I think Hawk Moth is Wood because some moths burrow into wood.
Huh, that’s really interesting about moths.
I assume you’re referring to my post about Taoist symbolism in Miraculous Ladybug and how the miraculous other than Chat Noir and Ladybug’s (which pretty obviously represent Yin Yang) might reference the Five Chinese Elements.
Let’s see, according to wikiapedia:
In Chinese Taoist thought, Wood attributes are considered to be strength and flexibility, as with bamboo. It is also associated with qualities of warmth, generosity, co-operation and idealism. The Wood person will be expansive, outgoing and socially conscious. The wood element is one that seeks ways to grow and expand. Wood heralds the beginning of life, springtime and buds, sensuality and fecundity. Wood needs moisture to thrive.
In Chinese medicine, wood is associated with negative feelings of anger, positive feelings of patience, and altruism.
Organs associated with this element are the liver (yin), gall bladder (yang), eyes, and tendons.
What stands out first is that it’s negative emotion is anger, which is typically the emotion Hawk Moth uses to turn normal civilians into super-villains. There’s also the part about cooperation, considering Hawk Moth entire deal is offering power to others in exchange for a little favor. Lastly, there’s the association with eyes because the butterfly mask thing both Hawk Moth and his akuma’d victims get. While I’m no expert in this, I’d say there’s enough to make a decent argument for it. Or at least it’d be worth while to look more into.
Hmm….If this is the case that Hawk Moth represents the wood element, then maybe the positive aspect hints at what the power could be like in non-villainous hands?