The Four Symbols (Chinese: 四象; pinyin: sì xiàng) are four mythological creatures in the Chinese constellations. They are the Azure Dragon (simplified Chinese: 青龙; traditional Chinese: 青龍; pinyin: qīnglóng) (Seiryu) of the East, the Vermilion Bird (Chinese: 朱雀; pinyin: zhūquè) (Suzaku) of the South, the White Tiger (Chinese: 白虎; pinyin: baíhŭ) (Byakko) of the West, and the Black Tortoise (Chinese: 玄武; pinyin: xuánwŭ) (Genbu) of the North. Each one of them represents a direction and a season, 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 manga and anime. The Four Symbols were given human names after Daoism became popular. The Azure Dragon has the name Meng Zhang (孟章), the Vermilion Bird is called Ling Guang (陵光), the White Tiger is named Jian Bing (監兵), and the Black Tortoise is called Zhi Ming (執明). In 1987, a tomb was found at Xishuipo (西水坡) in Puyang, Henan Province. There were some clam shells and bones forming the images of the Azure Dragon, the White Tiger, and the Big Dipper. It is believed that the tomb belongs to the Neolithic Age, dating to about 6,000 years ago.[1] Contents
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:32:44 +0000
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