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Four Gods
The legend of the Four Gods is at the heart of the story of Fushigi Yuugi. Each animal deity has a priestess who can use his powers; she is
protected by seven guardians who represent the seven stars of each deity's constellation. They are referenced in the first CCS movie. Suzaku is an opponent who shows up in the anime Yu Yu Hakusho.
From Joanna: They also appear in Yami no Matsuei, Tenkku no Escaflowne
(shounen version).
From Kit: There is a reference to the four gods in Digimon Tamers. The four sovereigns of the Digital World take the form of a tiger, phoenix, dragon, and tortoise.
Byakko
The white tiger represents the West, autumn, and the element metal. In mythology of the Chinese dynasty, the key to sovereignty was
metallurgy, according to Christie. The tiger is a symbol for virtue and strength, and military prowess in ancient China.
Japanese Name-Meaning of Chinese Character
AmefuriBoshi - Net
EkieBoshi - Stomach
KagasukiBoshi - Investigator
SubaruBoshi - Stopping Place
TataraiBoshi - Hill
TokakiBoshi - Stride
TorokiBoshi - Turtle Snout
Genbu
The black tortoise represents the North, winter, and the element water. Also known as the Black Warrior. Because of its long life-span,
the tortoise is a symbol of longevity.
Japanese Name-Meaning of Chinese Character
HatsuiBoshi - Room
HikitsuBoshi - Dipper
InamiBoshi - Cow
NamameBoshi - Wall
TomiteBoshi - Emptiness
UmiyameBoshi - Roof Top
UrukiBoshi - Woman
Seiryuu
The azure dragon represents the East, spring, the element wood, yang, and
the Emperor. In Japanese
mythology, dragons are said to reside at the floor of bodies of
water. The Sea King's Palace was known as the Evergreen Land.
In both Chinese and Japanese mythology, the dragon is associated
with water. In legends, the dragon dwells in lakes and oceans, and
is given associations with storms and clouds. In China, it is the
dragon who produces the rain. They live in crystal palaces filled
with treasure. Sometimes the dragon may be represented as azure
and winged. In Chinese myth, the dragon is a wise creature, and
well-disposed towards humans. Because they were believed to
hold power over rain, they were many times shown with a pearl or
ball to symbolize the thunder. The dragon is used as a symbol for
the emperor, the Son of Heaven.
Japanese Name-Meaning of Chinese Character
AmiBoshi - Neck
AshitareBoshi - Tail
MiBoshi - Basket
NakagoBoshi - Heart
SoiBoshi - Chamber
SuBoshi - Horn
TomoBoshi - Root
Suzaku
The red bird or phoenix represents the South, summer, and fire. It
represented the yin principle and the Empress. In some texts, it is referred to as the "phoenix of the cinnabar mountain."
This is the basic substance of Taoist alchemy. The color represents the South.
Japanese Name-Meaning of Chinese Character
ChichiriBoshi - Well
ChirikoBoshi - Stretched Net
HotohoriBoshi - Stars
MitsukakeBoshi - Chariot Cross-Board
NurikoBoshi - Willow
TamahomeBoshi - Ogre
TasukiBoshi - Wings