Azure Dragon, Vermillion Bird, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise?

Question

I've been trying to research them, but nothing detailed shows. D: What I'm looking for is details on how they came up, what attributes they're supposed to have, particular traits (appearance or personality).

Also, there's supposed to be a fifth creature who protects the zenith/center, and represents no season, but the change between the seasons, I think. But I don't know if it's the yellow/gold dragon, or the Qilin. I've had two different sources contradicting each other there, so if you could tell me that, that'd be great. :D

Answer 1

Those exact statuettes are at my local Pagan store "sun, moon and star". i cant remember what the cards said on them except that the Dragon was green, the bird (in the case of the ones i saw, a Phoenix) was red and for fire and summer (?) the tiger was white and spring i think and the tortoise was black, earth and winter (?) you could look up sun, moon and star? they have a website :) sorry i couldnt be more help.

Answer 2

Hm.  Implies Taoist Ceremony to me.

Answer 3

google all of them one at a time & see what happens also if memory serves it is the Quilin  

http://www.elfwood.com/art/j/l/jlock3/to...