fenghuang
Virtue bird symbol
Fenghuang is a mythical bird in Chinese tradition, often called the Chinese phoenix though it predates and differs from the Western phoenix.
It represents virtue, grace, and the union of yin and yang—the male feng and female huang together.
The fenghuang symbolizes the empress, paired with the dragon representing the emperor: The bride's dress was embroidered with dragon and fenghuang motifs.
Feminine cosmic force
- yangBright masculine cosmic force
- empressFemale ruler of empire
- femininePertaining to women
- unionJoining into one
marriage · harmony · balance · duality · complement · imperial · royalty · nobility
Disposition toward doing good
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- proprietyCorrectness of conduct
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- sincerityHonest, unfeigned genuineness
integrity · honor · justice · morality · compassion · grace · dignity · humanity
Female ruler of empire
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- palaceMonarch's official residence
- coronationCeremony installing a sovereign
regalia · crown · sovereign · consort · nobility · court · mandate · reign
Self-immolating, regenerating bird
- qilinAuspicious Chinese chimera
- dragonLegendary fire-breathing reptile
- Chinese mythologyTraditional sacred stories from Asia
- legendUnverified traditional tale
mythical creature · four symbols · celestial · sacred bird · supernatural · white tiger · plumage · feathers
Divinely pleasant or blissful
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- transformationThorough change in form
- reincarnationSoul's rebirth after death
- legendUnverified traditional tale
tale · oracle · prophecy · celestial realm · divine messenger · ancient China
For beauty, not function
- decorativeServing to beautify
- architectureBuilding design discipline
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
- embroideryDecorative stitching on fabric
silk · jewelry · lacquerware · ceramics · motif · pattern · gilded · intricate
yin
Feminine cosmic force
union · marriage · harmony · balance · duality · complement · imperial · royalty · nobility · virtue
benevolence
Disposition toward doing good
- righteousnessMoral correctness or virtue
- proprietyCorrectness of conduct
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
sincerity · integrity · honor · justice · morality · compassion · grace · dignity · humanity · Confucian
empress
Female ruler of empire
- dynastySuccessive family rulers
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- palaceMonarch's official residence
coronation · regalia · crown · sovereign · consort · nobility · court · mandate · reign · ceremonial
phoenix
Self-immolating, regenerating bird
- qilinAuspicious Chinese chimera
- dragonLegendary fire-breathing reptile
- Chinese mythologyTraditional sacred stories from Asia
legend · mythical creature · four symbols · celestial · sacred bird · supernatural · white tiger · plumage · feathers · ornate
heavenly
Divinely pleasant or blissful
- spiritSoul, mood, or liquor
- transformationThorough change in form
- reincarnationSoul's rebirth after death
legend · tale · oracle · prophecy · celestial realm · divine messenger · ancient China
ornamental
For beauty, not function
- decorativeServing to beautify
- architectureBuilding design discipline
- sculptureShaped three-dimensional art
embroidery · silk · jewelry · lacquerware · ceramics · motif · pattern · gilded · intricate · craftsmanship