The Howling Celestial Dog, known as the "Xiao Tian Quan," is an essential character in Chinese ancient mythical legends, known for its loyalty and bravery. Its origins and image have been depicted in various literary works over the centuries. Here's a detailed exploration of the howling celestial dog's journey through Chinese literature and its cultural significance:

### Origins and Literary References

**1. Gan Bao's "Stories of Immortals" (Soushen Ji):**

The prototype of the Howling Celestial Dog can be traced back to the "Ground Rhinoceros Dog" in this book. While not directly named the "Howling Celestial Dog", this early reference laid the foundation for its later characterizations.

**2. Ming Dynasty's "Investiture of the Gods" (Fengshen Yanyi):**

- The official name "Howling Celestial Dog" first appeared in this novel.

- Depicted as assisting Erlang God Yang Jian in slashing demons and eliminating evils.

- Described as a white, slender dog with short fur and a slender waist, and sometimes it resembling a white elephant, showcasing its majestic and divine nature.

- Notable scene: Howling Celestial Dog bites Zhao Gongming's neck, aiding Yang Jian in achieving victory.

**3. Other Literary Works:**

- "Journey to the West": Howling Celestial Dog appears as a divine beast, aiding Erlang God Yang Jian.

- "Baolian Lantern": Similarly depicted as a loyal companion to Yang Jian, assisting in various divine tasks.

### Symbolism and Cultural Significance

**Loyalty and Bravery:**

- As a companion to Erlang God Yang Jian, Howling Celestial Dog symbolizes extreme loyalty and bravery. This quality is highly valued in traditional Chinese culture.

- Dogs, in general, are regarded as representatives of loyalty and auspiciousness in Chinese beliefs, and Howling Celestial Dog epitomizes these traits.

**Mystical and Protective Qualities:**

- Considered as a mysterious presence who capable of warding off evil and protecting homes.

- Its image is often found in murals, sculptures, and other artworks for worship, reflecting its protective role in folklore.

### Influence on Modern Culture

**1982-1988 "Journey to the West" TV Series:**

- During the filming and broadcasting of this series, Howling Celestial Dog was wearing beautiful clothes, enhancing its divine and majestic image.

- This portrayal inspired many people including Sam who see pet dogs as humans' best friends. This inspiration contributed to the idea of making handmade pet sweaters, combining the protective and loyal symbolism of Howling Celestial Dog with the contemporary affection for pets.

### Application to QQKNIT and Modern Practices

**Symbolic Inspiration:**

- The enduring image of Howling Celestial Dog as a protector and loyal companion resonates with the ethos of QQKNIT, a brand dedicated to creating handmade dog jumpers.    

- The story of the Howling Celestial Dog can inspire designs that reflect protection, loyalty, and bravery, qualities that pet owners cherish in their companions.

**Cultural Heritage:**

- Incorporating traditional motifs and stories like that of the Howling Celestial Dog into modern products can deepen cultural appreciation and connect contemporary practices with ancient heritage.

- Products inspired by the Howling Celestial Dog can be marketed as embodying both cultural richness and practical warmth, appealing to pet owners who value both aesthetics and functionality.

### Conclusion

The Howling Celestial Dog is a profound symbol in Chinese mythology, representing loyalty, bravery, and protection. Its journey from ancient literary works to modern cultural practices illustrates its lasting influence. For QQKNIT, this character can serve as a powerful inspiration, blending traditional cultural elements with modern craftsmanship to create meaningful and cherished products. From  Huizhou Qian Qian Industrial Co., Ltd

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