The Fenghuang bird is also known as the King of Birds and it is an auspicious mystic creature that is relieved in the Chinese legends. Based on folklore, this bird appears in kingdoms or states as a mark of peace and prosperity. This bird is a symbol of virtue, auspiciousness, faith, love, courtesy, righteousness, and benevolence.
So, let’s get to the origin of the Fenghuang bird and what is the legend and history behind it, and the symbolism and mythological aspects related to it.
The Origin of Fenghuang Bird
According to “The Classic of Mountains and Seas, Fenghuang is a mythical bird whose different parts resemble five Chinese characteristics, such as – The head resembles virtue, the wings represent righteousness, the back represents courtesy, the chest represents benevolence and the belly represents faith.
These are free souls and beautiful creatures that are known to appear in kingdoms that are about to flourish or have gained peace. Based on folklore, the King of Birds is a supremely auspicious sighting. Based on Chinese culture and its multicolored feathers, it is associated with the sun and is also known to be a representation of the yin-yang harmony.
Fenghuang Bird – Appearance
The image of the Fenghuang bird can be found in Chinese art, literature, and architecture. It symbolizes fortune prosperity and good fortune. Various Chinese artists have captured it in their imaginations and the different representations are found in cultural paintings and decorative items.
Fenghuang bird has impressive physical features that resemble a bird-like structure, where it shows a perfect blend of different types of animals and their characteristics, such as the beak of a rooster, the face of a swallow, the forehead of a hen, and the neck of a snake. It is a combination of grace and majesty.
Fenghuang bird has vibrant multicolored plumage. The different colors of the Fenghuang bird represent different elements, such as black representing metal, red representing fire, yellow representing air, and green representing wood. The combination of all these colors exemplifies balance and harmony.
How is Fenghuang Bird Associated with Different Aspects of Life?
Here are the most prominent ways a Fenghuang bird has been associated with different aspects of life in Chinese culture.
Fenghuang Bird’s Association With Yin-Yang
Based on the Chinese belief system, the Fenghuang bird is associated with the concept of representing balance between Yin and Yang which are the fundamental forces of the universe. It is also an auspicious omen, especially if a new emperor is about to descend the throne.
Fenghuang Bird’s Association with Celestial Bodies
Fenghuang bird is associated with celestial bodies such as the head representing the sky, the eyes representing the sun, the back representing the moon, the wings representing wind, the feet representing air, and the tail representing the planet. So, it is a perfect combination of celestial connections to the natural world and this bird has a cosmic role.
Fenghuang Bird’s Association with the Sun and Moon
Fenghuang bird also has a connection with the sun and the moon where the sun represents the yang energy and the moon represents yin energy, maintaining a perfect balance between these constructing cosmic order. Fenghuang bird is also related to virtue and righteousness where it represents maintaining a harmonious relationship among individuals and the society around it.
Fenghuang Bird’s Association with Dragon
Based on Chinese mythology, the Fenghuang bird is intertwined with a dragon which represents a symbol of harmony and balance. In this association, the Fenghuang bird represents the feminine or yin energy whereas the dragon represents the masculine or yang energy and together they make a perfect balance of female and male energy, maintaining a harmonic and cosmic equilibrium. They are also a representation of energy related to harmony between male and female energy, about marital bliss and prosperity. They represent an auspicious union between two powerful forces marking it to be harmonious. The word Fenghuang bird and dragon is an exemplification of an ideal relationship in Chinese culture.
Fenghuang Bird Association with Han and Shang Dynasty
Based on Chinese history, the Fenghuang bird is associated with the Han and Shang Dynasty, where it symbolizes the regal power of the Emperor. It also represents the harmonious rule of the empire and divine protection. There are various artifacts on pottery, bronze vessels, and cravings, that represent that the emperors showcased Fenghuang bird as harmony, imperial power, and virtue in the empire.
The ruling dynasty’s emperor used to include the Fenghuang bird in every ceremony and ritual as part of good fortune and protection. Even the palaces and temple architecture included the Fenghuang bird as a symbol of the magnificence of the structures. They were also included in paintings, poems, calligraphy, and operas, which represent Chinese art and literature as a symbol of grace, loyalty, and beauty.
Fenghuang Bird Association with Modern Times
Fenghuang bird still inspires and captivates the people of China, it showcases the popularity and relevance of the bird in Chinese culture. In various art forms and fashion designs, the Fenghuang bird is being used to represent elegance, good fortune, and beauty. The bird has also become part of clothing materials, accessories, traditional ceremonies, and home decor.
Has the Fenghuang Bird’s Influence Extended Beyond East Asian Culture?
Yes, the Fenghuang bird’s influence has extended beyond East Asian Culture in Korea, Japan, and Vietnam, where the interpretation and myth associated with the bird remain the same. The Fenghuang bird’s influence extended beyond East Asian Culture also represented in many literature and art and it symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and virtue. Its popularity has also spread globally through international exhibitions and book fairs.
Is Fenghuang Bird a Male or Female?
Fenghuang bird is considered to be a perfect union of male and female elements that represent the yin-yang harmony. The name itself is a combination word where “Feng” represents male and “huang” represents female.
Is Fenghuang Bird Similar to Phoenix?
According to the legend, the Fenghuang bird is quite different from the Western cultural idea of the phoenix, which has the capability to rise from ashes. The Fenghuang bird is a phoenix in Chinese mythology that embodies different kinds of virtues. It is a representation of power, elegance, and authority among the avian creatures. It is an emblem of greatness and dignity.
