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Suzaku takes the form of a scarlet phoenix. He protects the country of Konan. In
human form he has bright red hair and red eyes. He is the fourth god to be
summoned. click here for a picture of Suzaku in human form
The sky is divided into four quadrants: one for each of the four cardinal directions and four seasons. They
are: The Black Tortoise of Winter (North), The Azure Dragon of Spring (East), The Red Bird of Summer
(South) and The White Tiger of Fall (West). There is also a fifth direction, 'center',being the earth. Each
quadrant, or 'celestial palace' has seven sei shuku or 'moon stations', otherwise known as constellations.
The sei shuku were determined roughly from the relative position of the moon against the stars.
Genbu, name of the god of the north in FY, is taken from the name of the celestial palace of the North.
'Black Tortoise' is a rough translation of 'Genbu' None of the names of the other gods of FY are taken
from the names of their respective celestial palace in astronomy.
The assigning of the talismanic animals to the four seasons/directions is somewhat ambiguous. They
were adapted over time and were also associated with the astrology of the different cultures. One
interesting fact that is worth noting is that while the Red Bird of Summer and the Black Tortoise of Winter
are aligned with the path of the sun during their season, the Azure Dragon of Spring and the White Tiger
of Fall are opposite to the sun's path in their season. Analogous to this is the position of the Big Dipper. In
the summer, the handle of the Big Dipper is pointing South which is the direction of the Red Bird of
Summer. In the winter, the handle of the Big Dipper is pointing North, which is the direction of the Black
Tortoise of Winter. However, in the Spring, the handle of the Big Dipper points to the East which is the
direction of the White Tiger of Fall, and in the Fall, the handle points to the West, which is the direction of
the Azure Dragon of Spring.
***information on the astronomy of China/Korea/Japan was found at Star Charts and Moon Stations This
site also has lots of other great articles on astronomy. If you like astronomy, this is the place to go visit!
They are the Lung (dragon), Xuanwu(black tortoise), Feng-Huang(phoenix), Ki-Lin(unicorn), and
Baihu(white tiger). In the west, they loosly correspond to the dragon, phoenix, unicorn, lion and sacred
bull. There are numerous other sacred beasts, but these are the most primal to use.
The Lung. He is a symbol of rain, weather, water, spring and the east. It is the guardian of the emperor
and the city of Kyoto. It is a part of the Chinese zodiac and is a constellation in the sky. It is a symbol of
yang, the positive and masculine energies of the universe. They are generally benevolent. The Lung are
full of power, and the only animal that is their equal would be the white tiger. Some well known dragons
are the four dragon kings, worshipped as the gods of weather, the yellow dragon that is the symbol of the
Emperor of China and the Azure dragon, a great warrior of the heavens.
The western dragon is seen more as a symbol of fire and power. They are usually malevolent and slaying
them represents the climax of a heroes quest. They are greedy and love gold and beautiful virginal girls.
Their blood gifts heroes with power or knowledge. They usually lair in large caves, symbolizing their
connection with the Earth. They are variously described as children of the gods or of the prime
creator/creatrix(like Tiamat) or as cursed individuals (like Fafnir.) Their ferocious temperment and power
got them identified with Satan in the Christian mythos and because of that they were demonized even
more as the symbols of sin. But, they can be used for good as well. The Welsh turned the red dragon into
their symbol. In the pagan community dragons are regarded now as guardians of knowledge and so must
be contended with to learn more advanced techniques. They are seen as forces of nature and the epitome
of natural power
The Fenghuang is actually 2 immortal birds. The male is the Feng, and the female is the huang. Together
they represent harmony and marriage. Over time, the fenghuang came to symbolize the Yin, the female
energies of the universe, and so became a symbol of the empress to balance out the Yang of the
Lung(dragon.) The 2 birds are now usually depicted as single female entity. They came to be identified
with fire and the south direction and is called the King of birds. It is a symbol of grace and virtue, justice,
the sun and the power of heavens sent to man.
The phoenix has become very well known in the west. It is a symbol of rebirth, rising from the ashes of it's
own destruction. It used to be a symbol of the sun, but has also become a symbol of fire. It is the king of
birds and can live for a thousand years before it needs to immolate itself. It is a much loved and well
remembered symbol. The church took this beast as a symbol of Christs resurrection and so it was saved
from demonification (poor dragon.) The phoenix was given a power boost by the comic book characte
Jean Grey, when it became a creature made of all the psychic energy in creation and a cosmic entity,
giving it a cult status among fans.
