All about Birds
Fenghuang Bird: The Legend Of The Chinese Phoenix
Okt
Ever heard of the Fenghuang bird?
Fenghuang are ancient mythological birds from Eastern Asia…
So here’s what you need to know!
What Is The Fenghuang Bird?
If you are fascinated by mythical creatures, you might have heard of the Fenghuang.
This legendary bird is a prominent figure in East Asian folklore and has captured the imagination of people for centuries.
Fenghuang birds are mythological creatures said to rule over all other birds.
Historically, the Bird had a male and female type with the male named, “Feng” and the female, “Huang”.
In recent years, the mythological Bird is considered a single feminine entity.
The feminine Fenghuang bird often features in tandem with the male Chinese Dragon.
The Fenghuang bird is also known as the Chinese Rooster as it regularly features in place of the Rooster in the Chinese zodiac.
The Bird is also sometimes known as the Chinese Phoenix (or even just Phoenix) although it hardly compares with a western Phoenix.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, the Fenghuang bird has changed over the years.
Traditionally, the Bird’s presentation was a mix of a Rooster’s beak, Swallow’s face, Fowl’s forehead, Snake’s neck, Goose’s breast, Tortoise’s back, hind legs of a Stag and a Fish’s tail.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Fenghuang (also known as Chinese Phoenix or Immortal Phoenix) |
| Species | Mythical bird |
| Plumage | Vibrant and colorful, with feathers that are red, green, blue, and gold |
| Head | Like a dragon |
| Beak | Like a parrot |
| Tail | Long, like a peacock |
| Body | Blends features of various bird species, including the peacock, swan, crane, and pheasant |
| Size | Varies, but often depicted as large |
| Appearance in Art | Often depicted in East Asian art and literature, representing grace, elegance, and beauty |
The Fenghuang is a mythical bird that is often depicted in East Asian art and literature. It is commonly known as the Chinese Phoenix or the Immortal Phoenix, and it is considered a symbol of prosperity, grace, and high virtue.
The appearance of the Fenghuang is a blend of various bird species, including the peacock, swan, crane, and pheasant. It is said to have a vibrant plumage, with feathers that are red, green, blue, and gold.
The Fenghuang is also believed to have a head like a dragon, a beak like a parrot, and a long tail like a peacock.
These days, the Bird is often described as an amalgamation of other birds such as A Golden Pheasant’s head, a Mandarin Duck’s body, a Peacock’s tail, Crane’s legs, a Parrot’s beak and a Swallow’s wings.
The Bird’s composite body parts are said to represent different aspects of space.
The Bird’s head, for example, represents the sky while its tail represents the planets.
The eyes represent the sun, and the Bird’s back symbolises the moon; its wings represent the wind, and its feet represent the earth.
In Chinese mythology, the male and female aspects of the Fenghuang relate to the philosophical perspective of Yin and Yang.
Origin and Evolution
Artistic depictions of the Fenghuang Bird date back as far as 8000 years ago. Images of the Bird first appeared on jade pottery, bronze and jade figurines from the Hongshan culture.
These early representations are often associated with symbols of good luck.
The male/female duo of birds first appeared during the Han dynasty around 2200 years ago.
These two birds are represented as phoenixes facing each other; this has been attributed to a symbolic reference to the south.
The merging of the two birds into one first happened around the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).
Mysterious Origins
The origin of the Fenghuang is shrouded in mystery, with various versions of its story told in different cultures.
In Chinese mythology, the bird is said to have lived in the Kunlun Mountains, which are located in western China.
According to legends, the Fenghuang was born out of fire, and it is said to have lived for a thousand years before bursting into flames and being reborn from the ashes.
Japanese Mythology
The Fenghuang is also an essential figure in Japanese mythology, where it is known as the Hō-ō. In Japan, the bird is associated with the deity Amaterasu, who is considered the goddess of the sun.
According to Japanese mythology, the Hō-ō is a messenger of the gods and is said to appear only during times of peace and prosperity.
Ancient Chinese Literature
Ancient Chinese classic literature Shanhijin (4th-century BC) mentions the birds’ 5 colours as symbols for Confucius’ 5 virtues.
The colours red, green, yellow, black and white are said to represent the virtues: Charity, uprightness, knowledge, faithfulness, politeness.
The Fenghuang Bird, as female representation, came to be synonymous with the Empress. The masculine Dragon came to represent the emperor.
The phoenix was said to represent all that was pure, as long as a phoenix resided with an empress, the Empress could not be thought of as impure or corrupt.
Behaviour
Collective mythologies surrounding the Bird suggest that the Fenghuang is an immortal bird. Unlike the phoenix of the west which ages, dies and is reborn, the Fenghuang Bird simply lives forever.
