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Four guardians of four direction of compass
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The tortoise, dragon, red bird, and white tiger are the four guardians of the four compass. Tortoise also known as the Black Warrior symbolizes north, winter, black, water. White Tiger also known as Kirin symbolizes west, fall, white, metal. Dragon symbolizes east, spring, blue or green, wood. Red Bird also known as Phoenix symbolizes south, summer, red, fire. The tortoise is a symbol of long life and happiness. When it becomes one thousand years old, it is able to speak the language of humans. The White Tiger is associated with metal. When metal is placed in a grave, a ceremonial connection with the tiger god is effected.The Red Birth corresponds to summer, red, fire, and knowledge; makes small seeds grow into giant trees. Often paired with the dragon, for the two represent both conflict and wedded bliss; dragon as the emperor and phoenix as the empress. The dragon corresponds to the season spring, the color green or blue, the element wood, and the virtue propriety; supports and maintains the country that controls rain, symbol of the Emperor’s power.
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