The kilin is the symbol of grace, speed, wisdom and the wind, for it is able to walk across grass without
bending a blade and can walk swifter than any animal and can even walk across water. After the Lung and
the Fenghuang, it is the third ranked beast. It is the herald of sages and benevolent rulers. One came to
Confucius' mother, and told her she would have a son that would be "a king without a crown." It also used
to be sighted during the reign of great emperors and kings. The Kilin looks like a mix of dragon and deer
covered with flames and bearing a single horn, but is not feirce at all. While is usually a pacifist, and a
vegetarian, it will spout flames from its mouth to punish those whom sin.
The unicorn is a symbol of raw nature, purity, healing and virginity. The unicorn can heal poisons and will
protect innocense. It is not a horse with a horn! It has a head like a horse, with a goats beard, a deers
body, a lions tail, cloven hooves(like a goat) and a single horn upon its head. In classical times, the
Unicorn was simply thought of as a fierce exotic animal, it wasn't until the medieval times that it got it's
power and beauty. The unicorn has both pagan and christian associations. The Catholics saw it as a
symbol of Christ and gave the name of a herd of unicorns a "Blessing" of Unicorns (like a murder or
crows.) The pagans saw it as raw, pure nature. The unicorn hunt is a symbol of taming that power, but
also of destroying purity. The unicorn was kind to those who were pure, virginal and peaceful, but was a
fierce warrior to those whom would harm it or those it regarded as pure. The enemy of the unicorn is the
lion, both of whom are symbols of England.
Baihu, the white tiger. The king of beasts and the strongest of all, able to equal the power of the dragon.
He represents the dark, negative yin, to the dragons postive, good yang. He was not evil though and would
appear to a ruler when he ruled with absolute virtue. He is the lord of the west and is connected to the
element of metal. He represents the fall, when the world is dying, but I have also seen him represent
winter and the cold.
In the west we do have a creature similar to the White Tiger, it is the Lion(also called Lyon in Medieval
times.) He is the king of all beasts. He is a great leader and warrior, symbol of kings, strength and the sun.
But he can also be cruel, as when he attacks the unicorn.
The Xuanwu, black tortoise, is the symbol of the north. He represents the earth in some cosmologies, in
others he is the water. He is actually two entities, the tortoise and the snake. At times he is pictured as
chimeara like beast, with a turtles body and head, but a long snake tail (with its own head.) Other times it
is depicted as a tortoise with a dragons head, with or without the snake tail. It is the symbol of guardians
and warriors, and also of longevity and good fortune.
The only other animal that is widly known and worshipped in the west that could roughly correspond to
the Xuanwu would be the sacred bull. The sacred bull is a symbol of the earth, of fertility and of life. It is
also a symbol of the maculine forces of creation and of virility. They have had cults all over the West and
some parts of the East, with Hindus being the only people in the world that still openly worship and/or
adore it. It has been thought of as a blessed beast by most pagans, but at times also demonized. The
Greeks demonized the sacred bulls of the Minoans into the Minotaur, while the Jews demonized the
sacred bull into form of the golden calf. Most pagans in modern times think of the bull as a symbol of the
horned lord or nature.
With these beasts being sacred in the East and adorning their temples and altars, I feel that they should
regain so much more importance in the west. I know many pagans adorn their altars with dragons, but
they should also think of the other beasts here. I have had the phoenix be part of my spiritual life for a
while now. I know many people love the unicorn, but many think of it as a girlish symbol or as childish.
Break out of the box and think of them as beasts of power to be honored and respected.
The Four Symbols (Chinese: 四象; pinyin: Sì Xiàng) are four mythological creatures in the Chinese
constellations. They are:
Each one of them represents a direction and a season of the year, and each has its own individual
characteristics and origins. They have been portrayed in many historical Chinese and Korean myths
and fiction, and also appear in many modern Japanese comic books and animation.
These Four Symbols were given human names after Daoism became popular. Azure Dragon has the
name Meng Zhang 孟章; Vermilion Bird is Ling Guang 陵光; White Tiger is Jian Bing 監兵; Black
Tortoise is Zhi Ming 執明.
The four legendary beasts (excluding Huáng-lóng; see above) represent a season each. The seasons
they represent are as follows:
The Azure Dragon is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called
the Azure Dragon of the East (simplified Chinese: 东方青龙; traditional Chinese: 東方青龍; pinyin:
Dōng Fāng Qīng Lóng, or sometimes simplified Chinese: 东方苍龙; traditional Chinese: 東方蒼龍;
pinyin: Dōng Fāng Cāng Lóng), and it is known as Seiryuu in Japan and Cheongryong in Korea. It
represents the east and the spring season. It should not be confused with the mythological yellow
dragon that is associated with the Emperor of China.
