Travel Notes in China

RED-CROWNED crane waits for coronation

THE red-crowned crane is the popular choice to be the national bird of China and just awaits the approval of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature.

The State Forestry Administration has handed the nomination to the NPC after it held an online poll to choose a national bird in 2004, Heilongjiang Daily reported today.

During the poll more than 64 percent of the 5 million netizens who took part wanted the red-crowned crane to be the national bird.

Delegates of the People’s Congress of Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province said the red-crowned crane is a symbol of good luck, dignity and long life. The Zalong Wetland nature Reserve in Qiqihar is a major habitat for the red-crowned cranes.

Delegates in Qiqihar proposed the red-crowned crane as the national bird in 2004 and again this year.

There are criteria for the national bird. The bird must be a rare species with most of them living in China it must reflect the national spirit it must be able to be spotted easily by the public it must be well known and it must be worth protection and research.

In China, the Red-crowned Crane is often featured in myths and legends. In Taoism, the Red-crowned Crane is a symbol of longevity and immortality. In art and literature, immortals are often depicted riding on cranes. A mortal who attains immortality is similarly carried off by a crane. Reflecting this association, Red-crowned Cranes are called xian he, or fairy crane. The Red-crowned Crane is also a symbol of nobility. Depictions of the crane have been found in Shang Dynasty tombs and Zhou Dynasty ceremonial bronzeware. A common theme in later Chinese art is the reclusive scholar who cultivates bamboo and keeps cranes.

More than 40 countries have national birds. The United States started the trend for national birds when it made the Bald Eagle its avian representative 200 years ago.
It is important for China to name its national bird, delegates said.