User:Donald Trung/Implied meanings of Chinese numismatic charms/The Letter C

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Symbol Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Pinyin Implied or hidden meaning Origin of the association Exemplary image
Calamus[1][2][3] 菖蒲 菖蒲 chāng pú Protection from bad luck, evil spirits, and pathogens. The leaves of a calamus plant resembles swords.
Carp (1) 鯉 鲤 lǐ Strength, power, profit, and fertility. The Mandarin Chinese word for "carp" (鯉, lǐ) sounds like that for "strength" (力, lì) and also the word for "profit" (利, lì).
Carps lay a lot of eggs which is why they are associated with fertility.[4][5]
Carp (2) 鯉 鲤 lǐ Persistence. According an ancient Chinese myth called the lǐ yú tiào lóng mén (鯉魚跳龍門) carps that leap over the dragon gate shall transform into a Chinese dragon.[6][7][8]
Cash coins 錢 钱 qián Wealth and prosperity.
The cash coin is considered to be one of the "Eight Treasures".
"Before".
Completeness.		 Cash coins are round with a square hole in the middle which was based on the Ancient Chinese belief that the earth was square and the heavens were circular or round.[9][10][11][12]
The Mandarin Chinese word for "coin" (錢, qián) sounds like "before" (前, qián).
An archaic Mandarin Chinese term for coins (泉, quán) sounds like the word for "complete" (全, quán).
Cassia[13] 桂 桂 guì High ranks through success in the imperial examination system,
When cassia plants are placed together with calabash, pomegranate, and/or lotus seeds this represents the desire that many sons will achieve high ranks through the imperial examination system.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "cassia" (桂, guì) sounds the same as the word for "high rank" (貴, guì).
Cat 貓 猫 Māo Longevity.
Protection of silkworms.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "cat" (貓, māo) is a homophone for get word for an "octogenarian" (耄, mào).[14][15]
Cats hunt rats and mice which are the natural predators of the silkworm.[16][17][18]
Chestnut[a] 栗子 栗子 Lì zi Fertility.
Good manners in a woman.		 Chestnuts are often given as a Chinese wedding gift.[19][20]
The Mandarin Chinese word meaning "chestnut" (栗子, lì zi) is a homophone to the phrase "producing children" (立子, lì zi).
The first Hanzi character in the Mandarin Chinese word meaning "chestnut" (栗, lì) is a homophone to the word for "etiquette" (禮, lǐ) and is associated with that quality in females.
Chopsticks 筷子 筷子 Kuài zi The wish for a newlywed couple to immediately start producing offspring. The Mandarin Chinese word for "chopsticks" (筷子, kuài zi) is homophonic with the phrase "fast sons" (快子, kuài zi).[21][22][23]
Chime stones 磬 磬 Qìng Being rich and wealthy. The Mandarin Chinese word for "chime stone" (磬, qìng) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "to congratulate" (慶, qìng).
Ancient Chinese chime stones were made from jade thus were considered to be expensive and therefore valuable.[24]
The chime stone is considered to be a member of the eight treasures of China.
Chrysanthemum 菊 菊 Jú 10th month of the Chinese calendar.
People who maintain their virtuous nature in the face of adverse and tempting circumstances.
Nobility and elegance.
Longevity.[25][26]		 The chrysanthemum is one of the Chinese Four gentlemen.
The chrysanthemum blooms quite late in the year when the circumstances are less than optimal.
The Hanzi character for chrysanthemum looks like the Hanzi character for "forever" (永久, yǒng jiǔ).[b]
Cicada 蟬 蝉 Chán Immortality and rebirth.[27][28] Cicadas survive under the ground for a significant amount of time before they rise from the ground and fly towards the skies.
Citron
(Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis)[c]		 佛手 佛手 Fó shǒu happiness and longevity.[29][30] The Mandarin Chinese word for Buddha's Hand (佛手, fó shǒu) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese words for "happiness" (福, fú) and longevity" (壽, shòu).
Clouds[d] 雲 云 yún Heaven.
Good luck.[31][32][33]		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "cloud" (雲 , yún) has a similar pronunciation as that for "luck" (運, yùn).
Coral 珊瑚 珊瑚 shān hú Coral is considered to be one of the Chinese "Eight treasures".
Promotions in rank for officials.
Longevity.		 Historically the population of China thought that coral was an underwater "iron tree" (鐵樹, tiě shù) that only blossomed once every century.
Red coral is believed to be auspicious because the colour red is associated with happiness, good fortune, and good luck.
Coral buttons on the hats of government officials signify one of the nine grades.
Coral resembles deer antlers and deer are associated with longevity.[34][35]
Crab 蟹 蟹 xiè Peace and harmony.
Success in the Chinese imperial examination system and a high rank as a government official.		 The Mandarin Chinese term for "crab" (蟹, xiè) sounds similar to the word for "harmony" (协, xié).
The Mandarin Chinese term for "crab’s shell" (甲, jiǎ) also means "first", as in the person who has the highest score on the imperial examination system.[36][37]
Crane[e] 鶴 鹤 hè Longevity.
Success in the imperial examination system and achieving a high rank.
A harmonious and good marriage.		 In Ancient China it was believed that cranes reach high ages before their death.
Images of cranes were embroiled in the dresses of government officials with advanced ranks.
The Mandarin Chinese word for "crane" (鶴, hè) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "harmony" (合, hé).[38][39][40]
Cypress 柏 柏 bǎi Large quantities. The Mandarin Chinese word for "cypress" (柏, bǎi) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "one-hundred" (百, bǎi).[41][42]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ The eight-sided holes holes in some charms, amulets, and coins mostly found in Tang and Song dynasty era are referred to as "chestnut holes" or "flower holes".
  2. ^ Similarly the Hanzi character for chrysanthemum also represents the number "nine" (九) due to the fact that they look similar.
  3. ^ The fingered citron is also known as "Buddha's Hand".
  4. ^ In the world of Chinese charms, amulets, and talismans clouds are sometimes referred to as "auspicious clouds" (祥雲, xiáng yún).
  5. ^ Further reading Crane in Chinese mythology.

