Dragon Colors

White Dragons

First, this article will explore the symbolism of white in world cultures, then specifically relate that symbolism to dragons and serpents.

• The Symbolism of the Color White
• Summary of Symbolism of the Color White
• White Dragons
• Footnotes
• Dragon Colors

There are two opposing aspects of this color's symbolism. White that is seen as a color, such as the color of paleness or the color of the moon, is linked with death.⁴ Ghosts, phantoms, and white ladies all are commonly described as white or semitransparent white, despite being evil forces from beyond the grave.⁴ White that is seen as bright white, the white of light and of the sun, symbolizes the sun and GOD.⁴ This is a solar, as opposed to lunar, color, and the solar color joins with the symbolism of white as purity and innocence.⁴

In some parts of the Arab world, white is considered lucky.²

In parts of the West, white symbolizes purity and innocence, which is why it is the color traditionally worn for baptismal robes and wedding gowns.² Blinding whiteness is attributed as the color of the angels,⁶ and many people who work in health (nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners, etc.) wear white coats as a sign of their work.⁶

To the Apache, an indigenous people of North America, white symbolizes the north for its source of snow.⁶ The Cherokee, another indigenous people of North America, white symbolizes the south as well as peace.⁶

In Feng Shui, white is associated with the element Metal in the Chinese Elemental system. White is connected to Yang, the active principle, as well as with mourning, spirits/ghosts, poise, and confidence.⁶

In the East, however, white symbolizes death and mourning,² and Chinese funeral garments are often coarse white.⁵ In India, white is a symbol for unhappiness, and in Japan certain white flowers symbolize death.⁶ This is also true for Ancient Rome and Greece, places where the people associated white with death as well as life.¹ In this case, white represents rebirth into life beyond the grave.¹ In China, white is associated with the direction west.⁵

Even in contemporary times, when used to make a flag, white denotes surrender, truce, and goodwill.¹

A solar-white dragon would be imbued with the powers of light and the sun, a symbol of holiness and purity. It is likely that a solar-white dragon would be associated with a sun god or a powerful god of creation.

A lunar-white dragon would symbolize death, rebirth, and a dangerous and ferocious supernatural power. It is likely that a lunar-white dragon would be associated with a moon god, or even a mother goddess.

In Chinese myth and folklore, a white dragon is an omen of death, a warning, and are associated with the direction south.

Dragons of Fame: Famous White Dragons: Pai Lung, O Goncho

All of the dragon graphics on this page were created by Donna Quinn.

1. Stevens [Ariadne's Clue] 148
2. O'Connell and Airey 115
3. Lanse 4
4. Lanse 5
5. Roberts [Chinese] 17
6. Visual Color Symbolism Chart by Culture

For more information about footnotes and references, please see the bibliography.