Qinglong, also known as the black dragon, is an oriental god beast. It represents spring and the East, and is usually depicted as a huge blue dragon with a magnificent crown and great power. Qinglong occupies an important position in China culture. It is regarded as the totem of the Chinese nation and also symbolizes the authority and ruling power of the emperor.
White tiger, the beast of the west, represents autumn and the west. It is usually depicted as a white tiger with sharp claws and fierce expression. In China culture, the white tiger symbolizes autumn and harvest, and is also related to death and funeral.
Suzaku, the sacred beast of the south, represents summer and the south. It is usually depicted as a red phoenix or crested ibis, with gorgeous feathers and elegant posture. In China culture, Suzaku symbolizes passion and life, and is also associated with the fire in the south.
Xuanwu, the northern god beast, represents winter and the north. It is usually depicted as a black tortoise or a snake with a hard shell and a calm manner. In China culture, Xuanwu symbolizes the north and cold, and is also related to longevity and health.
The influence of four ancient god beasts.
First of all, the four great beasts played an important role in ancient architecture and art. For example, in ancient palaces, temples and tombs, the images of the four great beasts can often be seen as symbols of evil spirits, evil spirits and good luck. At the same time, the four sacred animals are also important themes of ancient works of art, such as ceramics, jade and bronzes, which reflect people's worship and belief in these sacred animals.
Secondly, the four great beasts often appear in literary works. Ancient poets, writers, novelists, etc. We often take the four beasts as the theme, and express our thoughts and feelings about the world, life and human nature by depicting their images and characteristics. For example, classic works such as Classic of Mountains and Seas, Romance of Gods, and The Journey to the West all have images and stories of the four great beasts.
In addition, the four great beasts also influenced Chinese religion and philosophy. Taoism, Buddhism and other religions all have the images and beliefs of the four beasts, and are regarded as gods who can keep people safe, auspicious and live long. At the same time, China's philosophy is endowed with profound symbolic meanings, such as the blue dragon representing spring and the east, the white tiger representing autumn and the west, the suzaku representing summer and the south, and the Xuanwu representing winter and the north, which implies the concepts of the four seasons of the universe and the five elements of Yin and Yang.