Wolf
Overview
The wolf's traditional associations are almost entirely unfavourable, and the relevant proverbial phrases use it for rapacity and for ingratitude.
Meaning
The wolf carries a largely negative reading in Chinese tradition — greed, and the predator that takes more than it needs.
Traditional Interpretation
Sources are consistent in this direction, which is unusual — most animals in the tradition carry at least two readings.
Related Concepts
FAQ
What does wolf symbolize in Chinese tradition?
The wolf carries a largely negative reading in Chinese tradition — greed, and the predator that takes more than it needs. The wolf's traditional associations are almost entirely unfavourable, and the relevant proverbial phrases use it for rapacity and for ingratitude.
Where does the wolf appear in Chinese art and custom?
Its use is documented across several registers at once. The wolf carries a largely negative reading in Chinese tradition — greed, and the predator that takes more than it needs. The wolf's consistency is itself the notable feature: unlike the fox or the crow, it has essentially one register across the tradition.
How is wolf read in Chinese tradition?
Sources are consistent in this direction, which is unusual — most animals in the tradition carry at least two readings. It is grouped under Metal (金) in the five-element system.
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