BLUE PHOENIX: MEANING AND HISTORY IN MYTHOLOGY - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The blue phoenix, also called fenghuang, is an important animal in Chinese mythology. It does not have a defined sex since it is the union of two contrasting but complementary elements; in this case, the masculine and feminine. It is considered the king bird of all birds.

At first it was distinguished between males (feng) and females (huang), but with the passage of time it was considered a female type animal that is complemented by the Chinese dragon, a figure that is male. From the mythological point of view, it is a being that gathers different types of animal parts, resulting in the end the conjugation of the celestial bodies.

On the other hand, their feathers are of different colors, which represent the essential tones within the Chinese tradition. It is also present in Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese culture; in the West it is called the “Chinese phoenix”.

Origin

According to historical records, it first appeared more than two thousand years ago, during the Han Dynasty. According to history, two phoenixes - a male (feng) and a female (huang) - always looked at each other. Over time, the two came together to create the fenghuang, the king bird of all feathers.

When the Yuan Dynasty arrived, fenghuang already had a feminine connotation, being a symbol of the empress who joins the dragon; in this case, the emperor.

From this point on, this creature began to be portrayed in different types of contexts and forms that are still valid today.

Meaning

Within Chinese mythology there are beings with benign and evil traits. Among the noble creatures is the fenghuang, also considered the blue phoenix according to the pictorial representation it has.

One of the first meanings is related to the union of two different elements that complement each other, a common feature in the culture of this country because it is believed that, in this way, everything is kept in constant balance.

In this case, this bird is the union of the feminine (hueng) and masculine (feng). Also, some authors affirm that it is also a representation of yin and yang.

In other traditions such as the Japanese, this phoenix was a symbol of the imperial house, order, justice, virtue, grace and fidelity.

She is currently one of the most popular figures in oriental culture, so it is common to see her next to the dragon at engagements and weddings, as it is believed to represent the blissful union between man and woman.

Symbology

Previously it was pointed out that it was a kind of hybrid animal with several animal parts, which are: beak of a cock, face of a swallow, forehead of a fowl, breast of a goose, body of a turtle, quarters of a deer and a fish tail (although sometimes it is also represented with a pheasant's tail). Together, it represents the different celestial bodies.

Another important feature is the bright colors of its plumage. There are five tones, which represent the qualities of Confucius:

Black

Benevolence and charity.

White

Honesty and altruism.

Red

Knowledge.

Green

Loyalty and integrity.

Yellow

Courtesy, worship and correction.

History in mythology

The fenghuang is one of the most important creatures in eastern mythology, as it is involved with the origin of the world and the cosmos. In fact, legend has it that the Earth emerged from chaos, and in the midst of it, Pan Gu was born from an egg.

After this other fantastic beings arose: the dragon, the qilin (considered as the unicorn), the turtle and the fenghuang. These four beings would eventually be called the Four Spirits.

These four creatures, together with Pan Gu, created the essential elements (metal, wood, water, fire and earth), the seasons of the year and the cardinal points. In the case of fenghuang, it took control of summer, fire, and the south.

Other stories

The wealth of Chinese and Eastern mythology also leads to the knowledge of more stories that are related to this creature:

-It is said that the Earth, in the midst of chaos, was formed thanks to the help of dragons who tried to restore order. Next to these was Empress Feng, who emerged in the form of a phoenix. This being was presented as an entity full of light and energy.

Eventually, with the arrival of balance, the empress fell in love with the dragon Long and they were both destined to preserve tranquility on Earth. That is why together they constantly complement each other and interpenetrate in a love relationship.

-Another popular legend is related to the happiness that this animal is capable of giving to whoever meets it. The legend begins with a peasant carrying a fenghuang in a cage. A young merchant passing by decided to buy it and present it to the emperor.

People were amazed to see the creature where it passed. However, before reaching the palace the bird died. Although the young man was embarrassed, the emperor insisted on seeing him and rewarded him for being a man with good intentions and without selfishness, since he was willing to give something practically priceless.

Curiosities

-In addition to representing fire, summer and the south, it is also a symbol of the Sun.

-In ancient China, his figure appeared in the clothes of important leaders, as well as the emperor.

-It is believed that it appears on Earth only when a benevolent president takes power, as a way of giving his blessing to him. On the contrary, he hides when he sees problems or chaotic situations.

-It is estimated that thanks to its appearance, the appearance of music in the eastern region was encouraged.

References

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