User:Donald Trung/Implied meanings of Chinese numismatic charms/The Letters D, E, and F

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Symbol Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Pinyin Implied or hidden meaning Origin of the association Exemplary image(s)
Date fruits 棗 枣 Zǎo Something will happen soon.
The conception of children for newlywed couples.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "a Chinese jujube" or "date" (棗, zǎo) sounds like the words for "soon" and "early" (早, zǎo).
Deer[a] 鹿 鹿 Lù A top government position with a high salary.
Prosperity.
Longevity.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "deer" (鹿, lù) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word the salary of a government official (祿, lù).[1]
The Mandarin Chinese word for "deer" sounds like the name of the Chinese God of Prosperity.
Traditionally the Chinese people thought that deer could reach high ages because they were thought to be the only animal with the ability to locate the magical lingzhi fungus of immortality.
Dog 犬 犬 Quǎn The Chinese zodiac "dog". Dogs are one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs.[2]
Door gods
(Shentu and Yulü)		 門神 门神 ménshén Protection against bad luck and evil spirits. The door gods were warriors who fought evil.[3]
Dragon 龍 龙 Lóng Longevity, the renewal of life, fertility, prosperity, and benevolence.
Good harvests.
The Emperor[b][4]
The east and the spring.
A human male.[c][5]		 The dragon is one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs.
It was believed in ancient China that dragons had the power to bring rain so they’re associated with good harvests.
The Chinese dragon is associated with yang (the orient, springtime, and "male energy") while the Chinese phoenix is associated with its opposite, Yin.
Dragonfly 蜻蜓 蜻蜓 Qīng tíng Pureness of a person's character (one of the ideals of Confucianism). The first character in the Mandarin Chinese word for "dragonfly" (蜻, qīng) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "pure" (清, qīng).
Duck 鴛鴦 / 鸂 鸳鸯 / 鸂 Yuān yāng / Xī Peace and prosperity in marriage as well as conjugal affection and fidelity.[6] The ancient Chinese people believed that Mandarin ducks mated for life.
See also: Wedding ducks.
Dumplings 餃子 饺子 Jiǎo zi Abundance.
Money and wealth.
Fertility and large families.		 Dumplings are often shaped like crescents which symbolise the desire to have "a year of abundance".
Dumplings are sometimes shaped like silver sycees, the Mandarin Chinese name for "dumplings" (餃子, jiǎo zi) sounds similar to that of the jiaozi banknotes (交子, jiāozǐ) from the Song dynasty, it was customary to place cash coins in dumplings once every while with the wish that the person who would find them would be granted good luck and prosperity.
The characters that compose the Mandarin Chinese characters for "dumplings" sound like "to have sexual intercourse" (交, jiāo) and "child" (子, zǐ). Additionally if a dumpling has dates inside of it this could mean a wish for "the early birth of sons".[7]
Eagle
(or Hawk)		 鷹 鹰 Yīng Heroism. See bear above.
Egret
(Heron)		 鷺 鹭 Lù Pathways.
Wealth.
Longevity, purity, and good fortune.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for a "Heron" or an "Egret" (鷺, lù) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese term for "path", "road", or "way" (路, lù).
The Mandarin Chinese word for a "Heron" or an "Egret" has a similar pronunciation as refer Mandarin Chinese term meaning "an official's salary" (祿, lù).[8]
Eight
(The number 8)		 八 八 Bā Eight is considered "the most auspicious number" in Chinese culture. The way that the number eight is pronounced in Chinese languages (particularly in the Southern variants) makes it sound like "wealth" or "to prosper" (發財, fā cái).[9]
Eight immortals 八仙 八仙 Bā xiān Depends on each individual member of the eight immortal. The eight immortals refers to eight individuals who practiced the religion of Taoism and had attained immortality.[10]
Eight treasures
(Chinese)[d]		 八寶 八宝 Bā bǎo 1. The wish-granting pearl (寳珠, bǎozhū) or flaming pearl
2. The double lozenges (方勝, "fāngshèng").
3. The stone chime (磬, "qìng").
4. The pair of rhinoceros horns (犀角, xījiǎo).
5. The double coins (雙錢, shuāngqián).
6. The gold or silver ingot (錠, dìng).
7.coral (珊瑚, shānhú).
