tortoise; northern constellations; northern deity
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
tortoise; black tortoise
literaryArchaic or literary usage referring to the black tortoise in ancient Chinese mythology. Often depicted as a turtle entwined with a snake.
In ancient legends, the Xuanwu was a divine beast formed by the union of a turtle and snake.
Among the Four Symbols, Xuanwu represents the north and takes the form of a black tortoise.
noun
the seven northern constellations of the twenty-eight lunar mansions
technicalRefers to the seven northern mansions (Dou 斗, Niu 牛, Nü 女, Xu 虚, Wei 危, Shi 室, Bi 壁) in traditional Chinese astronomy. See also 【二十八宿】.
The seven Xuanwu constellations include the Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment, and Wall.
Ancient astronomers divided the sky into four symbols: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise.
noun
the Northern God; the Black Tortoise deity in Taoism
formalAlso known as Zhenwu Dadi (True Warrior Great Emperor) or Xuanwu Dadi. A major deity in Taoism governing the north, water, winter, and martial arts. Often depicted wearing black armor and standing on a turtle and snake.
The main deity worshipped at Wudang Mountain is the True Warrior Emperor, also known as Xuanwu.
Taoism regards Xuanwu as the divine beast guarding the north and also the god of water.
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When ancient emperors worshipped heaven and earth, they also sacrificed to the four gods: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise.