In traditional China culture, many animals were regarded as the symbol of a gentleman, such as eagles, deer, chickens, etc. The eagle symbolized bravery, freedom, nobility, and monitoring evil. It represented the virtues of a gentleman, such as bravery and integrity. The deer represented gentleness, dignity, elegance, and intelligence. The chicken had the five virtues of literature, martial arts, bravery, benevolence, and faith. It was endowed with the simplest and most traditional virtues of a gentleman.
In the description of the way of a gentleman, the two animals, dragons and horses, were mentioned. Confucius said,"Dragons are the spiritual objects of heaven and earth, and horses are the best horses in the world." The words of a gentleman are like the song of a dragon. Although it is not common, it is amazing. The actions of a gentleman are like the galloping of a horse, down-to-earth and persistent. The dragon symbolized wisdom and strength, and the horse represented diligence and perseverance. The dragon and horse spirit combined into one reflected the spirit that a gentleman should uphold when cultivating his moral character, managing his family, governing the country, and pacifying the world, such as self-improvement and forging ahead with determination.
In traditional culture, horses were regarded as animals with the characteristics of a gentleman. From the point of view of a gentleman not taking advantage of others, horses fit the moral concept of a gentleman. Moreover, horses were free and easy to run, bold and unconstrained, and free. This image was in line with some of the qualities of a gentleman, so the most gentlemanly animal here could be a horse. In addition, cows were also a possibility. Cows had the character of honesty, diligence, and hard work, which were also qualities that a gentleman should have. However, horses were more in line with the traditional description of the image of a gentleman.
The animal that Lien Fu Lien represented in the twelve zodiac signs was the monkey.
The 'Like a Gentleman' manga represents gentlemanliness in various aspects. It might focus on the characters' etiquette, chivalry, and moral values. Also, the storylines could highlight situations where being a gentleman makes a difference. All these elements combined give a comprehensive portrayal of the concept.
" The elephant is invisible " was a Chinese idiom. It was mainly used to describe a person's deep inner cultivation, wisdom, and ability that was not revealed to the outside world. It was not specifically used to describe animals. However, from the literal meaning, the word had a certain connection with animals like elephants, but it was not a figurative expression of animals.
Squid was a type of marine mollusk. Its body had obvious characteristics. It had a pure white body, but there was black ink in its body. Although the cuttlefish never stole, they were known as " thieves " due to their many characteristics. For example, it was good at swimming freely in the ocean. When it encountered danger, it often released ink in order to take the opportunity to escape. This behavior might be one of the reasons why it was called a "thief". Moreover, the squid had a unique appearance. It had many tentacles and amazing flight ability. It could jump out of the sea and play a unique role in the ecosystem of the sea. The novel " Mixed Flowers " is equally exciting. Everyone is welcome to click and read it!
Squid was a type of marine mollusk that belonged to the class Cephanopoda. Cuttlefish had unique biological characteristics, such as a soft body with ten arms, two of which were longer tentacles used for hunting and other activities. They had ink sacs in their bodies, and when they encountered danger, they could spray ink to cover themselves and escape. This characteristic was reflected in many riddles about cuttlefish, such as " A thief never steals, he is free in the ocean, he often puts ink in the war, so that he can take advantage of the opportunity to escape " and so on. The body of a squid was usually white, and the ink sac inside its body was black. This was also the origin of the riddle," White on the body, black in the belly." In addition, cuttlefish had amazing flying abilities and could jump out of the sea. Like squid and octopus, although they lived in the ocean, they were not considered fish. The novel " Mixed Flowers " is equally exciting. Everyone is welcome to click and read it!
The lantern itself did not represent a specific animal, but there were many types of lanterns. Some of the lanterns were made into the shape of animals, such as fish lanterns, dragon lanterns, shrimp lanterns, crab lanterns, golden toad lanterns, etc. These animal lanterns were an artistic representation of animals. Through the lantern, the shape and meaning of the animal were displayed, but it could not be said that the lantern represented a specific animal.