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Dragon and Phoenix
Deeply rooted in Chinese
culture, dragon and phoenix were regarded as the most symbol animals and
used to be emblems of emperor and empress. The Chinese dragon is
traditionally the embodiment of the concept of yang (male), while phoenix
was paired (yin, female) with dragon.
Chinese dragon was firstly
adopted as the imaginary animal in prehistoric tribe, and then discovered
as decoration on the bronze vessels of Shang Dynasty (over 3,000 years
ago). Earliest legends described it an animal with fish scales and long
beard.
The Chinese phoenix, also
called "Feng Huang", is the head of all birds. Feng is male and Huang
female, while paired with dragon it is female. Feng Huang has rare
appearance, with colorful plumage. Many legends tell that it has a body of
pheasant, while feathers like that of peacocks, with wings of roc.
Chinese phoenix is also
an immortal bird whose rare appearances signify the peace and prosperity.
Down the ages, Chinese
"long" and dragon are the traditional totems embedded with people's
blessing and hope and left deep imprint in Chinese civilization. Some are
even combined the dragon and phoenix together to hope the harmony and
happiness of marriage.
Ruyi means "as you wish".
Lotus symbolize purity
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