Nine Sons of the Long (龙生九子) is an ancient Chinese myth and legend referring to the nine sons of the Long, each with a different image and characteristics. It is a metaphor for siblings with different qualities and hobbies.
In traditional Chinese culture, nine means extremely many. One theory says that it does not mean that theLong has given birth to nine sons, but refers to an imaginary number in general, which is also a noble number.
The Long had nine sons, each with their own characteristics and hobbies.
The eldest, Qiu Niu, loved music and often perched on the head of a qin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument) to enjoy it. Therefore, his image is often carved on the head of a qin.
The second son, Ya Zi, was combative and loved killing. His image adorned the rings and handles of knives and the mouths of Long-swallowing hilts, adding power to the weapons. These decorations were commonly seen on the weapons of famous generals on the battlefield and the guards of palaces.
The third son, Chao Feng, resembled a beast and loved high and dangerous places. He often appeared on the corners of palace roofs. He not only symbolized good luck but also had the meaning of deterring demons and eliminating disasters.
The fourth son, Pu Lao, resembled a coiled Long and loved to roar loudly. The Long-shaped knob on a large bell was his image, and when the bell was rung, a whale-shaped mallet would strike it, causing the sound to echo through the clouds.
The fifth son, Suan Ni, resembled a lion, loved quiet, and enjoyed fireworks. His image decorated the feet of Buddhist seats and incense burners and also appeared on the collars of stone lions or bronze lions during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The sixth son, Ba Xia, also known as Bi Xi, resembled a turtle and loved to carry heavy loads. The turtle pedestal under a stele was his image, symbolizing longevity and good luck.
The seventh son, Bian An, also known as Xian Zhang, resembled a tiger and loved to argue but had great power. The tiger-headed decoration on the top of a prison gate was his image and also appeared on both sides of the grand hall of an official residence, maintaining the dignity of the court.
The eighth son, Fu Xi, resembled a Long and loved literature. The Long carvings on both sides of a stele were his image, and he willingly turned into Long patterns to complement the famous literary treasures handed down through the ages.
The ninth son, Chi Wun, also known as Chi Wei, was a Long-shaped beast that loved to swallow things. The curly Long head at both ends of a palace roof ridge was his image, and he was used to ward off evil spirits and prevent fires.
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