Cocks

IMG:p135_8.png:Chinese characters hung chi, are supposed, on the evidence of the Shan Hai C'hing, to protect houses from fire. The picture of a red cock is therefore often seen stuck on a house wall. Since ghosts retire about sunrise it is supposed the cock chases them; hence it is a potent demonifuge, used at funerals and weddings: a white cock is put on the coffin in funeral proce ions to clear the road of demons. Dore: Recherches sur les IMG:p135_9.png:Chinese characters