References[edit]

  1. ^ China Highlights [https://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/dragon-boat-festival.htm Dragon Boat Festival 2017/2018] § Hanging Chinese Mugwort and Calamus. Retrieved: 3 June 2018.
  2. ^ Ashton, Leigh and Basil Gray. 1945. Chinese Art. Faber and Faber, London, 366 pp.
  3. ^ Bachhofer, Ludwig. 1946. A Short History of Chinese Art. Pantheon Books, New York. 139 pp. + 129 pls.
  4. ^ "Carps Jumping Over the Dragon Gate 鲤鱼跳龙门。". Chinese Lifeworld 华人的生活世界 (Philosophically speaking, the Chinese live in the life-world and the westerners in the scientific-world. Life-world concerns more with human beings and Scientific-world with beings. One of the best ways to understand the Chinese Life-world is to go into contact with the vast treasure house of Chinese legend, folklore, fables, ghost stories. 从哲学角度来看，华人活在生活世界，洋人活在科学世界。生活世界是关于人的存在，科学世界注重存在。要了解华人的生活世界，一个最好的方法是接触华人神话、民间故事、寓言与神鬼故事的这个巨大宝藏。). 19 September 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  5. ^ "The Fish in Chinese Art and Mahjong Part 1". Kuan Yin (for Mahjong Treasures). 20 May 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  6. ^ "Leaping Over the Dragon's Gate - The Realms of the Dragons". Research by Michael P. Garofalo (© Valley Spirit Qigong, Green Way Research, Red Bluff, California, 2010-2015 By Michael P. Garofalo, M.S., All Rights Reserved.) – Cloud Hands Blog. 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  7. ^ "Chinese New Year Slime & How the Carp Turned into a Dragon". Sugar · Spice and Glitter – Activities · Recipes · Parenting. 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  8. ^ "TAT Blog > Koi Transforms Into Dragon!". Tarot Art Tattoo. (All content is the property of T.A.T. Gallery and may not be used or reproduced without permission © T.A.T. Gallery - Powered by Nirvana & WordPress.). 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  9. ^ "Feng Shui, Circles & Squares". Clear Engelbert’s Feng Shui Blog (Author & Consultant). 9 November 2017. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  10. ^ "Square hole of Chinese coins". Vladimir Belyaev (Chinese Coinage Website). 14 July 1998. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  11. ^ "MORE ON WHY CASH COINS HAVE SQUARE HOLES". Bruce Smith, Howard A. Daniel III, and Wayne Homren (The E-Sylum – The Numismatic Bibliomania Society). 8 August 2010. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  12. ^ Burling, Judith and Arthur Hart. 1953. Chinese Art. The Studio Publications, Inc., in association with Thomas Y. Crowell Co., New York. 384pp.
  13. ^ Chinasage.info Flower and Fruit symbolism in Chinese art 花朵 huā duǒ. Retrieved: 03 June 2018.
  14. ^ "LESSON PLAN - Understanding Decorative Motifs on Chinese Porcelain". Teach China staff (with invaluable input from Ms. Pearl Lau). 2018. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  15. ^ "Symbolism in Chinese Children's Hats and Baby Carriers: Folklore, Bonding, and Mother's Affectionate Embrace" (PDF). Presenter: Phylis Lan Lin, Asian Programs - University of Indianapolis October 6, 2007 At American Association for Chinese Studies Annual Meeting At the University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia. 6 October 2007. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  16. ^ "Knowledge of Silkworm". China Travel Guide. 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Cat or Mao - The Cat, called Mao (貓 māo)". CozyChinese.COM (Free Chinese tools and resources). 31 January 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  18. ^ China Sage Silk from China. Retrieved: 30 June 2018.
  19. ^ "Traditional Chinese Wedding Grand Gift List". China Bridal. 2003. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  20. ^ "List of Gifts for a Chinese Engagement". Kate Muir for Our Everyday Life. 29 September 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  21. ^ "Chopsticks: A Symbol of Chinese Culture". China Travel Guide, Culture and History, Facts about China. 6 April 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  22. ^ "Chinese Wedding Dowry List". China Bridal. 2003. Retrieved 30 June 2018.
  23. ^ www.weddingsatwork.com Article by Shu Shu Costa from the feature entitled: “Rituals of Bliss”; text & images courtesy of aOnline. Retrieved: 30 June 2018.
  24. ^ Encyclopaedia Britannica Qing | musical instrument - Alternative Title: ch’ing. Written By: The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved: 29 June 2018.
