Irezumi Japanese traditional art 'Oukoshisei'Sacred bird Hou-ou

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Sacred bird: Hou-ou

A sacred bird for delivering good luck

From the ancient times, it has been loved as a bird regarded as a good omen. Hou-ou is the most sacred bird of all and is regarded as the king of birds because of its high spirituality.

A Hou-ou releases a golden glow, its plumage is decorated with five brazen colors, its neck is elongated like a snake, its body has the dragon-like patterns and its beak resembles that of a cock.

The spreading of its wings exhibits virtue to whoever witnesses it. Its graceful back signifies divine beauty. Its throbbing breasts preach to all to do the right thing. Its slim abdomen stands for humanity and justice and its commanding elegant-looking tail arouses faith.

The first part of its name ‘Hou’ indicates male and second half ‘Ou’ indicates female. Both male and female begin their lives as spiritual insects and become sacred birds after 360 days.

The witnessing of Hou-ou is an extremely good omen: it is said that it soars from the eastern sky toward the light of the sun above enlightened country where the sovereign and its people are truly united or as a symbol of peace returning to a country when troublsome times finally come to an end. When Hou-ou flies, every element of nature blesses its presence; the wind stops, dust settles, other birds and insects make no sound. The fluttering of Hou-ou’s wings sounds like the flute or whistle.

This sacred creature never kills. It never spoils plants without reasons, let alone eating living insects. It only lives on paulownia trees, its natural habitat, and only eats bamboo seed.

At Mongol’s Chenm ritual appears the Hou-ou god with bird mask and a costume decorated with feathers and dragon patterns. The god performs the dance of the Hou-ou removing monsters and malice, and bringing good omen.

The west edge of the Orient, in the country of Egypt, the Hou-ou is called the Phoenix and regarded as an emblem of eternal life.