Like the other Four Symbols, the Azure Dragon corresponds to seven "mansions", or positions, of the
moon.
In the novel Shuo Tang Yanyi (Tales of Tang Dynasty), the reincarnation of the White Tiger's Star is
said to be Li Shimin's general Luo Cheng (羅 成 / 罗 成) and the reincarnation of the Azure Dragon's
Star is said to be the rebellious general Dan Xiongxin (單 雄信 / 单 雄信). They two are sworn
brothers of Qin Shubao (秦 叔寶 / 秦叔宝), Cheng Zhijie (程 知節 / 程知节) and Yuchi Jingde (尉
遲 敬德 / 尉迟敬德). Their souls after death are said to possess the body of the new heroes of the
Tang Dynasty and the Liao Dynasty, Xue Rengui (薛 仁貴 / 薛仁贵) and He Suwen (郃 苏文)
In some legends of the Tang Dynasty's general Xue Rengui, he's said the reincarnation of the White
Tiger's Star. And his archenemy, Liao Dynasty general He Suwen is the reincarnation of the Azure
Dragon's Star.
In Japan, the Azure Dragon (Seiryuu) is one of the four guardian spirits of cities and is said to protect
the city of Kyoto on the east. The west is protected by the White Tiger, the north is protected by the
Black Tortoise, the south is protected by the Vermilion Bird, and the center is protected by the
Yellow Dragon. In Kyoto there are temples dedicated to each of these guardian spirits. The Azure
Dragon is represented in the Kiyomizu Temple in eastern Kyoto. Before the entrance of the temple
there is a statue of the dragon which is said to drink from the waterfall within the temple complex at
nighttime. Therefore each year a ceremony is held to worship the dragon of the east.
In 1983, the Kitora Tomb was found in the village of Asuka. All four guardians were painted on the
walls (in the corresponding directions) and a system of the constellations was painted on the ceiling.
This is one of the few ancient records of the four guardians.
The Vermilion bird is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. According to Wu Xing,
the Taoist five-elemental system, it represents the fire-element, the direction south, and the season
summer correspondingly. Thus it is sometimes called the Vermilion bird of the South (南方朱雀,
Nán Fāng Zhū Què) and it is also known as Suzaku in Japan and Jujak in Korea. It is often mistaken
for the Fenghuang due to similarities in appearance, but the two are different creatures.[citation
needed] The Fenghuang (Similar to the phoenix in western mythologies) are legendary ruler of birds
associated with the Chinese Empress in the same way the dragon is associated with the Emperor,
while the Vermilion Bird is a mythological spirit creature of the Chinese constellations.
Like the other Four Symbols, the Vermilion Bird corresponds to seven "mansions", or positions, of
the moon.
The White Tiger is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called the
White Tiger of the West (西方白虎, Xī Fāng Bái Hǔ), and is known as Byakko in Japan and Baekho
in Korea. It represents the west and the autumn season.
Like the other Four Symbols, the White Tiger corresponds to seven "mansions", or positions, of the
moon.
During the Han Dynasty, people believed the tiger to be the king of all beasts. Legend had it that
when a tiger reached 500 years old, its tail would turn white. In this way, the white tiger became a
kind of mythological creature. It was said that the white tiger would only appear when the emperor
ruled with absolute virtue, or if there was peace throughout the world. Because the color white of the
Chinese five elements also represents the west, the white tiger thus became a mythological guardian
of the west.
In the novel Shuo Tang Yanyi (Tales of Tang Dynasty), the reincarnation of White Tiger's Star is
said to be Li Shimin's general Luo Cheng (羅 成) and the reincarnation of Azure Dragon's Star is said
to be the rebellious general Dan Xiongxin (單 雄信). They two are sworn brothers of Qin Shubao (秦
叔寶), Cheng Zhijie (程 知節) and Yuchi Jingde (尉遲 敬德). Their souls after death are said to
possess the body of the new heroes of Tang Dynasty and Liao Dynasty, Xue Rengui (薛 仁貴) and
He Suwen (郃 苏文).
In some legends of the Tang Dynasty's general Xue Rengui, he is said to be the reincarnation of the
White Tiger's Star, and his archenemy, the Liao Dynasty's prince He Suwen is the reincarnation of
the Azure Dragon's Star.
