The qilin is a mythical creature similar to a unicorn, associated with good luck and prosperity. It has a mixture of animal parts and is closely related to sages. The qilin is known for its kindness and can become violent to protect the righteous. It is associated with fire and femininity and was once identified with the giraffe.
The qilin is the Chinese version of the unicorn, with a number of similar creatures including the kirin appearing in the mythology of other Asian cultures. The appearance of a qilin is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity, and depictions of qilin are often seen worked into various clothing designs and artwork to convey good fortune to the buyer. The qilin are also depicted in a stylized dance known as the qilin or unicorn dance which involves feats of physical strength and dexterity on the part of the dancers.
The appearance of the qilin is a matter of debate. Most depictions involve a mixture of animal parts, giving the qilin the scales of a carp, the hooves of an ox, the tail of a lion and the head of a dragon, for example. In many depictions, the qilin has two horns, rather than one, and the horns may be flat against the animal’s head, rather than sticking out. Qilin are closely associated with fire, which they presumably use to defend the righteous.
A qilin will only appear in an area controlled by a just, wise, and benevolent leader, and the qilin are closely related to sages and other wise people. According to stories, qilin are very gentle and friendly animals, but they can become violent when they need to protect someone. In the course of protecting the righteous, a qilin can breathe fire, gore someone with its horn, or stomp someone, making the qilin a useful friend to have at your back in a fight.
In most stories, the qilin is described as a very kind and loving animal. According to stories, qilin can walk on grass and flowers without causing harm, and they can also walk on water when they need to. Kind animals eat a vegetarian diet and conscientiously avoid harming all living things. These traits are also considered virtues in some parts of Chinese society, so the qilin could also be said to set a virtuous example for others to follow.
For a short time the qilin was identified with the giraffe. This is likely because giraffes were quite new to the Chinese when they were first brought to China, and giraffes are also naturally gentle, vegetarian animals with heads that resemble those of some mythical qilin. The qilin is also associated with femininity, possibly because it exhibits some classically feminine traits such as kindness.
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