culture, provide illustrated and detailed descriptions of Chinese dragons, and explain their meanings and the legends associated with them. You will also be able to find many illustrated collections of translated or simplified Chinese folk tales about dragons, including "A Treasure House of Chinese Fables" by Chi Him Chiu.
