Classics of Eastern 'Loong', Chapter 3

The story of the loong giving birth to nine sons is explained in detail as follows:

The eldest son is named Qiú Niú, and his mother is a cow. He has an honest and docile temperament, does not like killing, and likes music. Therefore, the loong carved on the head of the musical instrument should be the image of Qiú Niú.

The second son's name is Yá Zì, and his mother is a jackal. He is aggressive, ferocious and murderous. He always has a sword in his mouth and his eyes are wide with anger. The image of Yá Zì is often carved on the handle of weapons to increase the power of intimidation.

The third son's name is Cháo Fēng, and his mother is a bird. He likes adventure and likes to climb high and look far away. Therefore, people carve the image of Cháo Fēng on the eaves and corners of palaces or houses to pray for peace and auspiciousness, and also to ward off evil spirits in the house.

The fourth son is named Pú Láo. His mother is a toad, timid and loves to scream. He is most afraid of whales. People cast his image on the big bell and made the hammer of the bell into the shape of a whale. When the bell is struck, the sound of giant bell with the image of Pú Láo resounded through the sky.

The fifth son is named Suān Ní, and his mother is a lion. He looks like a lion and has a gentle personality. He likes to sit quietly and smell fragrance. Most of the loongs on Buddha seats and incense burners are his images. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, stone sculptures of Suān Ní were often placed at the entrance to ward off evil spirits.

The sixth son is named Bì Xì, and his mother is a tortoise. He looks like a tortoise, has teeth, is extremely strong, and likes to carry heavy objects. The image of Bì Xì is often used on the base of stone stele, expressing the meaning of eternal existence. Bì Xì also symbolizes longevity and good luck.

The seventh son is named Bì An. His mother is a tiger. He looks like a tiger. He is majestic, speaks uprightly, distinguishes right from wrong, and is upright and impartial. Therefore, his stone sculptures are often placed on both sides of prisons, government offices, and court halls. They are solemn and upright, who are the patrons of the people.

The eighth son is named Fù Xì, and his mother is Qing Loong/Light Green-skin Loong, who looks most like a loong. He likes the stone carvings of the stele. The pattern of loong decoration on both sides of the stele is mostly his image, which contrasts with the base of the stele decorated by the pattern of Bì Xì, making the stele even more spectacular.

The youngest son is named Chī Wěn, which is a fish with a loong head and a fish body. He likes to stand on a high place and look far away, and likes to open his mouth to swallow fire. People often place the image of Chī Wěn on the roof to avoid fires, ward off evil spirits and drive away ghosts, so as to ensure the safety of their homes.

Others like Elephant Loongs, Horse Loongs, Fish Loongs, Shrimp Loongs, and Frog loongs are all peripheral collections of loong species.

Written by Zhuo Wang (1636-?)