A little more detail…

The phoenix is known as the Hō-ō (鳳凰)

Phoenix coin jewellery – hand cut coin jewellery, the recycled Japanese 100 yen coin.

The Japanese phoenix, or Hō-ō, symbolizes political authority, peace, good fortune, and harmony, representing the Empress and imperial power. It signifies the arrival of new eras and virtuous rulers, and its appearance indicates a time of prosperity, peace, and a balanced, well-governed society. Unlike the Western phoenix, the Hō-ō is a messenger of peace and harmony rather than a creature that is reborn from ashes.

It appears only during times of peace and prosperity, serving as a harbinger of a new, benevolent era. The Hō-ō represents balance and harmony, formed from the union of “Ho” (male) and “O” (female) to create one creature symbolizing yin and yang. Its presence indicates that a ruler is free from corruption and darkness, and the people are loyal and honest.

The primary symbolism of the phoenix is immortality, rebirth, and resurrection, representing hope, new beginnings, and the cycle of life, death, and renewal. Emerging from the ashes of its predecessor, it embodies the idea that endings can lead to new, more powerful starts. The myth is tied to fire and the sun, with the bird’s life cycle of self-immolation and rebirth symbolizing triumph over death and the enduring nature of life.

The most prominent symbolism is the phoenix’s ability to die and be reborn, signifying an unending life cycle and triumph over death. The bird’s emergence from ashes represents a fresh start, transformation, and the renewal of life, even after destruction.

The phoenix is closely associated with fire, as it builds its nest of aromatic wood and is consumed by flames, only to be reborn from them. In ancient mythologies, it was linked to the sun god and the sun’s life-giving power.

The phoenix serves as a symbol of hope, reminding people that it’s possible to rise from difficult circumstances and start anew. The mythical bird is also described as having supreme beauty and grace, appearing only in times of peace and bringing good fortune. The phoenix’s life cycle embodies the universal concept of life, death, and rebirth, mirroring natural cycles like the seasons.

The myth of the phoenix has endured for centuries across various cultures in Greece, the Middle East, Egypt, and Japan. In Japan, the phoenix is a symbol of the empress and is considered auspicious. In some interpretations, it even symbolizes Christ’s resurrection.

Size : Approx diameter 22.6mm