What does Xuanwu mean?

Xuanwu is one of the four spirits in ancient China mythology, also known as tortoise and snake.

Xuanwu originated from the worship of stars in ancient times, which means that twenty-eight lodges are divided into seven northern Xuanwu lodges according to the southeast and northwest of the four elephants. Xuanwu is a spirit composed of turtles and snakes.

In the traditional culture of China, the four elephants refer to the dragon, white tiger, suzaku and Xuanwu, representing the east, west, south and north respectively. Xuanwu in the north represents divination in the eight diagrams and water in the five elements, symbolizes the old yin in the four elephants and the winter in the four seasons, and is also the land of heaven in the north.

The original meaning of the word Xuanwu is Xuanming, and the ancient sound of "Wu" and "Ming" is the same. "Xuan" refers to darkness and "ghost" refers to darkness.

Generally speaking, Xuanwu is one of the four gods in China ancient mythology, which is composed of turtles and snakes. It represents the direction of the north, is in charge of water, and symbolizes darkness and gloom. Xuanwu has an important position and symbolic significance in the traditional culture of China.

Xuanwu cultural characteristics

1, place name

Emperor Xuanwu's Dojo is in Wudang Mountain, Hubei Province, so Wuhan holds Guishan and Sheshan across the river.

2. Totem culture

Turtles and snakes were regarded as sacred animals in ancient China, symbolizing longevity. Before the Han Dynasty, nobles often wore jade turtles. In Japan, influenced by ancient China, turtle patterns are often used to name and make badges. Twenty-eight lodgings are divided into four groups, namely, seven lodgings in East Black Dragon, seven lodgings in North Xuanwu, seven lodgings in West White Tiger and seven lodgings in South Suzaku. Ancestors regarded the dragon as the leader of scale insects, the phoenix as the king of birds, the tiger as the leader of beasts, and the turtle as the king of insects, which were collectively called the Four Spirits.

3, tortoise shell divination

Ancient people in China used black tortoise shells for divination, commonly known as "tortoise divination". Its general meaning is to ask Xuanzang some questions to his ancestors in the underworld, and then bring back the answers and show them to the world in the form of divination.

4, jewelry decoration

Turtles have been a symbol of longevity since ancient times. This is very attractive to emperors and generals who pursue immortality. Therefore, people often carve basaltic patterns on the Yu Pei and wear them around their waists or necks for longevity and peace. Not only that, the artistic image of Xuanwu is also widely used in other places, such as bronze mirrors, lacquerware, stone carvings and tile decoration.

Reference to the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Xuanwu