Meet with us the most popular Chinese Symbology. Discover its meanings and associations with the most popular legends.
Chinese Symbology
In ancient Chinese symbology, specifically in astronomy and luck, the ecliptic sky was divided into four sections. Each of these sections contained seven mansions, and together they formed the 28 mansions. The 28 Mansions can be considered equivalent to the zodiacal constellations in Western astronomy, although they reflect the movement of the Moon through a sidereal month rather than the Sun in a tropical year.
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This allowed the ancient Chinese to mark the travel positions of the Sun and Moon, as well as determine the time and seasons. Each section of the sky is assigned to a mythological creature, known collectively as the Four Symbols. These creatures are the Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West, the Black Tortoise of the North, and the Vermilion Bird of the South.
It also shows some symbols of luck and fortune used for feng shui. So here are 9 of the most outstanding Chinese symbols out of the hundreds found in this millinery culture
1. Eastern Blue Dragon
The Blue Dragon is the mythological creature in the East highlighted within Chinese symbology, as it is said that when the seven mansions in that area (Horn, Neck, Root, Room, Heart, Tail and Basket of divination) come together, they form the shape of a continuum. The Blue Dragon corresponds to spring.
As the dragon is considered by the Chinese to be the noblest animal, it is the head of the Four Symbols. Although Chinese dragons are commonly associated with water, the Azure Dragon is the exception, as its element is wood.
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is regarded as a fearsome and powerful creature. However, unlike their Western counterparts, Chinese dragons are believed to be righteous, benevolent and bring wealth and good fortune.
2. The white tiger of the West
The mythological creature in the West is the White Tiger, and its seven mansions are the Legs, the Link, the Stomach, the Hairy Head, the Net, the Turtle’s Beak and the Three Stars. The white tiger corresponds to autumn in Chinese symbolism.
The element of the White Tiger is metal, and he was considered to be the God of War. In this capacity, the White Tiger was seen as a protector and defender, not only from mortal enemies, but also from evil spirits.
3. The Northern Black Tortoise in Chinese Symbology
In the North, the mythological and symbolic creature is the Black Tortoise and its seven mansions are the Dipper, the Ox, the Girl, the Void, the Roof, the Camp and the Wall.
The Black Turtle corresponds to winter, presented in Chinese symbology. The element of the Black Turtle is water, and this mythological creature is commonly associated with longevity and wisdom (just as these virtues are traditionally attributed to turtles common in Chinese mythology).
4. The Southern Vermillion Bird and Chinese Symbology
The mythological creature within the Bird in the south is the Vermillion Bird, and its seven mansions are Well, Ghosts, Willow, Star, Net, Wings and Chariot. The Vermillion Bird corresponds to summer in Chinese symbology.
Interestingly, the Vermillion Bird has been considered to be identical to the phoenix. The phoenix is traditionally associated with fire, and this is also the case with the Vermillion Bird.
5. Chinese character for good luck
The good luck character is commonly used during Chinese New Year. Chinese people like to hang Chinese New Year decoration that has this Chinese word. And, by the way, they will hang upside down this lucky Chinese character. By doing so, it symbolizes good fortune and good luck will come to one’s home.
6. Magpies at Chinese Symbology
In Western culture within its Chinese symbolism, magpies are associated with evil and bad fortune. However, in Chinese culture, magpies symbolize good luck, joy and fortune. The Chinese believe that if one sees a magpie, good luck will come. The magpie in Chinese symbolizes joy and happiness.
Therefore, when you see a magpie, you will soon have good luck with Chinese beliefs. Like Japanese and Koreans, cranes in Chinese culture also play a vital role in Chinese mythological symbolism. As cranes symbolize longevity, purity, good fortune and peace, they are the second most favored bird symbols after the phoenix. Cranes are also known as the prince of all feathered creatures.
7. Bat
In Western culture, bats have always been associated with vampires, as blood-sucking creatures or something that is dark and evil. However, in Chinese symbolism, especially in Chinese feng shui, bats are a symbol of wealth because the Chinese translation of bats is (bian fu).
And the Chinese word (fú) has the same Chinese pinyin as (fú), the Chinese translation of fortune or happiness. If you place 5 bats together, they represent the Chinese symbolism of the “Five Blessings'” (wufu): long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.
8. Elephants
In Thailand and India, elephants are also good luck animals. In Thailand, elephants are their national animal. Chang, which means elephant in the Thai language, is a symbol of longevity, strength and durability. The white-colored elephant is a characteristic symbol of royalty.
Also in India, elephants are important in Indian mythology. The elephant symbolizes the wisdom and great intellect of the Indians and one of their popular Indian deities, Lord Ganesha wears an elephant’s head.
The elephant in Chinese culture symbolism represents auspiciousness, auspiciousness and luck. Like deer and animal bats, the Chinese pinyin for elephant (xiàng) sounds like (xiáng).
9. Chinese good luck plants
The Chinese symbolism of luck can also be found in all kinds of plants. Plum (méi), the traditional Chinese flower, is seen as strong, noble and humble. Thus, the Chinese associate this Chinese flower as a lucky symbol of the spring festival.
The next lucky plant is Panda’s favorite food, Bamboo (zhu). Bamboo has been rooted in Chinese culture for a long time. The Chinese see bamboo as a symbol of traditional Chinese values.
It is given the title of “gentleman” because the plant symbolizes modesty, chastity and honor. In fact, bamboo, plum and pine have been known as the “three friends of winter.”
Like bamboo, pine trees (song shu) symbolize longevity. And, being evergreen trees, they are beloved not only in the East, but also in the West.
In summary, whether you believe the above is just Chinese superstition or Chinese symbolism, one thing is for sure they are deeply rooted in Chinese culture and values. These beliefs and symbols are being practiced in daily life until now.
Chinese all over the world still hang Chinese lucky symbols in their homes, they still practice Chinese values as their ancestors have been doing for hundreds of years.
