6. The Dragon’s Treasure of the South China Sea
According to Chinese mythology, a good dragon resides in the southern China Sea at great depth. Said to be guardian of the riches of the ocean, this dragon is supposed to have produced coral reefs as a living treasure to provide to humans. The myth holds that the dragon painstakingly created every piece of coral, imbues them with magical powers. Pink coral was supposed to promote love and peace; red coral was supposed to fend off evil spirits. Before setting out to sea, fishermen and sailors would commonly leave gifts at seaside shrines, begging for the protection and blessings of the dragon. Chinese maritime culture and traditional medicine have been much impacted by the legend of the Dragon’s Treasure. Different kinds of coral were recommended for different diseases in ancient Chinese pharmacopeia; red coral was especially prized for its alleged capacity to relax the mind and fortify the bones. Furthermore encouraging a sense of care for coral reefs among coastal towns was the belief in the dragon’s goodness. Many of the region’s traditional fishing methods were created with respect for the “dragon’s gift.” Today, conservationists are resurrecting the legend of the Dragon’s Treasure to support sustainable practices and coral reef protection as China struggles to balance environmental preservation with economic development. Using the cultural relevance of the myth to inspire a feeling of responsibility toward marine ecosystems, some South China Sea marine reserves have included dragon images into their instructional activities.