The origin of Phoenix is in the Neolithic Age. Many bird patterns on painted pottery in primitive society are the embryonic form of phoenix. About 7400 years ago, a white clay pot was unearthed from the Gaomiao cultural site in Hongjiang, Hunan. The neck and shoulders of the pot are printed with patterns of oriental birds (including animal faces and the sun), one facing forward and the other looking back. According to archaeological experts' appraisal, the phoenix pattern on this pottery is at least 400 years earlier than that found in Hemudu Cultural Site in Yuyao, Zhejiang Province, and it is the earliest phoenix pattern found in China so far.

According to myths and legends, the phoenix evolved from the bird totem of the Yin people in the East.

The earliest record of Phoenix seen today may be in the chapter of Shangshu Yiji. The book describes the celebration ceremony held by Dayu after the flood control. The music was hosted by Solanum nigrum, and birds and animals sang and danced at the ceremony. Finally, a phoenix came-"Little Shao Jiucheng, Feng Di came to the instrument." Confucius said, "The spirit bird is also called the phoenix, and the mother is also called the emperor." Zheng Xuan's Note: "The document is said to be riding a horse." We noticed that here, the phoenix was regarded as a bird symbolizing good luck by ancient families. The so-called "coming to the instrument" was interpreted by Zheng Xuan as "riding a horse".