five poisonous creatures; five noxious creatures
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesnoun
the five poisonous creatures (scorpion, snake, centipede, gecko, toad); a traditional grouping of five venomous animals
In traditional Chinese culture, these five creatures are considered particularly venomous and dangerous. They are prominently featured during the Dragon Boat Festival, where rituals involving realgar wine are performed to ward them off. The term also extends metaphorically to refer to various vices or harmful social influences.
Folk belief holds that the five poisonous creatures are most active during the Dragon Boat Festival.
According to old customs, realgar water was sprinkled under beds and in corners to expel the five poisonous creatures.
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During the Dragon Boat Festival, there is a custom of posting five-poison talismans to ward off evil and poison.
When he was young, he was addicted to every vice (five poisons), but later he reformed.