  25. ^ "Chinese Flowers and Their Meanings". Flowermeaning.com. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  26. ^ "Chrysanthemum Meaning and Symbolism". FTD FRESH (FTD by Design). 16 July 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  27. ^ "Cicada in Chinese Folklore". by Garland Riegel, (bibliography) - Reproduced with permission from the Melsheimer Entomological Series (a publication of the Entomological Society of Pennsylvania.) - Orkin insects. 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  28. ^ "The Cicada in China". Jan Stuart for the F S Blog (Smithsonian Institution). 29 April 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  29. ^ "Peranakan Tiles & Chinese Symbolism". Jennifer Lim (Jennifer Lim Art). 16 September 2015. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  30. ^ "Auspiciousness in Chinese Art". Joyce Kwong for Clars (Going once!). 12 June 2017. Retrieved 24 June 2018.
  31. ^ Nations Online – Chinese customs Symbolism of Clouds (Trad. Chinese: 雲; Simp. Chinese: 云; pinyin: yún). Retrieved: 04 June 2018.
  32. ^ "Chinese traditional auspicious pattern - AUSPICIOUS CLOUDS （Lucky cloud). Quote: "Lucky cloud is a very common pattern used in the Chinese culture. It can be found on the ancient bronze containers, cave painting, costumes, porcelain,etc. The cloud is always associated with gods, legendary creatures like dragons, treasure. That is why it represents the meaning of holiness, and it also means luck when it appears in red color. It was also the major pattern printed on the 2008 Beijing Olympics torch."". Chun Li (Chun Li 's Chinese culture blog). 13 September 2013. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  33. ^ Asian Social Science; Vol. 10, No. 12; 2014 ISSN 1911-2017 E-ISSN 1911-2025 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education. - A Study on Application of Chinese Auspicious Pattern in Modern Design. Chi Han1 1 Academy of Fine Arts, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China Correspondence: Chi Han, Academy of Fine Arts, Minjiang University, Fuzhou, China. Tel: 1-917-355-6832. E-mail: hanchi5060@gmail.com Received: February 10, 2014. Accepted: April 3, 2014. Online Published: May 26, 2014. Retrieved: 04 June 2018.
  34. ^ Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art by Terese Tse Bartholomew (Author) and Kaz Tsuruta (Photographer). Publisher: Asian Art Museum. Publication date: March 10, 2012. Language: English. ISBN-10: 0939117371. ISBN-13: 978-0939117376.
  35. ^ Dictionary of Chinese Symbols: Hidden Symbols in Chinese Life and Thought (Routledge Dictionaries) by Wolfram Eberhard. Publisher: Routledge. Publication date: July 11, 1986. Language: English. ISBN-10: 0415002281. ISBN-13: 978-0415002288.
  36. ^ "Sea Creatures in Chinese Art and Mahjong". Kuan Yin (Mahjong Treasures - Appreciating the Art of Mahjong; A Collector's Guide). 17 November 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  37. ^ Education.Asianart.org (Asian Education) Rebus Key: Symbols in Chinese Art. Resource Type: Background Information. Region: China. Topic: Looking at Art. Grade Level: Elementary School (4-5), Middle School (6-8), High School (9-12). Academic Subject: Visual/Performing Arts, History/Social Science, English/Language Arts. Curriculum Unit: New Year Celebrations. Downloads: Rebus Key: Symbols in Chinese Art (.pdf). Retrieved: 04 June 2018.
  38. ^ "Asian Symbolism and the Crane". Asian Lifestyle Design (Feng Shui, Design, and Culture). 12 May 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  39. ^ "Crane in Chinese Culture". Chinesehoroscope-e.com. 2009. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  40. ^ "Symbolism of the Crane Bird". Lynda Cook/LynC for Feng Shui 8 Mansions. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  41. ^ "Tree Symbolism in Chinese Culture § Cypress Tree柏". Written by Jacqueline Chao and posted by Katherine Mcnenny (Industrial District Green – A project of community partners). 3 August 2014. Retrieved 3 June 2018.
  42. ^ Cammann, Schuyler. 1953. Types of Symbols in Chinese Art. in Arthur F. Wright, ed., Studies in Chinese Thought. Univ. Chicago Press. pp 195-231 & pls. II-IX.

Standard source[edit]

July 2018.

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June 2018.

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