Longmu, Mother of Dragons
As we celebrate Chinese New Year and the Year of the Dragon, let us explore the mythology behind the original Mother of Dragons, the Chinese goddess Longmu.
Born as Wen Shi in 290 BC during the Qin Dynasty, she lived in Guangdong province, near the Xi River, and her family hailed from Teng County in Guangxi province. Wen Shi's life took a remarkable turn when she discovered a stone egg while fetching water from the river. This egg hatched into five baby snakes, which she nurtured as her own children.
As the snakes grew, they transformed into powerful dragons, imbued with the ability to control weather and water. Longmu's dragons became guardians of her village, bringing rain during droughts and protecting the community from harm. Her devotion to her dragon children earned her the title "Mother of Dragons" and "Divine Human" from the villagers.
Longmu's fame reached the Emperor of the Qin Dynasty, Qin Shihuang, who sent her gifts and invited her to the imperial capital. Despite her elderly age and frail health, Longmu's dragons ensured she remained in her village by thwarting attempts to take her away.
Upon Longmu's passing, her dragons, overwhelmed with grief, transformed into human form and buried her on Zhu Mountain. They became known as the Five Scholars, continuing to honor her memory and teachings.
Throughout history, Longmu's story has been celebrated for its depiction of filial devotion, maternal love, and the powerful bond between humans and dragons. Temples dedicated to Longmu, such as the Xiaotong Temple in Deqing County and the Baisha Temple in Zhaoqing, serve as reminders of her enduring legacy.
In modern times, Longmu remains a revered figure, symbolizing strength, protection, and the nurturing qualities of motherhood. Her festival, held in the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, honors her as a patron goddess of parents and children.
Longmu's significance transcends time, continuing to inspire reverence and admiration in ancient and modern cultures alike, embodying the timeless virtues of love, devotion, and resilience.