8. The wish-granting scepter (如意, rúyì).[11]		 These are the traditional eight treasures from China, but they can also be considered to be a subset of the hundred treasures.
Eight treasures
(Buddhist)[e]		 佛門八寶 佛门八宝 Fó mén bā bǎo 1. The lotus symbolises purity and enlightenment.
2. The Wheel of the Dharma symbolises knowledge.
3. The treasure vase symbolises wealth.
4. The conch shell holds the Buddha's thoughts.
5. The victory banner represents that the Buddha's teachings conquer all.
6. The endless knot symbolises harmony.
7. The parasol symbolises protection.
8. A fish pair symbolise happiness in marriage.[12]		 The eight treasures in Buddhism are the precious organs of the Buddha's body.
Elephant 象 象 Xiàng Good fortune.
If an elephant is seen with a vase on its back it symbolises a wish for someone else (or the carrier of the Chinese charm or amulet) to have peace and/or good luck.
The elephant is also the eponymous character of xiangqi or "Elephant Chess".[13]		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "elephant" (象, xiàng) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "lucky" or "auspicious" (祥, xiáng).
The Mandarin Chinese word for "vase" (瓶, píng) has the same pronunciation as the first component for the Mandarin Chinese word for "peace" (平安, píng ān).[14]
Fenghuang
(Chinese phoenix)		 鳳凰 凤凰 Fènghuáng Joy and peace.
If shown together with a dragon then the fenghuang and dragon pair represent a harmonious and happy marriage.
The South and Summer.
The Empress of China.[15]		 The ancient Chinese people believed that fenghuang (or Chinese phoenixes) only appeared at peaceful times of economical prosperity and when the government ruled its people in a good manner.
The fenghuang (Chinese phoenix) represents yin (female) while the dragon represents yang (male).
Fish 魚 鱼 Yú Abundance.
The fish is often used with other Chinese amuletic symbols to represent a wish or desire to get more of that, these things include "more children", "more (good) luck", "more wealth", "more money", "more prosperity", "more (good) fortune", "more success in the imperial examination system", Etc. as well as longevity.
If a wish is combined with a magpie, a lotus and the Hanzi character for "year" (年) it represents a wish for "having more happiness year after year".
Fertility.
Happiness in marriage (if two fish are featured on a charm or amulet).
Fish as a symbol are extremely common on Chinese numismatic charms and amulets but are very rare on government cast Chinese cash coins.		 The Mandarin Chinese word for "fish" (魚, yú) sounds a lot like the Mandarin Chinese word for "surplus" or "abundance" (余, yú).[16]
Because fish lay a lot of eggs at the same time they are considered to have great reproductive abilities which is where their association with sex, fertility, and marriage comes from.
Further reading: Fish in Chinese mythology.
Five blessings (1)[f] 五福 五福 Wǔ fú 1. Longevity (壽);
2. Wealth (富);
3. Health and composure (康寧);
4. Virtue (修好德);
5. The desire to die a natural death in old age (考終命).[17][18]		 These are the Chinese five blessings described in the Book of Documents.
Five blessings (2) 五福 五福 Wǔ fú 1. Good fortune (福);
2. The salary of a government official (祿);
3. Longevity (壽);
4. Joy or happiness (喜);
5. (Earthly) valuables or property (財).		 These are a popular "alternative five blessings" in China.[19]
Five Poisons[g] 五毒 五毒 Wǔ dú The ability to counteract the pernicious influences of toxins.[20] The ancient Chinese believed that one could combat poison with poison.
Flaming Pearl
(and other pearls)		 寳珠 宝珠 Bǎozhū The endless cycle of transformation.
If a flaming pearl is chased by a Chinese dragon then the pearl in this context may be thought of as a visual metaphor for perfection as well as enlightenment.[h]
The flaming pearl can also represent the wish-granting pearl from Buddhist mythology.
