White Tiger (mythology)

The White Tiger (白虎, Bái Hǔ) is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called the White Tiger of the West (西方白虎, Xī Fāng Bái Hǔ), representing the west direction in terms of both geography and the compass.

In the Five Elements system, the White Tiger is associated with the element of Metal (金, Jīn). Its associated color, as indicated by its name, is white, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and mourning in some contexts. The White Tiger represents the season of autumn.

Culturally, the White Tiger is seen as a guardian spirit, possessing immense power and ferocity. It is believed to control the wind and often depicted as a formidable creature, protecting against evil and guarding tombs. The White Tiger is often paired with the Azure Dragon (青龍, Qīng Lóng) representing the east. These two symbols represent opposing forces and are frequently used in feng shui and other traditional practices.

While generally considered a powerful and auspicious symbol, the White Tiger can also be associated with warfare and bad luck in certain situations. Its placement in feng shui is crucial, as improper positioning is thought to bring misfortune. The White Tiger also represents the virtue of filial piety.

Variations of the White Tiger myth appear in other East Asian cultures, including Korea (백호, Baekho) and Japan (白虎, Byakko), often retaining similar symbolism and attributes. The White Tiger continues to be a significant figure in mythology, art, and popular culture throughout East Asia.