The Black Tortoise is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. The word for "tortoise"
was taboo; and the entire entity is not just the tortoise itself, but both the tortoise and the snake. It is
sometimes called the Black Warrior of the North (北方玄武, Běi Fāng Xuán Wǔ), and is known as
Genbu in Japan and Hyeonmu in Korea. It represents the north and the winter season. Although its
name in Chinese, Xuánwǔ, is often translated as Black Tortoise in English, it is usually depicted as
both a tortoise and a snake, specifically with the snake coiling around the tortoise.
Like the other Four Symbols, the Black Tortoise corresponds to seven "mansions", or positions, of
the moon.
In ancient China, the tortoise and the snake were thought to be spiritual creatures symbolising
longevity. During the Han Dynasty, people often wore jade pendants that were in the shape of
tortoises. Because of ancient Chinese influence on Japan, honorific titles and badges in Japan often
referred to the tortoise or images of tortoises.
In the classic novel, Journey to the West, Xuánwǔ was a king of the north who had two generals
serving under him, a "Tortoise General" and a "Snake General." This king had a temple at Wudang
Mountains in Hubei, thus there is a "Tortoise Mountain" and a "Snake Mountain" on the opposite
sides of a river in Wuhan, the capital of Hubei.
In Taoist legend it was said that Xuánwǔ was the prince of a Chinese Emperor. However, he was not
interested in taking the throne, but decided to study in Tao's way. At age 16, he left his parents to
search for enlightenment in Tao's way. It was said that he eventually achieved god status and was
worshipped as a god of northern sky.
A Xuanwu sculpture from the Yongle Emperor era, from the collection of the Hubei Provincial
Museum
Other Chinese legends also speak of how the "Tortoise General" and a "Snake General" came to be.
During Xuánwǔ's study to achieve enlightenment and god status he was told that in order to fully
achieve god status, he must purge all humanly flesh from his body. Since he was born he had been
eating the food of the world, humanly food, therefore his stomach and intestines were still human.
Legend told of an event that a god came and changed out his human stomach and intestines for a
godly body so he could fully achieve god status. (It was also said that the stomach and intestines that
were tossed out became the "Tortoise Mountain" and "Snake Mountain".) The stomach and intestines
taken out by the god who did the surgery on Xuánwǔ were said to have taken on the shape of a
tortoise (stomach) and a snake (intestines). As many Chinese legends speak of certain animals
becoming demons over time as they gain knowledge, that's what the tortoise and snake became, and
terrorized people. As Xuánwǔ, now in his god status, heard of this, he came and slayed the demons
from his past. However, he did not kill them, as the snake and tortoise demons showed remorse. He
let them train under him and atone for their wrong doings, and they became the "Tortoise General"
and "Snake General", and they assisted Xuánwǔ with his quests.
According to another source, once Xuánwǔ's had begun study of the way, he discovered that he must
purge himself of all his past sins to become a god. He learned to achieve this by washing his stomach
and bowels (intestines) in the river. In the washing of his internal organs, his sins melted from them
and into the river in a dark, black form. These then formed into a black tortoise and snake who
terrorized the people. Once Xuánwǔ learned of this, he returned to conquer the forms of this past sins
and subdue them under himself and they became his servants.
Huang Long (黃龍,黄龙 or 黄竜, Yellow Dragon, Mandarin: huang2 long2, Cantonese: wong4
lung4, Japanese: Kōryū or Ōryū, Korean: Hwang-Ryong, Vietnamese: Hoàng Long) is a hornless
dragon who once emerged from the River Luo and presented the legendary Emperor Fu Xi with the
elements of writing. According to legend, when it appeared before Fu Xi, it filled a hole in the sky
made by the monster Gong Gong. Its waking, sleeping and breathing determined day and night,
season and weather.
In East Asian culture, there is sometimes a fifth Guardian Beast of the Si Ling. This deity is the
guardian of the center and it represents the element earth, the Chinese quintessence, as well as the
changing of the seasons.
Huang Long does not appear in Japanese mythology: the fifth element in the Japanese elemental
system is Void, so there cannot be an animal representing it. Because of this, Huang Long is often
forgotten. However, some consider the Ouryu (Ōryū, yellow dragon) as the Japanese counterpart of
Huang Long since they share some similarities.
At the end of his reign, the first legendary Emperor Huang Di was said to have been immortalized
into a dragon that resembled his emblem, and ascended to Heaven. Since the Chinese consider Huang
Di as their ancestor, they sometimes refer to themselves as "the descendants of the dragon". This
legend also contributed towards the use of the Chinese dragon as a symbol of imperial power.
