Popular Science | Do you know what the Four Spirits of Jade are?

01

dragon

Although the dragon has never been found in real life, it is a classic creature in Eastern mythology and legends.

Also because the legends about it are widely circulated, the dragon is endowed with the functions of exorcising evil spirits, avoiding disasters, and praying for blessings among the Chinese folk.

As one of the most representative symbols in ancient culture, the dragon has a very profound historical background. The mysterious legend, beautiful meaning, majestic momentum, and domineering appearance, the embodiment of the dragon in jade carvings has firmly captured the hearts of jade lovers.

02

Phoenix

Feng is the short name of phoenix, also known as Vermilion Bird, Red Bird, Fire Bird and so on. In Western mythology, the phoenix is ​​also called the firebird and the immortal bird.

According to Guo Pu's annotation in Er Ya Shi Niao, the characteristics of the phoenix are: chicken head, swallow chin, snake neck, turtle back, fish tail, five-colored, and about six feet tall.

The phoenix was also a symbol of status for ancient people, representing supreme power, and the "Phoenix Crown" was exclusively for the queen.

The Jade Phoenix symbolizes a successful career and great wealth . If a politician wears a jade phoenix, it means success in official career and everything goes well.

In the word phoenix, the male is called phoenix and the female is called huang. The ancients said: "I wish to be a pair of wings in the sky, and a pair of branches on the ground."

Therefore, the Jade Phoenix also symbolizes the unity and concerted efforts of a couple to build a happy and fulfilling life together and love each other until old age .

03

Kirin

"There are three hundred and sixty hairy insects, and the Qilin is the leader among them."

In traditional culture, Qilin is the king of beasts. The male one is called Qilin and the female one is called Lin, commonly known as "four-legged beast".

Because the Qilin is gentle, friendly and motivated by nature, the jade Qilin symbolizes good luck, noble character, good health and family harmony .

There is a saying among the people that "Qilin brings children", and the children brought by Qilin are all excellent and virtuous people.

Therefore, the Jade Qilin also symbolizes a large family and many children.

04

turtle

The turtle is a tortoise, the only mythical animal among the four spirits whose original form can be found, and it is also one of the animals with the longest lifespan.

In folk culture, people believe that turtles represent health, longevity, intelligence and wisdom .

The jade turtle symbolizes firm belief and strong will, and gives people infinite hope that “when you seem to have reached the end of your rope, there is always a way out.”

The meaning contained in jade jewelry is often expressed through homophones, symbols, metaphors, and similes, and the same is true for jade turtles.

“龟” is homophonic to “归”, which means returning to one’s origin. Therefore, the jade turtle symbolizes going home or returning. People who go on a long journey wear a jade turtle ornament, which means a safe return.

Therefore, the four jade spirits all have their own auspicious meanings, which are really suitable for both keeping for yourself and giving to others.