Fenghuang facts for kids

Fenghuang sculpture

Fenghuang (Chinese: 鳳凰; Pinyin: Fènghuáng; Japanese: 鳳凰 hō-ō; Korean: 봉황 bonghwang; Vietnamese: Phượng Hoàng) is the name of two Chinese mythological birds, that were central figures in ancient Chinese cosmology. Sometimes called the Chinese Phoenix, the Fenghuang is a symbol of summer and spiritual balance, and along with the dragon, qilin and tortoise, is one of the most highly revered creatures in Chinese tradition. Its appearance is said to indicate some great event, or to bear testimony to the greatness of a ruler.

Images for kids

Jade phoenix, unearthed from the tomb of Fu Hao, c. 1200 BC, Shang dynasty.
A phoenix (top) and dragon (left), Silk Painting of a Human Figure with Phoenix and Dragon, Silk painting unearthed from a Chu tomb.
A fenghuang on the roof of Longshan Temple in Taipei
Drawing of a Fum Hoam (fenghuang) by a Dutch man, circa 1664.
Classic of Mountains and Seas illustration of a nine-headed phoenix (colored Qing Dynasty edition)
Portrait of an empress, possibly Empress Xiaoxianchun, (wife of the Qianlong Emperor) sitting on a chair decorated with phoenixes
Phoenix sculpture in Fenghuang mountain, Fengcheng.
Dragon & Phoenix Arch in China
Phoenix sculpture by the Blue House (former residence of the Korean President).
The emblem of CUHK is the mythical Chinese bird feng (鳳) which has been regarded as the Bird of the South since the Han dynasty. It is a symbol of nobility, beauty, loyalty and majesty. The University colours are purple and gold, representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively.

Fenghuang facts for kids

Images for kids

See also