Phoenix is the fabulous bird that periodically regenerates itself. It is used in literature as a symbol of death and resurrection. According to legend, the phoenix lived in Arabia. When it reached the end of its life of 500 years, it burned itself on a pyre of flames, and from the ashes a new phoenix arose. As a sacred symbol in Egyptian religion, the phoenix represented the sun, which dies each night and rises again each morning. According to Herodotus the bird was red and golden and resembled an eagle.
According to the Chinese mythology, the phoenix is a well-known creature, and a Guardian of the South. This creature, however, is nothing like the descriptions of it found in Greek or Egyptian mythology. Known as the Feng-huang in China, the phoenix’s plumage is not simply red; it is comprised of the five mystical colors—black, white, red, green, and yellow—and it has twelve tail feathers to signify the twelve months. It is also depicted as the most melodious bird that exists, and the phoenix is only seen during times of good fortune, as it hides when there is trouble. Also very unlike its Western relations, the Feng-huang does not have the ability to rejuvenate itself. It is associated with the season summer, the element fire, and with knowledge.
Chinese hand made embroidery peony and phoenix dress is considered a majestic dress fit for any imperial princess. The embroidered Phoenix and Peony symbolize riches and honor. The beauty of the design is that it is embroidered stitch by stitch by skillful artists.
Phoenix Embroidery is famous for its rich color gradient and short stitches. Chinese embroidery pieces are difficult to picture as the silky surface reflects light in an uncontrollable manner. If some yellowish or weird color appears in the background, you know it means white. With sixteen shades for each color, Phoenix embroidery is an exquisite work of art.