Four Holy Beasts

The Four Holy Beasts (四靈、四聖獸、or 四大神獸) are Chinese astronomical and cultural Four Benevolent Animals that are spread in the East Asian cultural sphere. They are mentioned in the Chinese classic Book of Rites^[1] and includes the Dragon (龍) in the East, the Qilin (麟) in the West, the Turtle (龜) in the North, and the Phoenix (鳳) in the South.

^ Liji "Liyun (The conveyance of rite" / Ceremonial usages; their origins, development, and intention)" 23. quote: "何謂四靈？麟鳳龜龍，謂之四靈。" translation based on James Legge's: "What were the four numinous creatures? They were the lin, the feng, the tortoise, and the dragon."

[1] Liji "Liyun (The conveyance of rite" / Ceremonial usages; their origins, development, and intention)" 23. quote: "何謂四靈？麟鳳龜龍，謂之四靈。" translation based on James Legge's: "What were the four numinous creatures? They were the lin, the feng, the tortoise, and the dragon."

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