The Bird is said to nest in areas inaccessible to humans. Its home is within the K’unlan mountains, high up in the Wu t’ung trees.
Some legends suggest that a musician playing underneath a Wu t’ung tree will have his music blessed by the melody of the Fenghuang Bird.
Legend has a lot to say about the melody of the Fenghuang Bird’s song. It is said that the Bird sings its theme in the five Chinese harmonic notes and that its song is the inspiration for the Chinese harmonic scale.
The Fenghuang Bird eats a diet consisting only of bamboo seeds. Their behaviour is described as being peaceful and never causing direct harm to humans.
When a Fenghuang Bird takes flight, all other birds and creatures are rumoured to fall silent.
During troubled times, the Fenghuang Bird mythology suggests it flies to the heavens so that its presence can only symbolise peace.
When the Bird reappears, this is viewed as an extremely positive omen reflective of a time of significant change for the good.
Meaning of Fenghuang
In East Asian culture, the Fenghuang is considered a symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.
It is often depicted in art and literature, representing grace, elegance, and beauty.
The bird is also believed to be a messenger of the gods, with its appearance signaling the arrival of important events or significant changes.
In Chinese culture, the Fenghuang is often depicted alongside the dragon, which is considered the symbol of the emperor.
Together, the Fenghuang and the dragon represent the yin and yang of nature, representing balance, harmony, and unity.
Mythological Significance
Initially, the Bird was associated with prosperity; however, this has changed over the years.
Huangdi, the mythological emperor and founder of Daoism, is often associated with the Bird.
Legend dictates, the Fenghuang appeared just before the yellow emperor’s death.
During the Zhou dynasty (1046BC-256BC), the Fenghuang Bird became synonymous with political prowess and prosperity.
Ming Dynasty
In later years, the Bird made an appearance at the gravesite of the founder of the Ming dynasty, emperor Hongwu.
The appearance of the Fenghuang Bird in mythology often symbolises a significant change such as the birth of a virtuous leader.
| Mythology | Name of the Bird | Appearance | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Fenghuang | Vibrant plumage with red, green, blue, and gold feathers, head like a dragon, beak like a parrot, and a long tail like a peacock | Symbol of good fortune, prosperity, longevity, and the imperial family. Messenger of the gods. Associated with fire and the element of air. |
| Japanese | Hō-ō | Similar to the Chinese Fenghuang, but with a more colorful plumage and often depicted with a crown-like crest on its head | Symbol of renewal and rebirth, messenger of the gods, and associated with the sun and Amaterasu, the goddess of the sun. |
| Korean | Bonghwang | Resembles the Fenghuang, but with a more muted coloration and often depicted with a horn-like feature on its head | Symbol of beauty, grace, and good fortune. Associated with the element of fire. |
| Vietnamese | Phượng Hoàng | Similar to the Chinese Fenghuang, but with a more subdued plumage and often depicted with a feathered crest on its head | Symbol of power, strength, and wisdom, and associated with the imperial family. Messenger of the gods. |
The Fenghuang is deeply rooted in East Asian mythology, and its symbolism is pervasive in the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
The bird is often depicted in art, literature, and religious texts, representing various concepts such as immortality, power, and wisdom.
Chinese mythology
In Chinese mythology, the Fenghuang is believed to have a close association with the emperor and is considered a symbol of the imperial family.
It is often depicted alongside the dragon, which represents the emperor himself.
Together, the Fenghuang and the dragon symbolize the balance between yin and yang, representing the harmony and unity of nature.
Element Of Fire
The bird is also associated with the element of fire and is believed to have the power to control it.
The Fenghuang’s wings are said to create flames that can consume its enemies and purify the land.
The bird is also believed to be a messenger of the gods and is said to bring good fortune and prosperity wherever it goes.
Japanese mythology
In Japanese mythology, the Fenghuang is known as the Hō-ō and is associated with the deity Amaterasu, who is considered the goddess of the sun.
The Hō-ō is believed to represent the renewal of life and is often depicted alongside cherry blossoms, which symbolize rebirth and renewal.
Korean mythology
In Korean mythology, the Fenghuang is known as the Bonghwang and is associated with the element of fire.
The bird is often depicted in art and literature, representing the beauty and grace of nature.
Vietnamese mythology
In Vietnamese mythology, the Fenghuang is known as the Phượng Hoàng and is considered the symbol of the emperor.
The bird is often depicted in art and architecture, representing power, strength, and wisdom.
Modern Usage of Fenghuang
Despite being a mythical creature, the Fenghuang continues to have relevance in modern times.
In China, the bird is often used as a decorative motif in art, textiles, and architecture.
