12/24/2020 Vasily Tatishchev Religion
The phoenix is an enduring mythological symbol, used for thousands of years by vastly different cultures. But despite the large number of diverse communities, the Phoenix is usually characterized as a bird with bright plumage, dying after a long life in its own flames and rising from the ashes again. The phoenix was a religious and naturalistic symbol in ancient Egypt, a secular symbol of armies, and a literary symbol depicting death and rebirth. This mythical bird echoes the aspirations of humanity.
Every culture has its own interpretation of the Phoenix. But any differences in nuance are overshadowed by the main characteristics of this mythical creature. The phoenix is definitely a bird. Its plumage corresponds to the colors of fire: yellow, orange, red, gold. And the most important characteristic is the Phoenix's ability to resurrect.
The bird lives for a very long time, its age in different cultures varies from 500 to 1000 years, and dies by burning in its own fire, leaving a large amount of ashes behind. A Phoenix chick emerges from the ashes. This shows the cyclical process of life arising from death. Since the Phoenix is reborn after its own death, it has received the characteristics of rebirth and immortality.
The basis of the legend of the Phoenix
Among various peoples, this magical creature was very often associated with the ritual of worshiping the Sun, and was identified with eternal life and constant renewal.
The image of the Phoenix bird is found in many countries. People believed that this bird could not die, but it ignited at the moment when the chick hatched from the egg. Another version says that the Phoenix burns and then rises from the ashes.
Therefore, there may be only one representative of this species on the planet. Such a mystical creature feeds only on dew. In addition to the fact that the Phoenix was often identified with the divine messenger, it is also a symbol of meekness.
The meaning of the Phoenix bird in ancient Egypt
Benu bird image
If we talk about the mythology of the Egyptians, it is very difficult to understand what led to the creation of the legend of the Phoenix.
There is an opinion that it was originally an astronomical symbol, which was identified with the spiral ascent of the star Sirius. In ancient times, this was a sign that the Nile was flooding, which in turn foreshadowed the appearance of an imminent harvest.
The Egyptian mythical bird was called Benhu. There is an opinion that this mythical creature is associated with the legend of the gray heron, which was the very first living creature to appear on the created earth. This heron was sent by the Sun deity.
In Heliopolis they treated this creature with special respect. The Egyptians in this city believed that the life of a bird is not eternal, but is limited to five hundred years.
Symbolic use of the name[edit]
Here are examples of how "phoenix" is used to refer to someone or something not directly related to fire or birds, as well as the use of the Phoenix as an emblem or totem. As a rule, the name indicates the ability to be reborn, in one form or another.
- Ace Attorney - The main character is named Phoenix Wright, referring to his ability to "turn" hopeless cases into ordinary ones and not give up in the most difficult situations.
- “Competitors” by Sergei Lukyanenko - the main character’s ship belongs specifically to the Phoenix class. So named because of the hull’s ability to repair holes on its own.
- StarCraft - in two variations: Praetor Phoenix (Fenix) - one of the most valiant protoss warriors, after being seriously wounded, revived as a cyborg dragoon.
- "Phoenix" is a Protoss fighter from the second part, capable of lifting ground vehicles with a gravitational beam.
- The leaders of the Eldar Aspects are called Phoenix Lords, for they are reborn in each new wearer of the appropriate armor.
- In one of the parts of the remake, demons are healed if they step on a red drop of rage
Firebird in the myths of Ancient Greece and Rome
The earliest records of the divine lucky bird Phoenix are from Herodotus in the fifth century BC. He indicates that this is a mythical creature from Arabia. The mythical creature lives for 500 years in the same place with its father and mother. When they die, the creature flies to the Temple of the Sun God in the Egyptian city of Heliopolis and buries its ancestors in this place.
As you can see, the legend is slightly different. However, Herodotus does not remember anything about the fact that the bird is capable of spontaneous combustion. In the later works of Greek philosophers, on the contrary, it is mentioned that an essence can burn out and after time be “reborn” again from the ashes.
In the works of Manilius there is information that the lifespan of an entity is the Great Platonic Year. This is the period during which the Sun, Moon and 5 planets return to their original position.
In the Roman Empire, there was an opinion that a magical bird really existed and was in the service of the emperor. The magical essence was a symbol of divine power and the immortality of the state. However, the magical bird did not help the Roman Empire rise from the ashes.
Where does the legend of the mystical feathered entity come from?
In order to understand where the legends about the existence of the fire bird Phoenix came from, you should turn to the mythology of Ancient Egypt. Of course, it will not be possible to find specific information about the exact date of appearance of this incredible creature, but it is quite possible to trace the presence of an amazing feathered creature in many legends.
The first legend about the Phoenix bird says that this was the name for the ascent of Sirius, which occurs in a spiral and coincides with the moment of increasing the volume of water in the Nile. This tide meant that the first harvest would soon emerge.
The Egyptians called this creature by the name Benhu.
The world also knows the legend of the gray heron. Historians suggest that Phoenix is the main character of this tale. It says that the first settler on Earth was a gray bird. The creature was sent to the mortal world by the Sun God. The legend originates in the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis. Its inhabitants believed that the feathered creature was not immortal. The deity gave him 500 years of existence.
Phoenix in Jewish Kabbalah and Christianity
Only the bird resisted the temptation.
There is a little myth in the Jewish religion that tells the story of what happened one day in Eden. It says that Eve gave fruit from the tree of knowledge not only to Adam, but also to all living creatures who were in the area.
