The Four Great Beasts

The four great beasts are the legendary beasts of the ancient Chinese legends: Qinglong, White Tiger, Zhuque, and Xuanwu. They belong to the combination of ancient myth and astronomy. 
 

Qing Long - Cyan Dragon 
Qinglong, known as the patron saint of the East, symbolizes the clear rivers. Legend says that it is a beast that can bring wealth and reputation to people. Qinglong guards the east and controls the spring. It can bring rain to harvest and soar in the sky. It is also known as a symbol of success, good luck, and climbing. 
 

White Tiger
The White Tiger is also the god of war and killing, guarding the west and taking charge of autumn. The White Tiger has many magical powers such as avoiding evil, disaster relief, praying for good harvest, getting rich and meeting right person. The white tiger symbolizes mighty power and the army, so many places in ancient times named after the white tiger were related to military affairs, such as the white tiger flags and white tiger statues on the ancient army. 
 

Zhu Que - Red Bird 
Zhuque guards the south, the color of which is red, and the representative season is summer. It is said that Zhuque is a beast with five-colored feathers that appears to bring peace when disaster strikes. Zhuque controls fire, known as Vulcan, symbolizing an immortal soul. Therefore, folks have said that carrying Zhuque's jewelry with them can bring good luck. 
 

Xuan Wu 
Xuanwu guards the north and controls winter. It looks like a turtle with a snake wrapped around it, which is called the water god. Turtles and snakes were regarded as spirit beasts in ancient China and symbolized longevity. Therefore, Xuanwu also has the implication of eliminating disasters and warding off evil spirits and being healthy and longevity. Xuanwu, which is known as a symbol of immortality, is different from other three spirits in that, in addition to being one of the four gods, Xuanwu is also a god worshipped by Taoism.