| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立中央大學 === 中國文學系在職專班 === 101 === In ancient times, the mankind had no means to deal with natural disasters like earthquake, thunderstorm, drought or flood that one could only create deities with “specific accountability and overcoming” through imaginations in order to gain mental support, spiritual inspiration and courage of victory, hoping that the super-natural powers could secure their lives by avoiding the catastrophes.
Primitive peoples supposed the fierce beasts possess mystical power and ability that “animal adoration” was developed as a result of worry and reverence. People further deified the animals and started worshipping, hoping that the “animal deities” could protect them from natural disasters, beasts and enemies; and deeply believed these animal deities could ward off evil spirits and unfortunate mishaps, the image of Pixiu (貔貅) was so created.
Pixiu is a hybrid creature with the images of beasts and auspicious animals; the appearance is no longer a real form of an animal and has been evolved through different periods following peoples’ wish. At earlier time people gave Pixiu the capability of warding off evil spirits for the sake of survival; while today it is more believed to possess powers like money rolling in, fortune, home blessing and fending off dangers. By merging the Chinese inherent propitious thought with the concept of creation Pixiu becomes a fantastic animal representing fortune and wealth with the power of warding off evils and dangers.
Pixiu has the head of a dragon, body of a lion and tiger, wings and horns were eventually added in order to express the mythical power and character of a fantastic animal, and so to meet the image as people expect. Today, in addition to the warding off of evil spirits and dangers, Pixiu’s mystic capability of drawing and preserving wealth fulfills people’s desire makes it a very famous legend.
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