ANCESTRAL LORE OF THE AZURE DRAGON:

 

In Chinese mythology, the Azure Dragon of the East, known as Qing Long (青龍), is one of the Four Symbols representing the cardinal directions. The Azure Dragon is closely associated with the east and embodies qualities of vitality, wisdom, and benevolence.

 

According to legend, the Azure Dragon rules over the eastern quadrant of the universe, serving as a guardian and protector. It is often depicted as a majestic dragon with azure scales, symbolic of its connection to the heavens and the element of wood.

 

In Chinese culture, the Azure Dragon holds significant symbolism, representing growth, renewal, and auspicious beginnings. It is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to those who honor and respect it, while also serving as a symbol of leadership and guidance.

 

Throughout history, the Azure Dragon has been revered as a celestial being, associated with the rising sun and the renewal of life. Its presence is often invoked in rituals and ceremonies to invoke blessings and ensure harmony and balance in the world.

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POEM'S MEANING

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“The Azure Dragon soars in Chinatown’s skies.” This line introduces the Azure Dragon, alluding to our legends where dragons commonly soared through the skies, commanding the heavens and the weather. The verse also suggests that, despite its commanding presence, the dragon watches over us with kindness, patience, and serenity.

 

“Guiding us to a future where all boats rise.” This verse highlights the dragon’s intention for our community. The first four characters, "海納百川" (hǎi nà bǎi chuān), are an idiom comparing the many walks of life converging into a singular whole, with the sea being home to a hundred rivers. This allegory represents our vision for Chinatown as a home for everyone, regardless of struggles, skin color, pronouns, or politics.

 

The following three characters, "繪錦程" (huì jǐn chéng), envision all of us thriving together. This means opening our doors to all Edmontonians to patronize our businesses and experience the richness that Chinatown has to offer. It also means embracing and caring for our unhoused neighbors, rather than perpetuating a violent cycle of displacement.

 

Within the Chinese community, it signifies building a governance framework where the full intercultural and intergenerational diversity of the community is seen and represented. Strength in diversity.

 

“Honor the land and uphold treaty.” This dragon firmly reminds us to respect the land we are on. Chinatown is more than a business district or a project topic for urban planners and economic development. The land provides sustenance for current and future generations, and respecting it means showing gratitude and appreciation for the Indigenous peoples who allow us to be here.

 

There is also significant appreciation for our forefathers who endured the dark years of the Chinese Exclusion Act and the Head Tax, making remarkable investments in community spaces that will serve generations to come. This is especially important as Chinatowns across North America fight gentrification, with profit motives eating away at our communities block by block.

 

The second reminder is a call for integrity, to respect our agreements and treaties within and among our communities. By living and working on Treaty 6 Territory, we exercise our treaty rights, which also come with treaty responsibilities. We have a collective responsibility to support our Indigenous brothers and sisters during times of famine and sickness and to support their self-determination. We must acknowledge historical (and current) wrongs and take actions to make things right.

 

Our public institutions must also be held accountable, as Chinatown has been systemically neglected for decades. The federal government is responsible for legislated racism against Chinese Canadians. The provincial government is responsible for the failing social services that impact our most vulnerable. The municipal government is responsible for city planning decisions, from the teardown of Harbin Gate to the cultural erasure in South Chinatown by rebranding it as the Quarters. The same accountability applies to those who step into community leadership roles and attempt to represent the breadth of Chinese Canadian experiences in Edmonton.

 

“The flow of culture will bring prosperity.” The final verse of the poem is a reminder to center culture in our work. While recent Chinatown planning documents categorize strategic efforts into the five pillars of safety and security, economic development, infrastructure, tourism, and community governance, it is our people and culture that make Chinatown unique and worth honoring. The pathway to collective prosperity lies in seriously prioritizing this.

 

"文脉" (wén mài) describes culture as part of our cardiovascular system—vital and core, flowing through and nourishing every cell in our body. When culture is this integral to who we are and flows consistently, Chinatown will thrive.