The Symbolic Bird of China by Kirsty Sloman

The crane is a very special bird. Our whole system is an embodiment of this creature whose movements have provided inspiration for a whole series of fighting techniques that are designed to swiftly take out an opponent. But what of the actual bird itself?

The mythology and the symbolism of cranes have been found in many different cultures across the world dating back to ancient times. Cranes have been revered in China, South Arabia, Korea, Japan and even in the Native American cultures of North America. There are four types of crane in Chinese myth: White, Yellow, Blue and Black. They stand for longevity, wisdom and nobility.

The crane represents a lasting, soaring spirit plus health and happiness. They were thought to be able to live for at least 600 years. Because of this, cranes were popular on tombs during the Zhou and Shang dynasties. Years ago, archaeologists exploring the Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb in Lintong discovered thirteen large bronze cranes in his artefact chamber dating from 220 BC. Cranes were held in high esteem and were known as a first rank bird. Their images were embroidered onto the robes of first ranking officials. There are multitudes of crane statues, carvings and embroideries contained within the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace in Beijing.

The Chinese believed that spirits and immortals rode about on cranes and that they conveyed departed souls to the heavens. Heavenly Cranes (tian-he) and Blessed Cranes (xian-he) were symbols of wisdom. Their powerful wings were said to convey people to higher levels of consciousness. When a crane is shown amongst pine trees, it symbolises determination, wealth and power. When two cranes are shown together, it becomes the ultimate depiction of longevity. The crane’s white plumage stood for purity and its red head stood for fire and vitality.

The red – crowned crane is the species that is mostly depicted within Chinese artwork. It was selected by the Chinese government to represent the national animal of China. They are extremely rare; there is said to be only 2000 of them. However, that is increasing due to a comprehensive breeding and recovery program. Cranes are migratory birds. Their preferred habitat is that of wetlands and grass plains and they eat amphibians, insects, grains, berries, fish and plants. The male and female ‘dance’ in an elaborate display of leaping high into the air with out-stretched wings, flapping and bowing.

A common toast on birthdays in China, Japan and Korea goes: “May your life be as long and as happy as that of a crane”