I love dragons - especially Chinese dragons, which are generally much friendlier than their western counterparts. Last month while attending the Chinese New Year parade, I noticed the dragon teams were always led by someone in the front holding up an orb. After doing some research, I learned that dragons are commonly depicted in Chinese art chasing after a flaming pearl. This is said to have stemmed from an old belief that the dragon held, or chased, the sun. According to one source, "[the pearl] is thought to be a symbolic representation of the 'sacred pearl' of wisdom or yang energy."
You can read more here: http://www.ninedragonbaguazhang.com/dragons.htm
