Four Guardians of the Four Compass Directions Celestial Emblems of the Chinese Emperor

[Aepsilons]

Shishin 四神. Also read Shijin. Also known in Japan as the Shijū 四獣, Shishō 四象, or Shirei 四霊.

Tortoise (Black Warrior) = North, Winter, Black, Water
White Tiger (Kirin) = West, Fall, White, Metal
Red Bird (Phoenix) = South, Summer, Red, Fire
Dragon = East, Spring, Blue/Green, Wood

In Japan, the four creatures have
been supplanted by the SHITENNŌ
Lit. = Four Heavenly Kings (of Buddhism)
Four Guardians of the Four Compass Directions.
Associated closely with China’s Five Element Theory.

 

[Aepsilons]

NORTH - The Tortoise / Turtle / Snake

Genbu 玄武 in Japanese; in Chinese Gui Xian, Kuei Hsien, Zuan Wu, Zheng Wu, Xuanwu. Genbu is always listening, and is thus portrayed as completely versed in Buddha’s teachings; corresponds to winter, cold, water, black, earth, and faith. The tortoise is a symbol of long life and happiness. When it becomes one thousand years old, it is able to speak the language of humans. Able to foretell the future. In artwork, often shown together with the snake.

A turtle’s shell (plastron) also symbolizes a suit of armor, hence the turtle is also called the Black Warrior or Dark Warrior. The Dark Warrior represents the Northern Palace or northern constellations of the Chinese zodiac. Genbu’s seven seishuku 星宿 (constellations) are:

1. Hikistu Boshi (Chn. = Tou 斗)
2. Inami Boshi (Chn. = Niu 牛)
3. Uruki Boshi (Chn. = Nü 女)
4. Tomite Boshi (Chn. = Xū 虚)
5. Umiyame Boshi (Chn. = Wei 危)
6. Hatsui Boshi (Chn. = Shih 室)
7. Namame Boshi (Chn. = Pi 璧)

 

[hirobo2]

NORTH - The Tortoise / Turtle / Snake

Genbu 玄武 in Japanese; in Chinese Gui Xian, Kuei Hsien, Zuan Wu, Zheng Wu, Xuanwu. Genbu is always listening, and is thus portrayed as completely versed in Buddha’s teachings; corresponds to winter, cold, water, black, earth, and faith. The tortoise is a symbol of long life and happiness. When it becomes one thousand years old, it is able to speak the language of humans. Able to foretell the future. In artwork, often shown together with the snake.

A turtle’s shell (plastron) also symbolizes a suit of armor, hence the turtle is also called the Black Warrior or Dark Warrior. The Dark Warrior represents the Northern Palace or northern constellations of the Chinese zodiac. Genbu’s seven seishuku 星宿 (constellations) are:

1. Hikistu Boshi (Chn. = Tou 斗)
2. Inami Boshi (Chn. = Niu 牛)
3. Uruki Boshi (Chn. = Nü 女)
4. Tomite Boshi (Chn. = Xū 虚)
5. Umiyame Boshi (Chn. = Wei 危)
6. Hatsui Boshi (Chn. = Shih 室)
7. Namame Boshi (Chn. = Pi 璧)

 

[libertycall]

NORTH - The Tortoise / Turtle / Snake

Genbu 玄武 in Japanese; in Chinese Gui Xian, Kuei Hsien, Zuan Wu, Zheng Wu, Xuanwu. Genbu is always listening, and is thus portrayed as completely versed in Buddha’s teachings; corresponds to winter, cold, water, black, earth, and faith. The tortoise is a symbol of long life and happiness. When it becomes one thousand years old, it is able to speak the language of humans. Able to foretell the future. In artwork, often shown together with the snake.

A turtle’s shell (plastron) also symbolizes a suit of armor, hence the turtle is also called the Black Warrior or Dark Warrior. The Dark Warrior represents the Northern Palace or northern constellations of the Chinese zodiac. Genbu’s seven seishuku 星宿 (constellations) are:

1. Hikistu Boshi (Chn. = Tou 斗)
2. Inami Boshi (Chn. = Niu 牛)
3. Uruki Boshi (Chn. = Nü 女)
4. Tomite Boshi (Chn. = Xū 虚)
5. Umiyame Boshi (Chn. = Wei 危)
6. Hatsui Boshi (Chn. = Shih 室)
7. Namame Boshi (Chn. = Pi 璧)

My ancestors were called 'White' Huns because of the cardinal directions.

We also introduced metal-working to the Chinese...so I suppose that explains the association of West with metal?

Oh not sure if you're aware but in classical maps before the rise of the European states, the direction of East was always at the top of the map. Hence the word 'orient-ation'.

