Taoist Five Divine Beasts（道教五方神兽）
As we all know, Chinese Taoist culture is extensive and profound, with a long history spanning over 5,000 years. Among this diverse culture, mythology is undoubtedly a prominent element, originating largely from people's imagination and legends. These traditions have been passed down through generations of the Chinese nation and remain deeply loved today.
When reading mythological stories, you may have heard the saying "Azure Dragon on the left, White Tiger on the right, Vermilion Bird in front, Black Tortoise behind." This describes the four divine beasts in Chinese mythology. But you might wonder: If the four divine beasts guard the four directions, which one should be at the center?
The ancients divided heaven and earth into four directions: east, south, west, and north. The Azure Dragon guarded the east, the White Tiger the west, the Vermilion Bird the south, and the Black Tortoise the north. These four divine beasts were considered auspicious and protected the four directions.
During the Han Dynasty, these four beasts were incorporated into Taoist culture and became known as the Four Spiritual Gods. Over time, these four beasts gradually permeated various fields, such as solar terms, feng shui, and architecture, and have become part of every aspect of our lives.
Furthermore, as these four mythical beasts grew in popularity, they were given names and legends.
The Azure Dragon's original name was Meng Zhang, after the Taoist deity Meng Zhang. The ancient text "Huainanzi" records that no one could make the gods kneel more than the Azure Dragon. At this point, the Azure Dragon's status reached its peak, becoming the leader of the four mythical beasts.
Because the Azure Dragon is associated with the element Wood, it is also known as the benevolent deity representing the vitality of spring.
The White Tiger is named "Jianbing," a reference to the Taoist deity Jianbing. Because the White Tiger is associated with the element Metal, its color is white, symbolizing the bleakness of autumn.
Autumn is a time of withering and eerie. This is the origin of the common "beheading after autumn" trope in period dramas. Therefore, the White Tiger is also known as the God of War and the God of Killing.
The Vermillion Bird, also known as Lingguang (Lingguang Shen) in Taoism, is associated with fire, hence its red color, symbolizing the intense summer heat.
Many people associate the Vermilion Bird and the Phoenix, even believing them to be the same creature. In reality, they are completely different beings, not even related by blood. Furthermore, the Phoenix can rise from the ashes, while the Vermilion Bird cannot, as the Vermilion Bird symbolizes immortality.
Xuanwu, also known as "Zhiming" (Zhiming God) in Taoism, represents winter because of its water element. The Xuanwu we see is actually a combination of the bodies of a snake and a turtle. Unique among the four divine beasts, it possesses powerful defensive abilities and symbolizes longevity.
In mythology, the four divine beasts rule the four directions of the universe: metal, wood, water, and fire. Their guardian element is earth, the central element. In mythology, the symbol of "earth" is the yellow dragon. However, the yellow dragon is not the guardian of the four divine beasts, but rather a fifth beast that acts as a check and balance.
During the Yellow Emperor's time, these four beasts were not auspicious creatures, but rather vicious beasts that wreaked havoc in the four directions. To prevent their rampage, the Yellow Emperor transformed himself into a yellow dragon, subdued them, and ultimately sealed them in the four corners of heaven and earth, preventing them from fighting each other.
Ever since ancient emperors called themselves "dragons" and wore dragon robes, the yellow dragon has become a symbol of imperial power. For thousands of years, the dragon and the color yellow have become unique symbols of the emperor.
Therefore, the four sacred beasts are regarded as symbols of the protection of imperial power. Emperors of all dynasties have revered them as auspicious animals, which are reflected in every aspect of their status. Therefore, the Yellow Dragon is the central sacred beast among the four sacred beasts, guarding the Chinese nation and ensuring the prosperity of our culture.
