Post by kellen6049 on May 11, 2008 11:45:19 GMT
Description: The Four Symbols consists of Qīng Lóng (Azure Dragon), Zhū Què (Vermilion Bird), Bái Hǔ (White Tiger), and Xuán Wǔ (Black Tortoise). They appear to mortals usually with their human form or invisibly to avoid scaring people.
Qīng Lóng is a green-colored dragon. It is also the protector of the east and spring. It represents the Wood in the Taoist five-elemental system. It is believed to also protects the Feng Shui of a person's grave.
Zhū Què is a phoenix-like mythical creature who has never-dying-flame as its feather. It protects the southern and summer. It also represents the element Fire. It is not to be confused with FengHuang, which is the king of birds while Zhū Què is the mythological spirit guardian of the west.
Bái Hǔ is, like it name suggests, a white tiger. It is the protector of west and autumn. It represents the element Metal. The Bái Hǔ is also a war god, who can also grant prosperity and have other related powers.
Xuán Wǔ is a combination of two black entities, the tortoise and the snake. It is the protector of north and winter. It represents the element Water. Together, they symbolizes longevity, granting people who deserves longer life than others.
These four works together to protect the world. They were given human names after Taoism became popular. Azure Dragon has the name Mang Zhang; Vermilion Bird is Ling Guang; White Tiger is Jian Bing; Black Tortoise is Zhi Ming.
Additionally, there is a fifth legendary beast, Huáng-lóng, or Qilin. The cardinal direction associated with this animal is center, and its element is Earth. It represents the changing of seasons.
The japanese counterpart of these creatures(including Huáng-lóng) are called Seiryuu, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu, and Kirin/Ouryu.
Origin: Chinese, Japanese Mythology
Qīng Lóng is a green-colored dragon. It is also the protector of the east and spring. It represents the Wood in the Taoist five-elemental system. It is believed to also protects the Feng Shui of a person's grave.
Zhū Què is a phoenix-like mythical creature who has never-dying-flame as its feather. It protects the southern and summer. It also represents the element Fire. It is not to be confused with FengHuang, which is the king of birds while Zhū Què is the mythological spirit guardian of the west.
Bái Hǔ is, like it name suggests, a white tiger. It is the protector of west and autumn. It represents the element Metal. The Bái Hǔ is also a war god, who can also grant prosperity and have other related powers.
Xuán Wǔ is a combination of two black entities, the tortoise and the snake. It is the protector of north and winter. It represents the element Water. Together, they symbolizes longevity, granting people who deserves longer life than others.
These four works together to protect the world. They were given human names after Taoism became popular. Azure Dragon has the name Mang Zhang; Vermilion Bird is Ling Guang; White Tiger is Jian Bing; Black Tortoise is Zhi Ming.
Additionally, there is a fifth legendary beast, Huáng-lóng, or Qilin. The cardinal direction associated with this animal is center, and its element is Earth. It represents the changing of seasons.
The japanese counterpart of these creatures(including Huáng-lóng) are called Seiryuu, Suzaku, Byakko, Genbu, and Kirin/Ouryu.
Origin: Chinese, Japanese Mythology