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Pixiu | |||||||||||||
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Pixiu | |||||||||||||
Chinese name | |||||||||||||
Chinese | 貔貅 | ||||||||||||
Literal meaning | panther | ||||||||||||
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Alternative Chinese name | |||||||||||||
Chinese | 辟邪 | ||||||||||||
Literal meaning | to ward off evil spirits | ||||||||||||
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Korean name | |||||||||||||
Hangul | 비휴 | ||||||||||||
Hanja | 豼貅 | ||||||||||||
Japanese name | |||||||||||||
Kanji | 貔貅 | ||||||||||||
Hiragana | ひきゅう | ||||||||||||
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Pixiu (Chinese: 貔貅; pinyin: píxiū; Wade–Giles: pʻi2-hsiu1; 貔貅, OC:*bi qʰu) is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature. Pixiu are considered powerful protectors of the souls of the dead, xian,[1] and feng shui practitioners, and resemble strong, winged lions. A Pixiu is an earth and sea variation[clarification needed], particularly an influential and auspicious creature for wealth, and is said to have a voracious appetite exclusively for gold, silver, and jewels. Therefore, traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu have always been regarded as auspicious creatures that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing cai qi (財氣 wealth) from all directions,[2][3] and according to the Chinese zodiac, it is especially helpful for those who are going through a bad year.
There are two types of Pixiu that are categorised by their antlers. The one with two antlers is the female and is called a Bìxié, and the one with one antler is the male and is called a Tiānlù.[4]
Pixiu crave the smell of gold and silver and like to bring their masters money in their mouth. Statues of this creature are often used to attract wealth in feng shui.[5][6]
Today, Pixiu are a popular design on jade pendants.