The phoenix is a mythical creature known almost all around the world. As a symbol for immortality, renewal and rebirth, this mythical bird yokai plays a big role in Japanese folklore.
In this article, we find out everything you need to know about the phoenix, including its status as a yokai, the bird’s appearance and Japanese symbolism.
Is The Japanese Phoenix A Yokai?
Yes, the phoenix is considered a yokai in Japan (see also ‘Can A Human Become A Yokai?‘). These ancient birds of Japanese mythology are said to live on top of volcanic mountains, where they absorb the flames.
The phoenix stands for renewal and rebirth. That’s why, Japanese texts describe how the phoenix builds its own nest and ignites it at the end of its life.
The nest of trees and twigs burns to ashes, together with the phoenix. Out of these ashes, a phoenix egg or a young phoenix is born again.
This regeneration cycle makes the phoenix an extremely powerful but also sacred yokai (see also ‘Are There Friendly Yokai?‘).
What Is A Yokai In Japanese Folklore?
A yokai is the term for a large group of mythical spirits, monsters and legendary ghosts in Japanese folklore. The various different types of yokai are rooted in ancient Japanese religion, Japanese animism and nature religions.
Depending on the yokai, some are considered harmless and friendly, while other yokai are malicious and fearsome. The different behaviors of yokai are also associated with mysterious phenomena that Japanese people encountered in the past.
What Is A Japanese Phoenix Called?
A phoenix in Japan is called a hōō or ho-o. Experts believe that the symbol of the hōō came originally from China.
In China, the phoenix was a symbol of the imperial household. It could be found on vases, decorations and other essential objects.
People brought the phoenix to Japan during the Asuka period (between the 6th and 7th century).
Today, the Japanese consider both male and female phoenix a yokai. A male phoenix is known as a feng, and a female phoenix is called a huang.
They are believed to be sitting high up in trees or on mountains where they could reside peacefully. This is the reason why many people also consider the phoenix bird as a sign of prosperity and peace.
Appearance Of The Phoenix Yokai
The phoenix is a mythical fire bird which is often described to have golden and red tail feathers, with colorful plumage.
There are many variations of the phoenix across Japan but the hōō is always depicted as a slender bird with blue, green, purple, red and gold feathers.
While phoenix are said to grow as old as 1500 years, they typically look very young. This is the reason why the phoenix in Japan is also a symbol of youth.
Some sources portray the hōō as a creature that has the jaw of a swallow, the beak of a rooster, the neck of a snake, the legs of a crane, the head of a pheasant and the tail of a peacock.
This shows that the image of the phoenix is inspired by the many different animals that can be found in Japan.
Behavior Of A Japanese Phoenix
While the phoenix is a mythical creature, there are many behaviors and characteristics associated with it. Generally, a hōō is a very calm and peaceful yokai. It doesn’t cause any harm to other living things.
As they only live in remote regions, they are said to never come into contact with humans.
Their quiet nature also impacts their surroundings. Many folklore texts describe that the wind stops and everything grows quiet when a hōō flies.
Japanese believe that a phoenix only settles in a country that is blessed with happiness, prosperity, peace and harmony. These birds don’t like war, so they are said to flee when there is trouble in a country.
As symbols of rebirth, regeneration and good luck, they are often perceived as a very good omen. In fact, seeing a phoenix was considered the beginning of a new era in the past.
What Does A Phoenix Symbolize In Japan?
In Japans, a phoenix is a symbol of death, birth and rebirth. It also stands for change, strength and eternity. The concept that the phoenix dies after a long life and is then reborn again from its ashes indicates a journey through adversity.
A phoenix often symbolizes a time of change and radical transformation with a new era ahead. Saying this, the hōō doesn’t just stand for the change itself but also that you can survive even through times of worst destruction.
Symbol Of Death
Before a phoenix can rise out of the ashes, it has to die. Death is an essential part of life, and the phoenix stands as a symbol for the cycle of all life.
Only when a living thing dies can something new emerge in its place. This does not just apply to animals and people but also to certain historic eras.
Symbol Of Creation
The phoenix represents the lifecycle of all living things. It lives and dies, and then rises out of its ashes as renewed life. As the hōō is a fire bird, it is commonly associated with the sun which helps life to grow on our planet.
It is believed that the phoenix gains its strength when the sun is out, and it returns to its normal power levels, when the moon comes out at night.
The myths of the phoenix often indicate that this mythical yokai represents the ebb and flow in life, with good and bad events.
Symbol Of Rebirth
As a firebird symbol, the phoenix dies in the fire and is reborn from its own ashes. The flames of the fire stand for the changes in life.
The folklore of the Japanese phoenix mentions that this mythical bird is destroyed by the flames. Still, death only transforms it and it turns into a new phoenix egg or young hōō.
Symbol Of Change
As a powerful sun eagle, the Japanese phoenix has the power of transformation when a situation seems hopeless. This is one of the reasons why the phoenix symbol used to be found on objects associated with the empirical household.
The emperor wanted to show that he can face any kind of adversity, even during times of devastation and hopelessness.
Symbol Of Growth
The phoenix is also a positive symbol associated with luck and strength of growth. Ultimately, this mythical creature rises out of the ashes victoriously.
Symbol Of The Imperial Family
The hōō is a very popular figure on kimonos, Japanese paintings and many shrines and temples. Ass a powerful omen for growth and prosperity, it also used to be the symbol of the imperial family
The different colors of the fire-bird often represent the five elements of fire, metal, wood, earth and water. This is said to show the unity of the emperor’s lands.
It symbolizes the cycle of life and death as well as great prosperity, luck and harmony. Many people also consider the phoenix is the sign of a new era ahead.
