What are the five great beasts?

Qinglong, Baihu, Suzaku, Xuanwu, Kirin.

First, Qinglong

Dragon, the totem of the Chinese nation since ancient times, has the meaning of throne. Like people, the dragon has become the most distinguished mascot representative in the eyes of China people. In ancient times, it was also a common pattern on royal objects, such as the dragon robe worn by the emperor and the dragon chair he sat in. This shows that our country loves dragons.

Second, the white tiger

The white tiger symbolizes power and the army, so many places named after the white tiger in ancient times are related to the military, such as the white tiger flag in the ancient army and the white tiger statue on the military symbol. In the concept of stars in the pre-Qin period, the white tiger was regarded as one of the four spirits and four elephants.

Third, Xuanwu

Xuanwu, a combination similar to tortoise and snake, plays an important role in the five ancient beasts, such as mystery, ghosts and gods, divination, etc., but some later generations compare it to a symbol of longevity.

Fourth, Kirin.

Kirin, the oldest of the five ancient animals, looks like a deer, with horns on its head and scales all over it. Tonggui and Longfeng are collectively called "Four Spirits". Fierce in appearance and gentle in temperament, there must be auspicious signs wherever they appear. According to legend, Confucius, a great sage in the Spring and Autumn Period, appeared before and after his birth. Later, it was put at home to ward off evil spirits in the town house.

Five, Suzaku

Suzaku, also known as the mysterious bird, was alluded to by the famous literary master Mr. Guo Moruo who borrowed the phrase "phoenix nirvana, reborn from the fire". In fact, Suzaku is different from Phoenix, which is just the king of birds, and Suzaku is a spirit beast of heaven and earth, more precious and more powerful than Phoenix.