The story of the Four Gods of Heaven and Earth, the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho, is not
something that was made up for Fushigi Yuugi by Watase Yuu. The myth of the Four
Gods has been deeply rooted in ancient Chinese mythology. The following are exerpts
from Derek Walters' "An Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend: Chinese Mythology"
and Donald A. Mackenzie's "Myths of China and Japan."
Creation Myth
"Nu Kwa, a mythical empress of China, was reputed to have become a goddess after
she had passed to the celestial regions...When the demons of water and fire, aided by
rebel generals of her empire, set out to destroy the world, Nu Kwa waged war against
them. Her campaign was successful, but not until a gigantic warrior had partly
destroyed the heavens by upsetting one of its pillars and the flood had covered a great
portion of the earth. The empress stemmed the rising waters by means of charred
reeds, and afterwards rebuilt the broken pillar...Thereafter she created the guardians of
the four quarters, placing the Black Tortoise in the north, and giving it control over
winter; the Blue Dragon in the east, who was given control over spring; the White
Tiger in the west, who was given control over autumn; and the Red Bird in the south,
who was given control over summer, with the Gold Dragon, whose special duty was
to guard the sun, the moon being protected by the White Deity of the west. The
broken pillar of heaven was built up with stones coloured like the five gods
(Mackenzie)."
Celestial Emblems
"The Four Directions, East, South, West and North, represent the four seasons,
Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Together with the Centre, which in Chinese is
synonymous with China itself, they form the five cardinal points. The Four Directions
have been represented at least since the second century BC, by four celestial animals,
the Dragon for the East, the Bird for the South, the Tiger for the West, and
the Tortoise for the North. Each animal has its own colour: the Dragon is the Green of
Spring, the Bird the red of Fire, the Tiger of Autumn the glittering white of metal (of
ploughshares or swords), and the Tortoise Black, for night, or water. The four celestial
animals, which have no connection with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac, are
also the names of the four divisions of the sky. The Dragon's Heart, the Pleiades, and
the Bird Star are the names of three of the lunar mansions which marked the central
position of the Dragon, Tiger and Bird. As there was no identifying star at the centre
of the Black Tortoise, the appropriate place (the eleventh mansion) was called Void
(Walters)."
Star Map of the 28 star lodgings and the centre Star Guide of the 28 star lodgings
Dragon
"East - the Blue Dragon, Spring, Wood; Planet, Jupiter; liver and
gall(Mackenzie)."
"One of the oldest symbolic animals, stylized forms of which are a feature of the
decoration of ancient bronzes cast before the invention of writing. In complete
contrast to Western mythology, however, Dragons are rarely depicted as malevolent.
They may be fearsome and very powerful, and all stand in awe of the dragon-kings,
but they are equally considered just, benevolent, and the bringers of wealth and good
fortune. There are, of course, legends of the various immortals battling against evil
dragons, but such monsters would be foreign ones. Local dragons are to be respected,
feared, and petitioned as one would petition a just and honest ruler. For this reason,
the dragon symbol is the sign of authority, being worn on the robes of the Imperial
family and nobility.
Dragons are generally considered to be aquatic, living in lakes, rivers and the sea, the
larger the expanse of water, the more powerful the dragon. Nevertheless, there are
dragons which inhabit the heavens, one quarter of the sky being called the Palace of
the Green Dragon, in reference to the stars which in Chinese astronomy constitute the
constellation of the Dragon. Even so, the appearance of the Dragon constellation is
said to herald the rainy season (Walters)."
Phoenix
"South - the Red Bird, Summer, Fire, the Sum; Planet, Mars; heart and large
intestines (Mackenzie)."
(i know this should be the Red Bird section, but since Suzaku is more
like a Phoenix i'd thought i'd add this instead. also, there was
nothing on the Red Bird at all.)
"Phoenix is used as a translation for Feng, or Feng Huang, the sacred bird of Chinese
mythology. It has many miraculous attributes, but not self-rejuvenation, and does not
posess the Arabian phoenix's propensity for self-immolation. It is usually portrayed as
a beautiful bird, virtually identical to an ornamental pheasant. Few illustrations match
its verbal description, as it is said to have the front of a swan, the hinder parts of a
unicorn, the throat of a swallow, the bill of a chicken, the neck of a snake, the stripes
of a dragon, and the arched back of a tortoise. Its plumage is of the five mystical
colours - black, white, red, green and yellow, and it has twelve tail feathers, execept in
years when there is an extra month, when there are thirteen. It feeds on bamboo seeds,
lives in the branches of the dryandera tree, and drinks from fountains of fresh water.
