The phoenix, also referred to as Fenghuang, is a mythological bird in Sinospheric mythology and reigns over all birds. Feng referred to the males originally, whereas Huang referred to the females. This gender distinction is no longer made; they are all blurred into one feminine entity. As a result, you will find the bird paired with a Chinese dragon deemed to be male.
This bird can be termed the most iconic mythical in history. It is revered in multiple cultures, including Greeks, Egyptians, Arabs, and of course, the Chinese. It was looked upon as a noble bird with the ability to judge human character, conferring blessings to those who are righteous.
The phoenix symbolism
Metaphorically, the phoenix was a yin and yang symbol representing cohesion between man and woman in a relationship. This was before the birds were combined into one gender. It is believed to have played a role in cosmos creation in Chinese mythology, hatched from the egg of chaos together with the dragon, qilin, tortoise, and Pan Gu, the creation god.
The bird symbolizes virtue and grace. In ancient Chinese text, the head represents virtue, the back prosperity, and the chest mercy. The wings symbolize duty, whereas the abdomen is for credibility.
Considered an auspicious bird, you will find its statues on important occasions like weddings. It also symbolizes new beginnings, especially because it hides away during rough times showing up again only when things turn for the better.
This bird also symbolizes luck. Most people will adorn it in their front yards to bring chi to their homes and life. Small raised areas or large rocks in the yard symbolize the bird as well. For the promotion of happy marriages, the phoenix statue or that of a dragon is placed in the bedroom corner.
Phoenix depiction
Usually, the phoenix will be depicted attacking snakes using its sharp talons, with the wings spread out. Historically, it carried a swallows face, rooster beak, snake neck, fowl head, tortoise back, fishtail, goose breast, and stag hindquarters. Today it is usually described as having a mandarin duck body, peacock tail, parrot mouth, swallow wings, crane legs, and golden pheasant head.
The body of this bird also symbolizes celestial bodies, with the head being the sky, the wings being the wind, the back being the moon, and the eyes being the sun. The tail represents plants, and the feet represent the earth. Its five colors are green, yellow, red, white, and black. You will find it carrying scrolls, or sacred books in a box, sometimes with a fireball.
If happiness, prosperity, and peace are what you are looking for, you should associate yourself with the phoenix as it appears in areas that have these virtues. And how else can you do this but with a beautiful phoenix hanfu? The choices are numerous, some of which have been highlighted below.
1. White Hanfu
Elegance is best represented in this solid-colored hanfu. The top is a bright red, whereas the bottom is coal black. These two colors always command attention and are noble. The wide sleeves carry the phoenix embroidery done largely in majestic golden threads, but you will also see a pop of other bright, appealing colors bringing the embroidery together stylishly. A few elements also in gold are embroidered on the belt. Simple, pure elegance is what this hanfu is about.
2. Qixiong Hanfu Dress
Different colored fabrics are aligned vertically to create a dramatic dress. They are red and glittery pale pink. The phoenixes are embroidered on the red area running along vertically, whereas the glittery areas are left to shine on their own. The sleeves have the same bird embroidery, and you will also notice the dragon elements on the belt. This high-chested dress is cute and would make a good choice for a show or a party.
3. Male Hanfu
It is another very simple but elegant hanfu suitable for both males and females. The deep red solid skirt and coat are stunning, especially with the white inner garment. The white and gold phoenix embroidery is on the sleeves and back of the coat and the shoulders of the inner garment. Below the phoenix is what looks like an orange sun setting over some shrubs giving off a heavenly feel to the setting.
4. Wedding Hanfu
This hanfu is without a doubt glorious, worth of a wedding. You can also wear this for your important party as the guest of honor. Everything from the deep red color to the striking large white phoenixes and the flowers is stunningly beautiful. When wearing this dress, you do not need to make an effort to make friends; people will easily approach you and keep you entertained; you will only need to sit pretty and smile!
5. Winter Hanfu Cloak
The bean green color takes the crown in terms of coolness and sophistication. Apart from keeping you warm and cozy, this thickened cloak will still show your sense of style thanks to the beautiful floral and phoenix embroidery. The phoenix is displayed at the back, and it is huge. The hood and edges of the cloak have white fur adding to the luxurious appearance of the already warm cape. This will work with most outfits, so why not add it to your closet?
Conclusion
There is absolutely no style you can’t achieve with a hanfu. Whether you are into flora, fauna, or mythical animals, you will find a hanfu with all elements that appeal to you the most. The motifs and prints will usually be large or small to suit varying preferences. The hanfu is sensitive to gender; hence most sets are unisex; this is a plus for those who love matching outfits with their significant others. The colors have not been left behind, and you can make your wardrobe colorful as you wish with the different colored hanfu, mixed, printed, or solid; it’s a world of possibilities.