Thursday, October 27, 2011

Creature (Feng Huang) and Question of the Week

If you're looking for my Spooktacular Giveaway, click here.
---
This week's creature is Feng Huang, the Chinese version of the Phoenix.
Credit for picture

Next to the dragon, Feng Huang is the most respected mythical creature in China. It is the king of the birds.Feng Huang has fiery and colorful tail feathers, like a peacock, with the head and body like a pheasant.
Credit for picture

Feng Huang is immortal and embodies the virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and sincerity.
Credit for picture

Originally, Feng Huang was two birds: Feng was male / yang and the symbol of the solar cycle while Huang was female / ying and the cycle of the lunar cycle. Pictures of the two birds together symbolized undying love.
Credit for picture
 There's a Chinese saying: "When the Dragon soars and the Phoenix dances, the people will enjoy happiness for years, bringing peace and tranquility to all under heaven." The Dragon is the symbol of the Chinese emperor and the Phoenix of the Chinese empress.

Next week, I'll feature the Vetala, a nasty vampire-like creature just perfect to feature on Halloween.

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

This week's question:What's your favorite part about Halloween? Your favorite candy? Are you dressing up this year? What are your Halloween plans for this year?

Me? I love watching kids as they get all excited about Halloween. I love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, especially the pumpkin shaped ones. I don't know if I'm gonna dress up this year or what my plans are. Unfortunately, hubby has to work during our town's trick or treat, and we haven't taken the kiddies trick or treating yet so I don't know if I want to take them myself and have hubby miss out. :/

12 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

As always, learned something new!
I think I just enjoy the horror films. The good ones, not the really crappy ones.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Loved the post about Feng Huang. My favorite part of Halloween is handing out candy.

Cherie Reich said...

Beautiful pictures of the Feng Huang.

I love all the scary stories and movies involving horror and Halloween. I like seeing people in costume. The creativity of it all. I'm not dressing up or have any plans this year, but it's still one of my favorite times of the year and my favorite holiday.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

It reminds me of the villain in Kung Fu Panda 2

Talli Roland said...

Interesting. I've never heard of this creature!

Hm, Hallowe'en. Well, it's no popular in the UK, so it's a very low-key affair here. The big night is Guy Fawkes night on the 5th of November, when people go mad with fireworks. So what do I like about Hallowe'en? The relative silence!

Cortney Pearson said...

My favorite part about Halloween is the decorations, and the smell of fall in the air. I love dressing up, and I love candy, and I love Nightmare Before Christmas. I can't wait to help my kids get dressed up this year too! Halloween is my favorite holiday! (Until Christmas comes. Then I always change my mind :-p)

Susan Oloier said...

I really love that first photo of the Feng Huang. And...I learned something new today.
My favorite part of Halloween is getting my kiddos dressed up and taking them out. They're still young, so they get super excited about the holiday.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful creature!

I'm dressing for the first time since college! Only because we're going on holiday with our kids.

Golden Eagle said...

I love Feng Huang. :)

erica and christy said...

The Feng Huang is very cool - except for the scary one with the rooster beak! I love Reese's also, def. my favorite treat, but my kids never give them up...

I've often had to take my kids without hubby. It's okay, they'll love it and you can send him pictures!
erica

Joanna said...

I particularly love the first photo of the Feng Huang!

Here in France Halloween is hardly celebrated at all, so I am truly flabbergasted each year at the proportions of the festivities in the US!

katsrus said...

Very interesting. Love learning about the differant creatures. I also love seeing what the little kids dress up as and the excitement of it. Favorite Halloween candy is Peanut Butter Kisses.
Sue B