Dragons are everywhere in Taiwan. The more I see them, the more enthralled I become with these ancient imperial symbols of wisdom, strength and courage. The Chinese believe that they are the descendants of dragons and since ancient times, sightings of Eastern dragons have foretold happiness, good luck and good fortune. Local temples are full of dragon images in various poses. Dragons are a symbol of imperial power and are believed to hold mystical powers. They represent male vigor and fertility. Blue dragons are thought to have control of the sea. Perhaps this is directly related to the goddess Matzu, who the Taiwanese revere as the mother goddess of the sea and protectress of sailors.