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A Bird From Another World
Divine birds appear in legends of Asia, Europe and the Middle East. These creatures come from a sacred realm and rarely visit the earth. When they do, they may offer a sign that a new era has begun or a wise leader has taken the throne. Often linked with fire and the Sun, these immortal birds bring a message of peace, renewal and good fortune.
Phoenix
There was once a girl named Saijosen who made the most beautiful embroidery in Japan. She stitched pictures of men, gods and animals so artfully, it was as if living creatures were trapped in the silk. One day as she sat working, an elderly man appeared beside her. "Stitch two phoenixes here," he said, pointing to a space on her embroidery. Saijosen was surprised at this request, but she did as she was told. Her visitor watched as she worked the whole day. No sooner were the birds complete than their wings trembled and they rose from the cloth. The old man climbed on the back of one phoenix and motioned Saijosen to do the same. Then the two soared away to the land of the immortals, never to be seen again.
—adapted from a Japanese folktale
King of Birds
In Asia, the magical phoenix is said to reign over all of the birds. Living only on spring water and bamboo seeds, this gentle ruler harms nothing—not even a blade of grass. In Chinese tradition, the phoenix appears only at times of peace, or to announce the birth of a virtuous emperor. Tales of birds much like the Asian phoenix are told in many regions of the world. These legends have sometimes changed as cultures have come together through travel, trade and war, expanding and enriching each other.
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