The differences between warding off evil spirits, Pixiu, and Kirin are as follows:
1. Different images
A major change in the image of warding off evil spirits occurred in the Tang Dynasty, when the image gradually resembled that of a lion. And it started to become realistic.
Pixiu's body shape is like a tiger and leopard, its head and tail are like a dragon, its color is both gold and jade, its shoulders have a pair of wings that cannot be spread out, and it has a horn on its head that is tilted back.
From its external shape, the Kirin combines a lion's head, antlers, tiger's eyes, an elk's body, dragon scales, and an ox's tail; its tail is hairy like a dragon's tail, with one horn carrying meat. But it is said that Qilin's body is like a musk deer, and it was regarded as a god by the ancients.
2. Different meanings
Warding off evil spirits
During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, the Taotie pattern was widely used on bronze ritual vessels and was a common type of warding off evil spirits. During the sacrifice, the lower part was burned with charcoal fire and the upper part was steamed with hot water, causing them to be tortured and tortured as a punishment.
Pixiu
Pixiu is ferocious and powerful. It is responsible for patrolling in the sky to prevent demons, ghosts, plagues and diseases from disturbing the heaven.
It is said that Pixiu violated the rules of heaven and was punished by the Jade Emperor to feed only on wealth from all directions.
Qilin
It is the most auspicious animal that Chinese people long for. Their appearance represents the happiness of a generation. Therefore, people hope that Kirin will always accompany them, bring them luck and light, and ward off bad luck.
3. Different origins
Walking away evil spirits
Walking away evil spirits originated from the special scary symbols in primitive religions, which are taboo objects and are opposite to totems. Different tribes have different backgrounds and have different totems and taboo objects.
Pixiu
According to ancient books, Pixiu is a ferocious beast and one of the five auspicious beasts in ancient times (in addition to dragon, phoenix, turtle, and unicorn), and is known as the beast that attracts wealth. Pixiu was once the totem of two clans in ancient times. Legend has it that he helped the Emperors Yan and Huang in battle and was awarded the title of "Tianlu Beast", which means blessings from heaven. It was designed to protect the emperor's treasure and was also a symbol of the royal family. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty named it the "Emperor Treasure". Because Pixiu specializes in eating ferocious beasts and evil spirits, it is also called "evil-proof". Ancient Chinese Feng Shui scholars believe that Pixiu is an auspicious animal that can turn disaster into good fortune.
Qilin
Every time Qilin appears, it will be a very special period. According to records, Confucius is closely related to Qilin. According to legend, Qilin appeared before Confucius was born and before his death. According to legend, before Confucius was born, there was a Qilin "vomiting a jade book" in the yard of his house, which wrote "Son of the Water Spirit" "In the Tang Dynasty, when the king came and the king came, the king came." Confucius once wrote a song: "In the Tang Dynasty, the phoenix came, and now it is not the right time. I am worried about the lin." Confucius died soon, so he was also regarded as a symbol of Confucianism. .
Reference material: Baidu Encyclopedia-Warning against evil
Reference material: Baidu Encyclopedia-Pixiu
Reference material: Baidu Encyclopedia-Kilin