Pixiu

The pixiu is a Chinese mythical creature that looks like a strong, winged lion. People believe that pixiu protect the souls of the dead, special spiritual people called xian, and those who practice feng shui. They are thought to bring good luck, especially for money, because they love gold, silver, and jewels.

There are two kinds of pixiu. The female, called a Bìxié, has two antlers and helps keep away bad luck. The male, called a Tiānlù, has one antler and searches for wealth. When he brings home gold and treasures, the Bìxié guards them. Having a Tiānlù statue at home or work is said to help keep money from leaving.

Because pixiu are linked with wealth and protection, they are often made into statues and jade pendants today. People place them where they want to attract good fortune and guard their treasures.

Etymology

According to sinologist Axel Schuessler in 2007, the word pí referred to large panther-like cats in old texts. He compared its old pronunciation to a Tibetan word meaning "lynx" and suggested a possible shared origin.

Xu Ke described the pixiu as looking like tigers or bears with ash-white fur. In this description, pi is the male and xiu is the female.

Characteristics

Pixiu are special winged animals from ancient Chinese stories. They have the head of a Chinese dragon and the body of a lion. In the past, they were shown with one antler if they were male and two antlers if they were female, but now they are usually shown with just one antler. They have big eyes and sharp teeth, and they all have wings.

People sometimes mix up Pixiu with stone lions or qilin, but Pixiu can fly because of their feathered wings. Long ago, during the Eastern Han dynasty, some believed that Pixiu could fly to the realm of immortals called xian.

Mythology

The Pixiu is a mythical creature known for protecting its owners and guarding against bad spirits. Stories say that Pixiu cannot pass on what it eats, which is why it is often kept as a symbol of keeping wealth safe.

Pixiu are also thought to help their owners travel safely, even after they pass away. They are fierce protectors, keeping harmful spirits away and bringing good fortune.

History

Pixiu first appeared during the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), where they were called Táo bá. In old writings, the male Táo bá (Tiānlù) had one antler like a deer, and the female (Bìxié) had two.

Because of stories about how strong and brave Pixiu were in battle, they became a symbol for armies in ancient China. The name "Pixiu" means "fierce beast" and "brave warrior" and was used on flags and banners. Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty said that Pixiu, who guarded gold, would always be called the "Treasure of the Emperor." He said only royalty could have a Pixiu, and no one else, like officials, could own one. This rule stayed until the end of the Qing dynasty.

Architecture

Pixiu creatures were often placed on old buildings in China to keep away bad energy and bring good luck. You can see statues of Pixiu on the roofs of important places like palaces and homes of kings.

These statues were also used to protect the tombs of emperors and other important people in ancient times.

Feng shui

In feng shui, Pixiu (also called Piyao) is a special creature that brings good luck. It is believed to help people who are having trouble with bad feng shui, especially if they have upset Tai Sui.

In popular culture

In the movie Mulan, Pixiu appears as a design on Fa Mulan's sword.

In the 2017 show DuckTales, Pixiu is a character who causes trouble.

In the book American Born Chinese, the goddess Shiji Niangniang has a Pixiu pet that turns into a dog.

In Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon, a Pixiu named Hikyumaru is a big enemy character.

In the story Fabulous Beasts (有兽焉), two Pixiu brothers, Tianlu and Bixie, are important characters. Both look like white Corgi dogs. Tianlu is careful, while Bixie is more playful and excited. Later, another Pixiu named Qishiqi (77) joins them. He looks different and needs special care to stay strong.

In the video game Overwatch, players can dress the character Zenyatta up as a Pixiu.