How to Make a Children's Chinese Parade Dragon

Dragons are divine, according to Chinese tradition.

According to Chinese tradition and folklore, the dragon is a mystical creature that commands respect and reverence. While Western traditions regard the dragon as a fierce and aggressive creature, the Chinese regard the dragon as a peaceful and benevolent being. Dragons are popularly featured in Chinese cultural celebrations such as Chinese New Year parades. A Chinese parade dragon is a puppet dragon that is often carried by parade-goers. Make a children's Chinese parade dragon with posterboard and crafts.

Things You'll Need

• Posterboard
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Paint and paintbrushes or markers
• Tongue depressors
• Glue
• Stapler

Instructions

1. Measure and cut a piece of posterboard to approximately 18-by-10 inch dimensions. Use a color of posterboard such as green, red, yellow or blue. Decorate this piece, which will serve as the trunk of the dragon. Paint scales or other patterns on the posterboard.

2. Accordion fold (fan fold) the piece of posterboard. Turn the posterboard vertically on a table or flat surface. Fold the bottom edge of the posterboard up two inches. Flip the posterboard vertically and fold down two inches, to make a second pleat on top of the first fold. Repeat until the entire piece is folded into a fan or accordion. Unfold.

3. Draw or paint a dragon head and tail on a second piece of posterboard. For the head, draw or paint eyes, spiked ears, flared nostrils and a lizard or fire-breathing tongue. For the tail, draw or paint a leaf- or flame-shape. Cut these shapes out of the posterboard.

4. Glue a tongue depressor to the bottom corners (on each end) of the dragon's trunk. Staple the head and tail to each end of the accordion-folded trunk, along the vertical edge of the posterboard. Prop up the puppet by holding a tongue depressor in each hand.

References

• Thinkquest: Dragons in Chinese Culture