It is one of the four emblems of royalty, usually associated with the Empress. The
expression Dragon and Phoenix signifies wedded bliss. In many respects its
symbolism has been confused and merged with that of the Red Bird, one of the four
Celestial Emblems (Walters)."
Tiger
"West - the White Tiger, Autumn, Wind, Metal; Planet, Venus; lungs and
small intestine (Mackenzie)."
This is all i could find on the white tiger, i'll keep looking...
"...The White Tiger of the West, for instance, is associated with
metal. When, therefore, metal is placed in a grave, a ceremonial
connection with the tiger-god is effected. 'According to the Annals of Wu and Yueh,
three days after the burial of the king, the essence of the element metal assumed the
shape of a white tiger and crouched down on the top of the grave.' Here the tiger is a
protector - a preserver.
...As we have seen, white jade was used when the Tiger god of the West was
worshipped; it is known as 'tiger jade'; a tiger was depicted on the jade symbol. To the
Chinese the tiger was the king of all animals and 'lord of the mountains', and the tiger-
jade ornament was specially researved for commanders of armies. The male tiger was,
among other things, the god of war, and in this capacity it not only assisted the armies
of the emperors, but fought the demons that threatened the dead in their graves
(Mackenzie)."
Tortoise
North - the Black Tortoise, Winter, Cold, Water; Planet, Mercury; kidneys
and bladder (Mackenzie)."
"In China the tortoise had divine attributes. Tortoise shell is a symbol of
unchangeability, and a symbol or rank when used for court girdles. The tortoise was
also used for purposes of divination.
A gigantic mythical tortoise is supposed, in the Far East, to live in the depths of
ocean. It has one eye situated in the middle of its body. Once every three thousand
years it rises to the surface and turns over on its back so that it may see the sun
(Mackenzie)."
Origin = China
HISTORICAL NOTES
At the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual creatures (Sì Shòu 四獸) -- four celestial emblems --
each guarding a direction on the compass. In China, the four date back to at least the 2nd century BC.
Each creature has a corresponding season, color, element, virtue, and other traits. Further, each
corresponds to a quadrant in the sky, with each quadrant containing seven seishuku, or star
constellations (also called the 28 lunar mansions or lodges; for charts, see this outside site ). Each of the
four groups of seven is associated with one of the four celestial creatures. There was a fifth direction
-- the center, representing China itself -- which carried its own seishuku. In Japan, the symbolism of the
four creatures appears to have merged with and been supplanted by the Shitenno (Four Heavenly Kings).
The latter four are the Buddhist guardians of the four directions who serve Lord Taishakuten (who
represents the center), and are closely associated with China’s Theory of Five Elements. In any case, the
four animals are much more prevalent in artwork in China than in Japan, although in Japan one can still
find groupings of the four creatures. The four were probably introduced to Japan from China sometime in
the 7th century AD, for their images are found on the tomb walls at Takamatsuzuka 高松塚 in Nara, which
was built sometime in theAsuka period (600 - 710 AD). They are also found on the base of
the Yakushi Triad 薬師三尊像 at Yakushi-ji Temple 薬師寺, also in Nara.
Phoenix vs. Red Bird, Ch’i-lin (Kirin) vs. White Tiger. Why the Confusion ?
In the same book, Walters explains: “However, it seems that before the adoption of the Four Celestial
Emblems, there were only three -- the Feng Bird (or Phoenix), the Dragon, and the Ch’i-lin (or unicorn).
Bronze mirrors usually portray cosmological patterns and symbolism on the back. Those of the Tang
period (618 - 906 AD) show all twelve, or sometimes the 28 or even 36 animals of the Chinese Zodiac,
and those of an earlier period depict the four celestial emblems referred to above. But the very earliest
mirrors show only the three: the Ch’i-lin, the Feng-huang, and the Dragon. Because of the astronomical
significance, the White Tiger replaced the Ch’i-lin, and the Phoenix gave way to the Red Bird, which is of
uncertain identity. Thus the Tortoise was a later but not the last addition, for many mystical texts refer to
the northern constellation not as the tortoise, but as the Black Warrior.” < end quote from Derek Walters
>
NOTE: The Chinese Ch’i-lin is known in Japan as KIRIN. Many web sites replace the White Tiger with the
mythological KIRIN in groupings of the four animals. Many web sites also list the Phoenix, not the Red
Bird, as the celestial emblem of the south. This confusion is entirely forgivable, as the composition of this
group of four has changed over the centuries to reflect ever-changing traditions.
