rosefinch; Vermilion Bird (astronomy); southern deity
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesnoun
rosefinch; a finch-like bird resembling a sparrow
Refers to various species of Carpodacus (scarlet finches). Males are typically bright red or crimson, while females are dull brown or gray. They inhabit mountain forests and feed on seeds and fruits.
The male rosefinch's feathers are as red as fire.
We observed several rosefinches in the mountain forest.
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Rosefinches mainly feed on plant seeds and fruits.
noun
(astronomy) the Vermilion Bird; the Southern Seven Mansions of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions
technicalOne of the Four Symbols (四象) in traditional Chinese astronomy, representing the south. It corresponds to the seven southern constellations (井, 鬼, 柳, 星, 张, 翼, 轸). See also 二十八宿.
The Vermilion Bird is one of the Four Symbols, representing the south.
Ancient astronomers regarded the seven mansions of the Vermilion Bird as the guardian deity of the south.
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Among the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, the Vermilion Bird corresponds to the seven mansions of Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, and Zhen.
noun
(Taoism) the deity of the south; the Vermilion Bird god
technicalIn Taoist cosmology, one of the four celestial guardians representing the south, associated with fire, summer, and the color red. Also known as 朱鸟.
In Taoism, the Vermilion Bird is the deity that guards the south.
Ancient people believed that the Vermilion Bird governed fire and summer.
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This Taoist temple enshrines a statue of the Vermilion Bird deity.