Nine-headed Bird
Encyclopedia
The nine-headed bird is one of the earliest forms of the Chinese phoenix, worshiped by ancient natives in Hubei Province, which during the Warring States Period
was part of the kingdom of Chu
(楚).
The nine-headed bird was also called the "Nine Phoenix" (九凤), which together with the Chinese dragon
, were two of the most widely venerated mythical creatures throughout Chinese history.
The number nine was thought to possess mysterious power in Chinese culture. The nine-headed bird was, and still is believed to be a symbol of wisdom and good fortune.
Warring States Period
The Warring States Period , also known as the Era of Warring States, or the Warring Kingdoms period, covers the Iron Age period from about 475 BC to the reunification of China under the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC...
was part of the kingdom of Chu
Chu
Chu or CHU may refer to:Surname:* Chu , a common Chinese surname for 朱 , but it can also refer to any Chinese surname whose pinyin is "chu", such as 楚, 储, 褚, 初, 除 and other possible surnames....
(楚).
The nine-headed bird was also called the "Nine Phoenix" (九凤), which together with the Chinese dragon
Chinese dragon
Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore, with mythic counterparts among Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Western and Turkic dragons. In Chinese art, dragons are typically portrayed as long, scaled, serpentine creatures with four legs...
, were two of the most widely venerated mythical creatures throughout Chinese history.
The number nine was thought to possess mysterious power in Chinese culture. The nine-headed bird was, and still is believed to be a symbol of wisdom and good fortune.