The Qi Lin (麒麟), is an ancient Chinese mythological beast, should the Ying Long (应龙) born Jian Ma (建马) , Jian Ma born Qi Lin, and “Long (dragon, 龙)”, “Feng (phoenix, 凤)”, “Gui (tortoise, 龟)”, “Pi Xiu (貔貅)”and known as the five auspicious creatures.
Qi Lin is a divine beast in ancient China.
It is said to be born from Jian Ma, which is born from Ying Long.
Together with Long (dragon), Feng (phoenix), Gui (tortoise), and Pi Xiu, it is known as the five auspicious creatures.
Qi Lin has a lion’s head, a wolf’s hooves, and a round top of its head.
Its body is colorful, about four meters tall, resembling a musk deer in body shape, with a dragon-like tail, Long scales, and two horns.
It can spit fire and make thunder-like sounds. It is kind usually, but fierce when angry.
Qi Lin lives a very long life, up to 2,000 years, symbolizing peace and longevity.
Ancient people believed Qi Lin to be a benevolent creature, with males called Qi and females Lin.
They thought that wherever Qi Lin appears, there would be good fortune.
Sometimes, Qi Lin is also used to metaphorically describe people with outstanding talent and virtue.
According to ”Shan Hai Jing”, Qi Lin was the steed of Huang Di (the Yellow Emperor), given by celestial beings to help unify the Central Plains.
When Kong Zi (the Confucius) was born, a Qi Lin appeared in his courtyard, which people believed brought good fortune and wisdom.
Therefore, Qi Lin also became a symbol of Kong Zi, representing the descent of a saint to educate people.
This legend shows the importance of Qi Lin in Confucian culture.
Legend has it that Qi Lin can also bring children to people, so many people worship it to seek offspring.
In ancient China, many dynasties also used Qi Lin as a mascot. Palaces and temples often decorated with Qi Lin along with dragons and phoenixes.
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