Lords of the Chinese World: the Dragon and Phoenix

In China, the fictional dragon and the phoenix are traditional animals that symbolize auspiciousness. Along with the kylin and tortoise, they were known as the “Four Supernatural Spirits.”

The phoenix was commonly referred to as the “King of Birds.” As sovereign of all birds, it has the head of a golden pheasant, a parrot’s beak, the body of a mandarin duck, the wings of a roc, peacock feathers and the legs of the crane. With its elaborate beauty, it reigns over the feathered world. As a supernatural bird, the phoenix embodies the five virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and sincerity. As such, it cannot harm either a single insect or blade of grass. It perches itself only on the finest firmiana tree, eating and drinking nothing but bamboo seeds and sweet spring water.

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