The White Tiger (Baihu Xing or Baihu Shen) in Chinese culture is one of the Four Symbols, representing the West and autumn. The White Tiger is an important symbol in ancient Chinese astronomy and Feng Shui, with a rich cultural and mythological background.
The White Tiger represents the West and symbolizes autumn. The West is associated with the element of metal, and the hardness and cutting power of metal reflect the strength and majesty of the White Tiger.
Primarily associated with the color white, the White Tiger symbolizes purity, power, and justice. In ancient China, white was also related to killing and solemnity, so the White Tiger, to some extent, symbolizes war and punishment.
In ancient mythology, the White Tiger was considered the God of War and was often linked to military power and force. Legend has it that the White Tiger is the guardian deity of the West, capable of driving away evil and protecting people from malevolent forces.
In Feng Shui, the White Tiger is one of the four guardian animals, alongside the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, symbolizing the protective forces of the four directions. Traditionally, the right side of a house or building (when facing out from the inside) is referred to as the “White Tiger position.” This position should be kept quiet and balanced to avoid provoking the ferocity of the White Tiger.
In some legends, the White Tiger is a divine being formed by a white tiger that has cultivated itself for hundreds or thousands of years. It is endowed with wisdom and power, capable of slaying demons and dispelling evil. Additionally, the White Tiger is often associated with death and the soul, believed to be a guide for souls.
The White Tiger holds a significant place in Chinese culture, frequently appearing in paintings, sculptures, temples, and tomb decorations. As an important symbol in traditional Chinese culture, the White Tiger not only represents bravery and strength but also protection and justice. In Chinese literature, theater, and religious ceremonies, the White Tiger often appears as a symbol of power and majesty.
Overall, as one of the Four Symbols, the White Tiger is not just a mythical figure but a collection of rich symbolic meanings in Chinese culture, representing the West, autumn, metal, the God of War, and guardianship, among other multiple connotations.
