Emblems of directions
By qianyun6
@qianyun6 (2066)
China
June 7, 2010 5:32am CST
In Chinese ancient culture, also Chinese mythology, and Taoism, there are Four Guarding Animals guarding four directions, each of them has a color, also corresponds to a kind of element. They are:
Green Dragon for East, color is sky blue, element is wood;
White Tiger for West, color is white, element is metal;
Rosefinch for South, color is red, element is fire;
Black Warrior for north, color is black, element is water.
So my question is, are there any emblems like above of the four directions in your culture/mythology/religion? Tell me about that.
Happy Lotting!
1 person likes this
3 responses
@de_toya (2429)
• Indonesia
8 Jun 10
Yes, we have Balinese Hindu mythology. Even not only four guards but nine guards. They are called as Dewata Nawa Sanga. Nine of Gods who protect in nine direction. North is Visnu with black color and his weapon is Cakra. In northeast, there is Sambhu with Grey color and weapon Trisula (Trident). In east direction, we have Iswara with white color and weapon Bajra (Balinese Bell). Southeast direction are protected by Maheswara with pink color and weapon Dupa (Incense). Brahma is in the south direction with red color and Gada (bludgeon) as the weapon. In the southwest there is Rudra with orange color and Moksala as the weapon. In the west is Mahadewa with Yellow color and the weapon is Nagapasa. In the northwest is Sangkara with green color and weapom Amgkus. The Last is Shiva with color called Pancawarna (combination of colors Black, White, and Red).
Have you noticed that we have similarity? I think Chinese ancient culture influenced Balinese Hindu culture. Balinese Hindu culture still exist till today and become unique traditional culture in Bali.
1 person likes this
@de_toya (2429)
• Indonesia
10 Jun 10
I am sorry, I don't have any pictures about Dewata Nawa Sanga. I don't know whether someone in my place has the picture or not. I learn about Dewata Nawa Sanga when I was in school. We learn it in a part of Religion subject and we practice it in every Balinese Hindu ceremonial. We have the picture in flag form and we have the weapon es well. It's real and we use it in the temple. I've never take a pictures for those. It isn't like heritage that we have to keep it in museum. It's about our Balinese Hindu life and we will keep it ever after.
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
8 Jun 10
qianyun6 I was just thinking that so many lands and cultures all have
similiar emblems in their culture but as a country the US really does not
have anything quite like that. The American indians also had many emblems and if I remember their tents had to face south, but am not sure of that. We only have our American flag with white for purity blue for steadfastness and red for valor and blood shed for freedom. but I dont think we do have but still we are a young country compared to yours and other asian countries.
1 person likes this
• Waterloo, Ontario
5 Jul 13
I have here this thing somewhere ... Is it use for symbol at "Dynasty Warrior" ? ... Anyway that's cool a thougt ... Chinesse you're have a great history and culture ... Sorry if my english not good .... ^_^'