 

[Aepsilons]

WEST - THE WHITE TIGER

Jpn = Byakko 白虎, Chn = Baihu. Guards Buddha's Teachings and mankind; observes world with clairvoyance; corresponds to the season fall, the color white, wind, the element metal, and the virtue righteousness. "The White Tiger of the West, for instance, is associated with metal. When, therefore, metal is placed in a grave, a ceremonial connection with the tiger god is effected. According to the Chinese Annals of Wu and Yueh, three days after the burial of the king, the essence of the element metal assumed the shape of a white tiger and crouched down on the top of the grave. Here the tiger is a protector - a preserver. As we have seen, white jade was used when the Tiger god of the West was worshipped; it is known as 'tiger jade;' a tiger was depicted on the jade symbol. To the Chinese the tiger was the king of all animals and lord of the mountains, and the tiger-jade ornament was specially reserved for commanders of armies. The male tiger was, among other things, the god of war, and in this capacity it not only assisted the armies of the emperors, but fought the demons that threatened the dead in their graves."

The Tiger’s seven seishuku 星宿 (constellations) are:

1. Tokaki Boshi (Chn. = K’uei 奎)
2. Tatara Boshi (Chn. = Lou 婁)
3. Ekie Boshi (Chn. = Wei 胃)
4. Subaru Boshi (Chn. = Mao 昴)
5. Amefuri Boshi (Chn. = Pi 畢)
6. Toroki Boshi (Chn. = Tsui 觜)
7. Kagasuki Boshi (Chn. = Shen 參)

Yes, well Japanese concept of Godzilla and other Oni tales are actually based on Sino-Japanese folklore of old.



SOUTH -- THE SUZAKU (aka THE PHOENIX)

Chinese = Zhū Qiǎo 朱雀 or Zhū Niǎo 朱鳥
Korean = Chujak 주작
Japanese = Suzaku, Sujaku, Shujaku 朱雀
Japanese = Shuchō 朱鳥 or Suchō, Akamitori, Akamidori; aka the Vermillion Bird. Shuchō was also a Japanese era name for a few months between 686 and 687 AD.

In Japan, the term “Suzaku” is translated as “Red Bird” or “Vermillion Chinese Phoenix.” In both Japan and China, the symbolism of the red bird seems nearly identical to or merged with that of the mythological Phoenix.

Corresponds to summer, red, fire, and knowledge; makes small seeds grow into giant trees (need to give source). Often paired with the dragon, for the two represent both conflict and wedded bliss; Dragon (emperor) and phoenix (empress). Portrayed with radiant feathers, and an enchanting song; only appears in times of good fortune. Within the ancient Imperial Palace in Japan, there was a gate known as Suzakumon 朱雀門 (Red Bird Gate).

Suzaku’s seven seishuku 星宿 (constellations) are:

1. Chichiri Boshi (Chn. = Ching 井)
2. Tamahome Boshi (Chn. = Kuei 鬼)
3. Nuriko Boshi (Chn. = Liu 柳)
4. Hotohori Boshi (Chn. = Hsing 星)
5. Chiriko Boshi (Chn. = Chang 張)
6. Tasuki Boshi (Chn. = Yi 翼)
7. Mitsukake Boshi (Chn. = Chen 軫)

EAST - THE DRAGON

Dragon; Ryū (Ryu) 龍 or Seiryū (Seiryu) 青龍 in Japan.

Japan’s dragon lore comes predominantly from China. Images of the reptilian dragon are found throughout Asia, and the pictorial form most widely recognized today was already prevalent in Chinese ink paintings in the Tang period (9th century).

The dragon corresponds to the season spring, the color green/blue, the element wood, and the virtue propriety; supports and maintains the country (controls rain, symbol of the Emperor’s power). Often paired with the Phoenix, for the two represent both conflict and wedded bliss. In both China and Japan, Dragon and Phoenix symbolism is associated closely with the imperial family -- the emperor (dragon) and the empress (phoenix).

Represents the yang principle; often portrayed surrounded by water or clouds. In Chinese mythology, there are five types of dragon: (1) the celestial dragons who guard the abodes of the gods; (2) dragon spirits, who rule over wind and rain but can also cause flooding; (3) earth dragons, who cleanse the rivers and deepen the oceans; (4) treasure-guarding dragons; and (5) imperial dragons, those with five claws instead of the usual four.

The Dragon’s seven constellations (seishuku 星宿; also read shōshuku or sukuyō 宿曜) are shown below. The Chinese term is Xīngsù 星宿 or Sù 宿, also written as Hsiu.

1. Su Boshi
2. Ami Boshi
3. Tomo Boshi
4. Soi Boshi
5. Nakago Boshi
6. Ashitare Boshi
7. Mi Boshi