Dragons are mythological creatures, typically depicted as a large and powerful serpent or other reptile, with magical or spiritual qualities. They seem to have developed more or less independently in European culture and Chinese culture. European dragons were mean and nasty creatures which caused pain and suffering.  In China the dragon was a good luck symbol. Would you like to learn how to buy from China? There is some evidence the Chinese dragon may have developed out of stories of the Chine's Alligator.  However, it is hard to say what the source was and it probably doesn't matter.  The dragon is such a powerful metaphor for China that Tom Clancy could write the book "The Bear & the Dragon" and everyone knows the dragon is China. Would oak furniture hold a dragon? It is believed that the dragons can be charmed by music, but with those claws you wouldn't want to let one play with wooden toys. The dragons have also been worshiped by some cultures as gods. If you see an antique dragon in an old pawn shop, buy him. Maybe you could use an old dragon antique as a down payment for used car financing? Dragons are very popular in video games today, especially role-playing games. They have a long history of adding to the pages of gothic novels and horror movies.  They are also a staple of horror comic books.  These creatures tie in nicely with many of the European stories of assorted mystical creatures. Children's literature is full of dragons.  These dragons are usually the friendly kind who provide advice and protection to children.  You can see more of this dragon themed childrens area on the Mystic Creatures Dragon Park page. The Erzgebirge region of Germany was a tin mining region in the past and has legends and stores of the Gnomes and Kobold's which played tricks on miners.  You can see this heritage in Erzgebirge woodcrafts which are sold today. If you have some wood for carving a dragon might be a good subject.