We have created a new figure of Suzaku, one of the four gods.

Suzaku (Suzyaku)

Suzaku is one of the four divine beasts that control the four directions of the heavens, and is said to be an imaginary creature depicted as a bird with large red wings that protects the southern direction.

It is one of the four gods (four beasts, four elephants) and five beasts, and is also called Shucho.

The connection between Suzaku and the south originates from the theory of five elements, which assigns yellow to the center, black to the north, blue to the east, white to the west, and red to the south, and the belief in the four gods is based on the theory of five elements. It is thought that it was established during China’s Warring States period (5th century BC – 221 BC), under the influence of China. After that, the belief in the Four Gods spread not only to China but also to ancient Korea and Japan.

In Japan, Suzaku is also depicted on the pedestal of the principal image of the Kondo of Yakushiji Temple in Nara Prefecture, and on the southern wall of the inner stone coffin of the Kitora Tumulus in Asuka Village.

キトラ古墳　朱雀図

The four divine beasts are deeply related to the ancient Japanese Onmyo-do, and among the five elements of Yin-Yang, the Kirin (or Yellow Dragon) joins Seiryu, Suzaku, Genbu, and Byakko in the center. The five elements of the Five Element Theory were combined with directions and colors to form the Five Gods (Five Beasts).

What Suzaku is in charge of

Suzaku is a divine beast that protects the south, and its ruling season is summer (April, May, and June). According to the theory of Yin-Yang and Five Elements, it means “fire” and its symbolic color is red. Known as a beautiful bird that can control fire, it is believed that its strong wings can drive away evil spirits and give you the strength and good fortune to overcome adversity.

It brings great power, especially when you are looking to make a comeback, such as regaining lost trust or honor. It is also related to social luck and popularity luck.

What is the difference between “Suzaku” and “Phoenix” (Houou)?

The “Four Gods” refer to the famous gods and beasts that govern each direction: north, south, east, and west. They respectively refer to Seiryu in the east, Byakko in the west, Suzaku in the south, and Genbu in the north.

The “four spirits” are the giraffe, the tortoise, the dragon, and the phoenix (Houou), which are considered to be spiritual animals that bring good omens.

In other words, the “Four Gods” correspond to the four directions of east, west, north, south, and the guardian deities that control each direction.　The “Four Spirits” are legendary animals that bring good luck and omens that something good will happen, regardless of the direction. It refers to us. “Suzaku” is one of the four gods and is a divine beast that protects the south, and “Phoenix” (Houou) is one of the four spirits that reigns at the top of all animals and means a spiritual animal that heralds auspicious omens.

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朱雀　(Suzyaku)

朱雀とは、天の四方を司る神獣である四神の一つであり、南の方角を守護する赤い大きな翼を持つ鳥として描かれた想像上の生き物と伝えられます。

四神（四獣・四象）・五獣の一つで朱鳥（しゅちょう）とも呼ばれています。

朱雀と南方との結び付きは、五行説が中央に黄色、北方に黒、東方に青、西方に白、南方に赤と五色を割り当てたことに由来しており、四神の信仰は五行説の影響を受けながら中国の戦国時代（紀元前5世紀 – 紀元前221年）に成立したと考えられています。その後、四神の信仰は中国の中のみならず、古代の朝鮮や日本にも伝わりました。

日本では、奈良県の薬師寺金堂の本尊台座や、明日香村のキトラ古墳の石槨内壁の南側壁にも朱雀が描かれています。

キトラ古墳　朱雀図

日本古来の陰陽道にも四神獣は深いかかわりを持っていますが、陰陽五行の中では、青龍・朱雀・玄武・白虎に中央に麒麟（または黄龍）が加わります。五行説の五行と方位、色が結びつけられ、五神（五獣）になりました。

朱雀がつかさどるもの

朱雀は南を守護する神獣で、司る季節は夏（4月、5月、6月）。陰陽五行説では「火」を意味し、象徴する色は赤です。火を操る美しい鳥として知られ、その強靭な翼で悪霊を追い払い、逆境に打ち勝つ力と幸運を与えてくれると信じられています。

特に失った信頼や名誉を回復するなど、捲土重来を期すような時には大きなパワーをもたらしてくれます。社交運や人気運にも関係があります。

「朱雀」と「鳳凰」の違いとは

「四神」は東西南北、各方位を司る有名な神、神獣のことです。それぞれ、東の青龍、西の白虎、南の朱雀、北の玄武を指します。

「四霊」は、麒麟（きりん）、霊亀（れいき）、応龍（おうりゅう）、鳳凰（ほうおう）で、吉兆を知らせる霊獣として位置づけられています。

つまり「四神」は東西南北という四方位へと対応する形で、それぞれの方角を司る守護神、「四霊」は方位に関わらず、何か善いことが起こる前兆、幸運をもたらす伝説上の動物たち のことを指します。「朱雀」は四神で南を守護する神獣、「鳳凰」は四霊であらゆる動物たちの頂点に君臨する吉兆を知らせる霊獣という意味になります。