The Imaginary Beast-the Phoenix Sign as the Bearer of the Chinese Bestial Cultural Code: the Evolution of Meanings

The article considers the formation and development of meanings Phoenix as an imaginary beast-sign, a bearer bestiary code Chinese culture. methodology highlighting stages evolution image beast-sign analysis its is based on ideas Russian semioticians V.N. Toporov A.E. Makhov concerning historical typology beast-signs from totem to zoomorphic images, then images images-embodies. As result study it was found that totemic image-sign formed basis domestic birds: chicken, pheasant, peacock other animals, symbolised Sun God, Fire God (female image), Wind (male image) polytheistic pantheon ancient Gods, phoenix became emblem imperial power female bearers (empresses, princesses, concubines), finally, in course cultural history lost religious political significance, love, femininity, happiness harmony. Understanding changing one beast-signs, carriers code, will enable better understanding aims values culture at different development, well mechanisms continuity China, making possible endless renewals traditional ground.