What Is A PiXiu?
The Pixiu (貔貅): Myth, Meaning, and Modern Practice
The Pixiu (貔貅), a mythical creature in Chinese culture, is revered as a powerful symbol of wealth, protection, and good fortune. With its fierce appearance and auspicious symbolism, it has become a popular motif in jewelry, art, and feng shui. This article explores its legends, cultural significance, usage guidelines, and taboos.
1. What is a Pixiu?
Origin: The Pixiu is a celestial creature from Chinese mythology, described as a hybrid of a dragon and a lion. It has a dragon’s head, a lion’s body, and often wings.
Mythical Role: Known as the "Wealth Guardian", it is said to devour gold, silver, and jewels but never excrete them, symbolizing the accumulation of riches.
2. Legends and Stories
The Dragon’s Ninth Son
In one legend, the Pixiu is the ninth son of the Dragon King. It disobeyed Heaven’s laws by defecating on the Jade Emperor’s palace, prompting the Emperor to seal its anus as punishment. This explains why Pixiu only “consumes” wealth and never loses it.
General of the Han Dynasty
Another tale claims the Pixiu aided Emperor Gaozu of Han (刘邦) by protecting his army and securing victory in battle. Since then, it has been worshipped as a protector of warriors and rulers.
3. Symbolic Meanings
Wealth Attraction: Its insatiable appetite for treasure makes it a magnet for prosperity.
Protection: Guards against evil spirits, accidents, and financial loss.
Career Success: Believed to enhance opportunities and overcome obstacles.
Yin-Yang Balance: Male Pixiu (Tian Lu) attracts wealth; female Pixiu (Pi Xie) protects it.
4. How to Wear Pixiu Jewelry
Rules for Wearing
1.Material:
Prefer jade, gold, or silver, as these materials align with its energy.
2.Positioning:
Pendants: Wear facing outward (head pointing upward) to “seek wealth.”
Bracelets: Place on the left hand (left side attracts energy).
3.Activation:
Have it blessed by a temple monk or cleanse it with moonlight/smoke before wearing.
4.Taboos:
Avoid letting others touch your Pixiu, as it may disrupt its bond with you.
Remove it during bathing, intimacy, or visits to negative places (e.g., hospitals).
5. Where to Place Pixiu Statues?
Ideal Locations
Home/Office Wealth Corner: Place in the Southeast Corner (wealth area in feng shui).
Facing the Main Door: Position to “invite” wealth indoors.
Near Cash Registers: Businesses often display Pixiu to boost sales.
Avoid:
Bedrooms (too yang energy disrupts sleep).
Directly facing mirrors or toilets (dissipates positive energy).
6. Who Should NOT Wear or Display Pixiu?
While Pixiu is widely beneficial, certain individuals should exercise caution:
Pregnant Women: Its strong yang energy may overwhelm fetal balance.
Children Under 12: Their energy fields are too delicate for Pixiu’s intensity.
Those with Conflicting Zodiac Signs:
Avoid if born in the Year of the Tiger, as these signs clash with Pixiu’s energy.
People with Negative Intentions:
Pixiu may retaliate against greed or harm.
7. Real-World Examples
1.Business Owners: A shop owner places a jade Pixiu near the cash register; sales increase within months.
2. Investors: A stock trader wears a gold Pixiu pendant for luck during high-stakes negotiations.
3.Home Feng Shui: A family displays a pair of Pixiu statues (male and female) by their entrance to balance wealth and protection.
8. Cultural Notes
Modern Adaptations: Pixiu designs appear in luxury brands (e.g., Cartier’s jewelry) and pop culture.
Global Appeal: Non-Chinese enthusiasts adopt Pixiu for its universal symbolism of abundance.
Summary Table: Pixiu Do’s and Don’ts
|
Aspect |
Recommendations |
Avoid |
|
Wearing |
Left hand, outward-facing; cleanse regularly |
Letting others touch; wearing to bed |
|
Placement |
Southeast corner; facing doors/windows |
Bedrooms; near toilets/mirrors |
|
Who Avoids |
Pregnant women; Tiger signs; young children |
Greedy or malicious individuals |
The Pixiu is more than a mythical beast—it embodies ancient wisdom and modern aspirations. By honoring its traditions, you can harness its power while respecting its cultural roots.