Only one creature resisted the temptation, and thanks to this was able to maintain its immortality. Further, this entity lives all the time, but every thousand years its nest burns down and is reborn from the ashes.
There is another story in which we are talking about a magical entity.
While Noah was on the ark during the flood for a year, he had a conversation with one of the birds. During feeding, she was the only one who did not ask for food and did not bother Noah. When asked why the bird did not eat anything, the magical creature replied that it did not want to worry Noah and add to his worries. The man was very touched and asked the Almighty to give Phoenix endless life as a reward.
In the Christian religion, the Phoenix bird has become a sign of endless existence, resurrection, and eternity. Some believe that this is a symbol of Christ. In early Christianity, one can often find the image of the Phoenix on funeral slabs. This is an important sign indicating triumph over death.
Analogue in Slavic mythology
Image of the Firebird
If we talk about Slavic mythology, then even two Phoenix birds appear before us. These are the well-known Firebird and Finist the Clear Falcon.
Despite the fact that the first is more reminiscent of a peacock in appearance, and the second was actually a person who from time to time took the form of a bird, they have many similar features.
For example, the Firebird dies with the onset of cold weather, and is born again with the onset of warmth. The finist falls into a deep sleep, after which he also wakes up in the spring.
Activation of the talisman
In order for the Phoenix talisman to transfer its energy to its owners, it must be activated. In other words, choose the right place in the house for its location.
One of the best options is a fireplace. Since the bird symbolizes fire, its energy is strongest in this place. A person will receive even more from the talisman if the fireplace is located near the southern wall of the house.
At the same time, there should be no foreign objects near the talisman. According to myths, the creature must melt its wings without hindrance. Only in this case can you rise into the sky and view the impending danger from above. The figurine is placed on a shelf or I purchase a small pedestal for such purposes.
If there is no fireplace in the house, a small candle or other source of fire can replace it. It is installed near the talisman and lit.
Slavic mythology indicates the obligatory presence of grain near Phoenix. It is poured into a small bowl to give the creature strength.
To ensure good luck for the owners, a figure of a sacred bird is placed in front of the front door. It is recommended to remove things that block the passage. The incoming energy must have room for concentration.
To successfully activate the talisman, it is recommended to create it yourself. People have long depicted it on many household items:
- embroidered on tablecloths;
- draw on dishes;
- create their own sculptures, etc.
Red-dyed bird feathers are used in the compositions. So the energy will increase several times.
However, we should not forget that the power of the Phoenix affects a person not only positively, but also negatively. Aggression, irritability or short temper may appear in behavior. To avoid such consequences, the Phoenix is balanced with talismans of other animals - a tiger, a turtle or a dragon.
Phoenix from Ethiopia
There is another world that says that in fact, such a bird first appeared on the territory of Ethiopia, and the name was given to it by the Assyrians. In ancient images, the Phoenix in this case appears in the form of an amazing magical character with the beak of a rooster, the throat of a swallow, the tail of a fish, the forehead of a crane, the back of a turtle and the head of a duck.
Image from the painting of the tomb of Irinofer
The magical creature has plumage of scarlet, blue, gold, white and black. They all embody different virtues: duty, devotion, knowledge of rituals, decency and philanthropy. For the Assyrians, the Phoenix was the embodiment of fire, warmth, rich harvest, warmth and kindness. The creature ate bamboo seeds.
Chinese Feng Huang
What does Feng Huang mean to the Chinese? The ancient inhabitants of China believed that it appeared on the eve of some important events. They described this creature as resembling a swan when viewed from the front, and from behind it resembled a unicorn. The tail resembled a fish, the back was like that of a turtle, and the whole body was covered with strange patterns. According to Feng Shui, the Feng Huang bird symbolizes warmth and light . The Chinese consider it fire, which, together with the dragon, helps childless couples acquire offspring. According to their mythology, the Phoenix is the wife of the dragon.
What it looks like in Japan and China
One of the most amazing versions of the Phoenix is presented in Chinese myths. In ancient times, in this country there was a legend about the Magic Bird Feng Huang.
Feng Huang
Her peculiarity was that she combined both masculine and feminine principles. Today, the real Phoenix is considered to be a local breed of chicken - Onagadori . This is a beautiful bird with a very beautiful fluffy tail, which is more than one meter long.
In the first millennium AD, these birds were brought to Japan. Next, metamorphoses awaited the real Phoenixes. In modern birds, tails have increased to 10-13 meters. Therefore, we can say with certainty that at least one Phoenix bird actually exists in our time.
Interesting Facts
People associated this magical creature with something famous and mysterious. Alchemists drew an analogy with the philosopher's stone. This is not surprising, because the philosopher's stone is also “born” from fire that falls from the sky.
Phoenix. Emblem on copper. W. X. von Hochberg, 1675
In heraldry, the image of this bird is on the medals of Queen Elizabeth of England. At the same time, the image is accompanied by the following words: “One Phoenix of the whole world.”
In psychology, a magical bird is compared to an immortal spirit. It is believed that the magical creature encourages a person to destroy his shortcomings and be reborn renewed.
As you can see, the Phoenix bird is a truly amazing character, the image of which can be found in the culture of various nations. Perhaps such fire birds, like kikimores, brownies and unicorns, really existed in ancient times, or perhaps they are just a reflection of the human desire for light and immortality.
