Xilin (mythology)

The Xilin is a mythical creature of ancient china which has been used for many centuries for good luck, etc.

Uses of the Xilin

The Xilin is a mythical creature used my many buddist and belivers of "风水" aka "feng shei". The 风水 is an ancient art of chinese "placings" which will help somes wealth, health, etc or vise vesa. According to belivers and 风水 masters, the Xilin can help the user/owner increase their wealth, fortune and so on. One special use of the Xilin (according to 风水) is that it can/will help the user/owner of it and grant them with a child within 2 years unless the female is over-aged or sick. One problem/difficulty is that the Xilin can't/shouldn't be used sparingly. This is because in ancient times, the Xilin was said to serve under the emperor there of was said to only help people of high ranks (people with great wealth already or people with a higher rank eg. a manager of a company). If an ordinary person used it, it was said that the Xilin would "turn around" and feed of its masters wealth instead of helpping the owner/master. The Xilin is offen compared to the Lion.

History

The Xilin is seen in many palaces through out china. One of the most common one mentioned/seened is the one in the "summer palace" which is in beijing. The emperor of that time (and many others) where said to take the statues of the Xilin (and other mythical creatures) along with them for protection and good fortune. Statues of Xilins are commonly seen in palaces/imperial walkways along with Lions, Dragons, and other creatues as "guardians". Statues of Xilin are also one of the many small figures on top of imperial roofs (seen at the edge of the corners). This design was commonly used.