Nine sons and their special abilities:

1) Bixi, also known as Baxia. He is the eldest son and often called the Dragon Tortoise. This brave and powerful creature is thought to be capable of carrying even the heaviest of burdens. To represent this power, he is most often seen located at the bottom of pillars, to enhance the strength of the foundation of a building. As to his appearance, he has the body and shell of the tortoise, a symbol of a long run of good fortune. Place Bixi in your home to attract the fortune you desire.

2) The next son is Chiwen. He is often depicted with a short body, and standing guard on rooftops. He may be short, but his enormous mouth is usually seen holding onto the edges of a rooftop and thus guarding the building. From there, he can look out at his surroundings and will particularly enjoy taking control of any nearby water. Chiwen is known for his potential to protect against fire and he was often placed on rooftops of temples or palaces to protect from fires. Use him for your own protection from this type of disaster.

3) The name of the third dragon son is Pulao and he is the dragon with a strong roar that reaches very far and wide to warn people of catastrophy. Pulao is often seen carved onto a temple bell, drums or other musical instruments to enhance their mighty sounds.

4) Son number four is Bi’an, regarded highly as the son who is just and fair, able to project an impartial viewpoint that will allow justice to prevail. Welcome him into your home or office to keep peace and protect against lawsuits. If those suits do go forward he can help ensure a favorable and just outcome. He may be fair but his appearance is anything but calm. He is ferocious in look, taking on characteristics of the tiger. He often is placed at the entrance to courts and inside halls of justice to preside over proper outcomes.

5) The fifth dragon son is named Taotie, a lover of food and abundance. He therefore also represents magnified wealth luck. This son is many times depicted on tableware such as a bronze food vessel, to provide a steady supply of food. Many people display him on the dining table in the form of dragon cookware or on serving dishes such as rice bowls.

6) Son number six, Gonfu, is thought to preside over the water and brings auspicious good luck to anyone near a lake, pool or other body of water. If you are building a water feature around your home, incorporate Gonfu’s presence by including a statue of him within your water feature for intensified wealth luck. He will also protect you around water features in your home environment and help protect from flooding. In public he is often seen carved on bridges or piers to provide a safe environment from water disasters.

7) Yazi is the seventh son and he is perhaps the most fear-inducing and harsh-looking of the sons. He perpetually bears a mean glare, ready for battle. Because of this ability, his likeness is often engraved on the handles of swords or spears with his mouth gripping the blade itself, thought to be claiming battle victory. Soldiers who carry these fighting objects often feel their morale boosted and their strength enhanced. Triumph is believed to belong to anyone who carries Yazi into a battle.

8) The eighth dragon son is named Suanni and he often has characteristics resembling a lion – around the mane and the body itself. He is not usually shown in motion but rather in a stationary position, quietly taking in his surroundings. But do not mistake his power, and his golden-colored body is depicted with flames nearby. Suanni can often be found on the tops of candle holders or incense burners and is believed to provide knowledge and wise guidance. Invoke his presence to ask for wisdom and guidance, and even to ask for an attractive son or daughter.

9) Musical and artistic ninth son Quiniu is said to favor string instruments in particular though he loves all good music and culture. The image of this Dragon is often seen on the top of musical instruments such as the “huqin” or Chinese violin. His love of refined music is often translated into peaceful protection in one’s home and placing him in an entranceway or doorway is popular.