Q is for Qilin

Since many of the mythical bests this month are not good, here is one that is a good omen 😉

“The Qilin is a Chinese mythical hooved chimerical creature known throughout various East Asian cultures, said to appear with the imminent arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler.^[1] It is a good omen thought to occasion prosperity or serenity (Chinese: 瑞, p ruì).^{[citation needed]} It is often depicted with what looks like fire all over its body. It is sometimes called the “Chinese unicorn” when compared with the Western unicorn.”2

“The advent of a great sage was made known when a qilin appeared to the pregnant mother ofConfucius (6th century bc). The qilin thereupon coughed up an inscribed jade tablet that foretold the future greatness of the unborn child. The death of Confucius was foreshadowed when a qilin was injured by a charioteer.”3

“According to legends, the qilin likes to help good people, especially those who are xiào( fulfill filial duties) and do good deeds. Thus, it is also called the rén shòu (benevolent creature). The qilin protects and blesses those who host its statue, and can boost the host’s career, solve dangers, fend of demons, and bring prosperity. However, a qilin may also pursue evildoers, for that reason people in the prostitution, gambling, and drug dealing industries would never put a qilin statue either in the office or at home.”4

 

Bibliography 

1 “qilin (Chinese mythology)”. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 24 July 2011.

2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qilin

3 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/110049/qilin

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