Dragons are important in some of China's religions including Buddhism and Taoism. Dragons played many roles in Chinese religions including: gods known as the Long Wang; protectors of important deities and ferries, carriers of water and punishers of water wasters.
In Buddhism dragons are creatures that protect water carriers and attack water wasters. In Buddhism dragons are thought of as gods, the Long Wang. This group of dragons protected the people and handed out life and death because they controlled the rain. Though the Long Wang were not the kindest of beings, often giving the people earthquakes and thunder when the people asked for rain, they represented wisdom, strength, and goodness. In spring, processions are held to welcome the rain that the dragons bring on the second day of the second lunar month.
Taoism was one of the first religions in China which dragons were important. In Taoism dragons are thought of as kindly figures who like humans. The Taoist dragon was shown with a pearl of everlasting life that symbolizes the search for wisdom, happiness, and immortality.