Kirin

Kirin

 

 

 Kirin is a animal of God. Kirin is a King of all animal. This monster has a brilliant fur and long horn. The color divided into five as blue,red,white,black,yellow. Body is deer, Tail is cow, hoof and mane looks like a horse. From old times, Kirin composed a 'Four spiritual beast' with Dragon,turtle,Chinese phoenix and was recognized as a sacred animal. Children with excellent ability was called as "Kirin child". Here is a saying about Kirin child.
" Once a devil, always a devil. or Once a knave, and ever a knave "

  In addition, as a symbol of longevity,Kirin heralds offspring thrive or death. Kirin's name means that Ki is male, rin is female.

  Kirin's shape is three. First is the shape of a deer. Second is the shape of a horse. Third is the shape of a dragon. Over time, Kirin's shape changed into dragon.

 In China, for a long time, Kirin was recognized as a God that is center in order of the universe. In Oriental Thoughts of the Five Elements, Kirin is located in center from all directions.
Furthermore, This monster was recognized as a guardian of afterlife and the god of virtue.

As same as Chinese phoenix, Kirin appeared with good sign. Especially, when a saint appears, Kirin appears to predict the indication. In Guang Ya(a Book), "Kirin has a justice and benevolence, so the cry is sacred, the walk rights on the commandmeet. This monster do not step on living insects and break any grass,flower. Moreover, does not fall into the trap and caught in the net. Among the 360 kinds of furry beast, Kirin is a leader." Like this, Kirin was recognized as a sacred animal that heralds
the advent of reign of peace.

 In Confucianism, often Kirin was described as a Confucius and recognized as an existence with virtue,benevolence. Kirin appeared when Confucius's Mother is pregnant Confucius.
Kirin is a very interesting and sacred monster.
In fact, the origin of Kirin's name is that when Ming of China dynasty, Jung Hwa of the admiral offered a giraffe to King as a symbol of Kirin.