Attributes of the Four
China and Japan Myths and Legends
by Donald A. Mackenzie; ISBN: 1851700161
Dragon. East, Spring, Wood, Planet Jupiter, liver & gall
Red Bird (Phoenix). South, Summer, Fire, Planet Mars; heart and large intestines
White Tiger. West, Autumn, Wind, Metal, Planet Venus, lungs and small intestine
Tortoise. North, Black, Winter, Cold, Water, Planet Mercury, kidneys and bladder
Editor’s Note. Despite the dragon’s close association with water and
the watery realm, in the Shishin Grouping of Four Celestial Emblems (this page), the dragon is
associated with the element WOOD. The turtle is associated with the element WATER. See Five
Elements.
In Japan, the term “Suzaku” is translated as “Red Bird” or “Vermillion Chinese Phoenix.” In both Japan
and China, the symbolism of the red bird seems nearly identical to or merged with that of the
mythologicalPhoenix. At this site, I consider the Suzaku and the Phoenix to be the same magical
creature, although I am not certain if this is entirely true. Scholar Derek Walters (see resources) says
the Phoenix was supplanted (replaced) by the Red Bird, for the Red Bird more accurately reflected the
astronomical iconography associated with the southern lunar mansions.
Corresponds to summer, red, fire, and knowledge; makes small seeds grow into giant trees (need to give
source). Often paired with the dragon, for the two represent both conflict and wedded
bliss; dragon(emperor) and phoenix (empress). Portrayed with radiant feathers, and an enchanting song;
only appears in times of good fortune. Within the ancient Imperial Palace in Japan, there was a gate
known as Suzakumon 朱雀門 (Red Bird Gate). See JAANUS for a few more details on this gate.
* Learn more about the Red Bird’s seven constellations (this site).
* See star charts for the Red Bird at this outside link.
The Red Bird of the South (Suzaku)
Found on tomb wall at Kitora Kofun
http://www2.gol.com/users/stever/kitora.htm
Photo courtesy Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Nara
Archaeological dating places its construction to the
Asuka period (7th to early 8th centuries)
PHOTO: From Research Report of Cultural Heritage in Asuka Village Vol. 3. A primary center of
power in Japan in the 6th and 7th centuries, Asuka lies about 12 miles south of Nara in the Kinki
District; home to many ancient temples and tombs. The Takamatsu Zuka Tombs 高松塚 were
discovered the early 1970s and date back to Japan’s Asuka Period (600 - 710 AD).
TIGER CONFUSED WITH KIRIN 麒麟
In Japan, the tiger is sometimes confused with the mythological Chinese Ch'i-lin (Qilin), which is rendered
Kirin 麒麟 in Japan. Scholar Derek Walters says the Ch’i-lin was supplanted (replaced) by the White
Tiger, for the Tiger more accurately reflected the astronomical iconography associated with the
western lunar mansions.
KIRIN IN JAPAN
The Kirin, which often appears tiger-like in artwork (see photos below), is a different
creature entirely from the White Tiger. The Kirin is said to have the body of a deer, the
tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse, a body covered with the scales of a fish, and a
single horn. The Kirin appears only before the birth or death of a great and wise
person. Said to live in paradise, the Kirin personifies all that is good, pure, and
peaceful; can live to be 1,000 years old.
Says Derek Walters: "One of the Celestial Emblems, the symbol of longevity and wisdom. It is said that its
shell represents the vault of the universe. A common symbol for longevity is the Tortoise and Snake,
whose union was thought to have engendered the universe. The reason why tortoise symbolism has been
superseded by the Black Warrior as the emblem of the North, is probably due to the fact that 'tortoise' is a
term of abuse in China." <end quote by Walters>
378. The Dark Warrior 玄武 was the name for the Northern Palace or the
northern constellations of the Chinese zodiac, viz., Tou 斗, Niu 牛, Nü 女,
Wei2 危, Shih 室, and Pi 璧. The Dark Warrior is the tortoise. Cf. Hs
26.16a; Mh III, 353; Chavannes, Mission archeologique, vol. 11, pp. 221,
231; fig. 144, 156.
We often see stone grave steles on a stone tortoise or reliquaries standing on it. The tortoise is
also regarded as an immortal creature. As there are no male tortoise -- as the ancient believed --
the female had to mate with a snake. Thus the tortoise embracing a snake became the protector
symbol of the north, but since the word "tortoise" was taboo in Chinese, it was referred to as the
"dark warrior" (genbu 玄武 ) and finally became Zhenwu (in Chinese Taoism), one of the four
protector gods of the four directions. The symbol of Zhenwu, the Protector God of the North, as
tortoise and snake (or tortoise entwined by a snake) dates back to the third century BC. For more
on Taoism, see this online catalog about "Taoism and the Arts of China."
