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Mythological Beasts
Phoenix
Hou-ou
Meaning & Symbolism
Rebirth, triumph, fidelity, the empress. Represents the union of yin and yang, and appears only in times of peace and prosperity.
The Story
The Hou-ou combines elements of several birds — the head of a pheasant, body of a mandarin duck, tail of a peacock, legs of a crane, beak of a parrot. It nests only in paulownia trees and drinks only from sweet springs.
Traditional Placement
Back + GlutesFront Torso
Best Seasons
SummerAll Seasons
Compatible Motifs
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