Fenghuang

The fenghuang (Chinese 鳳凰 / 凤凰, pinyin fènghuáng, W.-G. fêng⁴-huang²) is a mythological bird and a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture that protects the southern part of the imperial palace. Feng refers to the male and huang to the female.

Similar to the phoenix of Greek and Egyptian mythology, it is associated with fire. The mythical creature Fenghuang is also called "Chinese phoenix", but is basically a different mythical creature and must not be confused with it. Moreover, it is not identical with the Red Bird, also called Red Bird of the South (jap. Suzaku), which is a symbol of Chinese astrology along with the White Tiger, the Blue Dragon and the Black Turtle.

The Fenghuang has a long head with large, elongated eyes and a pointed, slightly curved beak, reminiscent of a pheasant or a peacock. Its long, colourful plumage features the "five sacred colours". Thus, the head is green (for goodness), the neck is white (for justice), the back is red (for decency), the breast is black (for wisdom), and the feet are yellow (for faithfulness and trustworthiness). The noble bird preferred the branches of the Wutong tree (Firmiana simplex, syn. Sterculia platanifolia) and is said to have drunk only from the best mountain springs. The age is said to have been about 1000 years. Like the Chinese unicorn (qilin), the fenghuang was a symbol of mercy. Unlike the Greek phoenix, the Fenghuang did not burst into flames to renew itself. Its reproduction was similar to that of normal birds.

Furthermore, the animal, together with the Chinese dragon (Long), symbolized the imperial couple. The dragon stood for the emperor, while the empress was symbolized accordingly by the Fenghuang. Also, this was one of the four mythical wonder animals (also magical creatures) that helped the Chinese world creator Pangu.

Gallery

·         Fenghuang ornaments and pictures

·         Fenghuang figures