by Melissa Langone

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: August 08, 2008

There are certain myths and creatures that are unique to an individual culture, and yet there are others that seem to cross continents and centuries. The fire bird, or phoenix, is one such creature. While the symbolism behind the phoenix varies across cultures, there is unification in the story behind the phoenix. According to legend, one of these magnificent scarlet and gold birds, that was believed to reside in Arabia, would live for hundreds of years. When the end of its life was approaching, it would create a pyre out of its nest that would be set aflame by the sun. The bird would ignite and regenerate from the ashes. (2, 3)

In ancient Egypt, the phoenix was known as the Benu and was mentioned in the Book of the Dead. A symbol of the sun, fire, and divinity, it was believed that the cry of the Benu marked the beginning of time. Because of the bird's appearance and resemblance to the sun, the Benu was a symbol for the soul of the sun god, Re. (2, 3)

The phoenix, or Feng Huang, is one of four sacred Chinese creatures along with dragons, unicorns, and tortoises. Feng is used to refer to the male bird and is a symbol of the sun. Huang refers to the female bird and is a symbol of the moon. Because of this dual symbolism, the Feng Huang represents a joining of ying and yang. The Feng Huang is greatly respected and stands for some of the most important virtues including grace, wealth, power, peace, loyalty, honesty, and prosperity. (2, 3)

The Ho-Oo is the Japanese version of the phoenix with the Ho representing the male bird and the Oo the female bird. As in Chinese symbolism, the Ho-Oo is a sign of peace and prosperity. It was believed that upon the birth of a virtuous leader, the bird would appear. To the Japanese people, the Ho-Oo was a symbol of the sun, faithfulness, justice, and a reincarnation of the spirit. (2, 3)

The phoenix was used as a symbol of the rebirth of Greece and was often depicted on flags during the Greek revolution. The Lebanese are known as the sons of the phoenix and are referred to as Phoenicians. In Persia, the phoenix is known as the Simurg and is a symbol of the divine. (2, 3)

The use of the phoenix as a symbol is not restricted to ancient times. Phoenix Arizona was named in 1867 when land abandoned by Native Americans after devastating floods and droughts was re-inhabited by new settlers. The bird was used as a symbol on the flag of San Francisco California after a destructive earthquake in 1906. It was also added to the flag of the city

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