Tsurukame 鶴亀 - Tortoise and Crane
The crane lives 1,000 years and the tortoise 10.000, says a Japanese proverb. Both animals are
symbols of longevity. The connection between a tortoise and a crane also dates back to China.
The crane too was a symbol of Long Life and also the symbol of the relationship of Father and
Son according to the Confucian philosophy. Furthermore the crane is a symbol of wisdom. When
a high-ranking Taoist priest died, it was said he was "turning into a crane." In Japanese Buddhist
art, we have a candle holder in the form of a crane standing on a tortoise (tsurukame shokudai 鶴
亀燭台). This kind of temple decoration was often used by the New Sect of the Pure Land (Jodo
Shinshuu 浄土真宗). Usually the crane was carrying a lotos flower with a long stem in his mouth
and the flower was formed in a way to hold the candle. These types of illumination stands were
produced since the Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573 AD). <end quote from Gabi Greve>
TURTLE PROVERB
Old Chinese spelling; pronounced “kame” in Japan; means turtle.
PROVERB:The rareness of meeting a Buddha is compared with the difficulty of
a blind sea-turtle finding a log to float on, or a one-eyed tortoise finding a log
with a spy-hole through it." [from soothill]
1. Taishi Boshi
2. Tei Boshi
3. Shoshi Boshi
4. Koukyuu Boshi
5. Kyoku Boshi
6. Shiho Boshi
7. ????
P’an Ku
Exerpt from “Chinese Mythology: An Encyclopedia
of Myth and Legend” by Derek Walters, ISBN: 1855380803
The legendary architect of the universe. Oddly enough, the story of how P’an Ku created the
universe is now so firmly established in Chinese folklore, it would be forgivable to assume that
the story of P’an Ku was one of China’s earliest legends. However, the great philosopher Ssu-
ma Ch’ien makes no mention of it, and in fact P’an Ku does not make his appearance until the
4th century AD. The legend, ascribed to the brush of Ko Hung (Kung) is likely to have been a
tale imported from Southeast Asia. It is highly unlikely that it would have been fabricated by a Taoist writer
such as Ko Kung, because it would have been second-nature to an educated Chinese writer to introduce
established characters of Chinese mythology, but none are present. The date of its composition may be
even later, as its first appearance may not be earlier than the 11th century Wai Chi (Records of Foreign
Lands). The substance of the legend is that P’an Ku chiselled the universe for eighteen thousand years,
and as he chiselled, so he grew himself, six feet every day. When his work was complete, his body
became the substance of the universe: his head became the mountains, his breath the wind. From his
eyes the sun and moon were made, while the stars were made from his beard. His limbs became the four
quarters, his blood the rivers, his flesh the soil, his hairs the trees and plants, his teeth and bones the
rocks and minerals, and his sweat the rain. Finally, the lice on his body become the human race. In
China, he holds the hammer and chisel with which he formed the universe, and is surrounded by the Four
Creatures (tortoise, phoenix, dragon, and unicorn. <end quote by Derek Walters >.
Pangu has been depicted in many ways. He sometimes appears as a dwarf with two horns on his head,
clothed in skin or leaves. He may be holding a hammer in one hand and a chisel in the other, or perhaps
the symbol of yin and yang. He may also be shown holding the sun in one hand and the moon in the
other. He is often depicted with his companions the four supernatural animals - the phoenix, the dragon,
theunicorn and the tortoise. In any case, Pangu grew rapidly and increased his height by six to ten feet
daily. He hammered and chiseled a massive piece of granite floating aimlessly in space, and as he
worked, the heavens and the earth became progressively wider. He labored ceaselessly for eighteen
thousand years and finally he separated heaven from earth. His body dissolved when his work was done.
LEARN MORE
28 Constellations, 28 Moon Lodges, 28 Moon Stations
This site. Learn more about each of the four quarters (north, south, east, west) and the seven
constellations in each group. All 28 represent points in the moon’s monthly path, and each was
deified.
Chinese Mythology: Encyclopedia of Myth and Legend
By Derek Walters. A-to-Z format. Very useful resource, but no Chinese language
characters are given, only English equivalents. First published by The Aquarian Press,
1992. Pages = 191 pages. ISBN = 1855380803.