The Image of Music and Sound in Xunzi's 'On Music': A Study of Character, Cosmos, and the Cultivation of Rites and Music

Section 4: Sheng, Yu, and Phoenix — Mythological Background of Reed Pipes

The "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) of the shēng, yú, and xiāo is closely associated with the phoenix in ancient mythology.

The structure of the shēng is said to imitate the spread wings of the phoenix. Legends (recorded in the Book of Documents, Transmitted Traditions ($\text{Shàng Shū Dà Zhuàn}$), though a later work, likely preserves pre-Qin tradition) suggest "Nuwa created the shēng and huáng." The arrangement of the shēng's bamboo pipes resembles the varied feathers of the phoenix’s wing; the vibration of its reeds produces a sound like the phoenix’s cry.

The Book of Odes, Minor Odes of the Kingdom, Deer Call ($\text{Lù Míng}$), states:

"The deer call 'you you' as they eat the artemisia. I have worthy guests, I strike the sè and blow the shēng."

"The deer call 'you you' as they eat the artemisia. I have worthy guests whose virtue is clearly known."

The "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) of the shēng sound is paired with the "you you" of the deer call and the "virtuous reputation" ($\text{dé yīn}$) of the guests, creating a harmonious picture of a feast. In poetic contexts, the "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) of the shēng is always linked to concord, friendliness, and joy.

The xiāo (panpipe) also has mythological origins. It is said to be the xiāo used in the legend of Emperor Shun, whose Shao Music ($\text{Sháo Yuè}$) played in nine movements ($\text{jiǔ chéng}$) caused the phoenix to appear in welcome: "The Shao Music performed its nine movements, and the phoenix came to pay its respects." ($\text{xiāo sháo jiǔ chéng, fèng huáng lái yí}$). This legend directly links the xiāo with the phoenix—the phoenix is the embodiment of harmony, and the xiāo's sound is the voice of harmony; they respond to each other.

What was the phoenix’s character in ancient belief$2 The phoenix’s virtue is "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) —its appearance signals peace and harmony throughout the world. The Classic of Mountains and Seas, Classic of the Southern Mountains ($\text{Nán Shān Jīng}$), describes it:

"There is a bird there, shaped like a rooster, with five-colored markings, named the Phoenix ($\text{Fèng Huáng}$). Its head marking is called Virtue, its wing marking Righteousness, its back marking Ritual, its breast marking Benevolence, its abdomen marking Trustworthiness. This bird feeds and sings naturally, dancing by itself. When it appears, the world is peaceful and ordered."

The phoenix embodies the five cardinal virtues, and its "singing and dancing naturally" signals world peace. The "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) of the shēng, yú, and xiāo is the manifestation of the phoenix’s "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) in musical instruments.

This ancient background means that the "harmony" ($\text{hé}$) of the yú, shēng, and xiāo is not just a description of musical aesthetics but also a carrier of the ideal of cosmic harmony—echoing the ancient aspiration for peace under heaven symbolized by the phoenix's arrival.