The Fenghuang is also a symbol of the Chinese imperial family, with its image appearing on the national emblem of the Republic of China.
Popular Culture
The Fenghuang also has a significant place in popular culture.
The bird has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and video games, where it is often depicted as a powerful and mystical creature.
Powers of Fenghuang
The Fenghuang is believed to possess various powers, including the ability to control the wind and the weather.
In Chinese mythology, it is said that the bird’s wings can create hurricanes, and its cry can cause thunderstorms.
Power Of Rebirth
The Fenghuang is also believed to have the power of rebirth, which is why it is often associated with the concept of reincarnation.
According to legends, the bird would burst into flames at the end of its life cycle, only to be reborn from the ashes, representing the cycle of life and death.
Modern usage
English speakers often refer to depictions of the Bird in ceramics such as chinoiserie as the HoHo Bird.
This name comes from the Japanese pronunciation and translates directly to Fenghuang Bird.
Female Chinese names often contain elements of the Bird’s name such as Feng (male names incorporate the Dragon).
The mythological Bird’s name also features in many regional place names throughout China.
The most popular of these places is Fenghuang County in Western Hunan.
The Fenghuang Bird also features within the emblem of The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The emblem’s use of the Bird is said to represent majesty, loyalty, beauty, and nobility.
What is Fenghuang known for?
The Fenghuang is known for its beauty, grace, and mystical powers.
It is often associated with good fortune, prosperity, and longevity, and is believed to bring harmony and balance to nature.
The bird is also known for its close association with the emperor, representing power and authority.
What is Fenghuang in English?
The Fenghuang is also known as the Chinese Phoenix or the Immortal Phoenix in English.
It is a mythical bird that is a prominent figure in East Asian folklore, known for its vibrant plumage and mystical powers.
The Fenghuang is considered a symbol of grace, elegance, and beauty, representing concepts such as immortality, power, and wisdom.
Its symbolism is pervasive in the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, and continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world.
How to Pronounce Fenghuang
The pronunciation of Fenghuang can be a bit tricky for those unfamiliar with the Chinese language.
The word is pronounced as “fung-hwahng” in Mandarin Chinese, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
The “f” in Fenghuang is pronounced as a hard “f” sound, similar to the word “fan,” and the “h” is pronounced as a soft “h” sound, similar to the word “hello.”
Why is Fenghuang Called Fenghuang?
The name Fenghuang is derived from the Chinese words “feng” and “huang,” which translate to “phoenix” and “yellow,” respectively.
The bird is often depicted as having yellow feathers, which is why it is sometimes called the Yellow Phoenix.
The name Fenghuang also represents the bird’s association with the element of fire, as “feng” can also mean “fire” in Chinese.
Fenghuang vs Phoenix
The Fenghuang is often confused with the Phoenix, which is a mythical bird in Greek mythology.
Although both birds share some similarities, they have distinct differences.
| Aspect | Fenghuang | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | East Asian mythology | Greek mythology |
| Appearance | Vibrant plumage with red, green, blue, and gold feathers, head like a dragon, beak like a parrot, and a long tail like a peacock | Golden and red feathers, often depicted as having a long tail and a crest on its head |
| Symbolism | Symbol of good fortune, prosperity, longevity, and the imperial family. Messenger of the gods. Associated with fire and the element of air. | Symbol of resurrection and rebirth. Associated with the sun and fire. |
| Powers | Ability to control wind and weather, power of rebirth and renewal | Ability to rise from the ashes and be reborn |
| Culture | Prominent in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures | Prominent in Greek and Western cultures |
The Phoenix is often depicted as having red and gold feathers and is believed to have the power of resurrection.
The Fenghuang, on the other hand, is a blend of various bird species and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity.
Despite these differences, the two birds share some common characteristics, such as their association with fire and their symbolism of renewal and rebirth.
What do Phoenixes Represent?
In Greek mythology, the Phoenix is a mythical bird that represents resurrection and rebirth.
According to legends, the Phoenix would burst into flames at the end of its life cycle and then be reborn from the ashes.
The bird is also associated with the sun and is often depicted as having golden and red feathers, representing the colors of fire and the sun.
The Phoenix is also believed to be a messenger of the gods and is said to bring good fortune and prosperity.
FAQs
Where did the Fenghuang Bird Mythology originate?
There is no clear origin story of the Fenghuang myth.
When did the Fenghuang Bird first start appearing in mythology?
The Bird’s appearances in Chinese mythology date back to around the Third Millenium BC.
What is the bird often associated with?
The Fenghuang Bird is often linked with Chinese royalty.
Does the bird carry anything?
The Bird is sometimes depicted carrying scrolls and ancient books.