Wealth, treasure, pure intentions, and genius in obscurity.		 Chinese dragons are often depicted as chasing a "pearl" like jewel object.[21][22] The pearl also resembles the moon. As a dragon begins to devour the pearl, a decreasing amount of the pearl can be seen and the pearl appears to the watcher as a waning moon. As a dragon disgorges the pearl from itself, an increasing amount of the pearl is seen and the pearl therefore appears to the watcher as a waxing moon.
The flaming pearl is a member of the Chinese Eight Treasures.
Fly-whisk 拂塵 拂尘 Fú chén Fly-whisks are tools that can be used to hit or swat gnats and other flies, as a symbol on Chinese charms and amulets the "fly-whisk" bears association with Buddhist gods and Taoist immortals, particularly the members of the 8 immortals Lu Dongbin and He Xiangu. The "fly-whisks" carried by these deities and immortals are symbolically used to signify "the sweeping away of ignorance".
Four Blessings 四福 四福 Sì fú 1. Happiness (喜).
2. The salary of a high government official (祿).
3. Longevity (壽).
4. Good luck or good fortune (福).[23][24]		 These are all considered desirable things.
Four Divine Creatures[i] 四象 四象 Sì Xiàng The Vermillion (or sometimes red) Bird (朱雀, zhū què) which represents the south and symbolises the summer.
The White Tiger (白虎, bái hǔ) represents the west and symbolises the autumn.
The Azure Dragon (青龍, qīng lóng) represents the east and symbolises the spring.
The black tortoise (or black warrior) coiled around by a snake (玄武, xuán wǔ) represents the north and symbolises the winter.		 Each animal symbolises a direction and has a season associated with that direction.[25]
Four Gentlemen[j] 四君子 四君子 Sì jūn zǐ 1. Orchid (springtime).
2. Bamboo (summer).
3. chrysanthemum (autumn).
4. Plum (winter).[k]		 Each member of the Four Gentlement represents a season.[26]
Four Happiness Boys 四蝠男子 四蝠男子 Sì fú nán zǐ "Good luck" and a wish for many offpsring. The "Four Happiness Boys" is an image of two boys that makes it look as if there are four, this illusion creates the hope for frequent successful reproduction and was therefore a common gift for newlywed couples in ancient China.[27]
Four Happinesses 四蝠 四蝠 Sì fú 1. "Sweet rain after a long drought" (久旱逢甘雨, jiǔ hàn féng gān yǔ).
2. "Meeting an old friend in a faraway place" (他鄉遇故知, tā xiāng yù gù zhī).
3. "The wedding night" or a more literal translation "the night of lighting a candle in the bridal chamber" (洞房花燭夜, dòng fáng huā zhú yè).
4. "Having one's name on the list of successful candidates of the imperial examination" (金榜題名時, jīn bǎng tí míng shí).		 "The four happinesses" come from a Song dynasty era poem composed by Hong Mai (洪邁).[28]
Frog 蛙 蛙 Wā Fertility. The Mandarin Chinese word for "frog" (蛙, wā) has a similar pronunciation as the Mandarin Chinese word for "baby" (娃, wá).[29]
Fu Lu Shou 福祿壽 福禄寿 Fú Lù Shòu Happiness, prosperity, and longevity. Fu Lu Shou refers to the three gods who embody these concepts.
Fungus of Immortality[l] 靈芝 灵芝 Líng zhī Longevity. The lingzhi mushroom doesn't decay in the same manner as other species of fungus, instead this type of mushroom becomes woody and has the ability to survive for an extended period of time which is the root of its association with longevity, furthermore it is believed that this fungus grows on the "Three Islands of the Immortals".[30]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Deer are one of the most commonly seen animals on Chinese numismatic charms, amulets, and talismans.
  2. ^ When a dragon has five fingers it represents an Emperor, a dragon with only four fingers represents a King.
  3. ^ When a Chinese dragon is conjoined with a Chinese phoenix they symbolise a married couple.
  4. ^ "Eight Precious Things" and the "Eight Auspicious Treasures".
  5. ^ Also in Hinduism and Jainism.
  6. ^ Alternatively known as the "Five Happinesses" or "Five Good Fortunes".
  7. ^ The five poisons are alternatively referred to as the "Five Poisonous Creatures", this term refers to five poisonous creatures which usually include snakes, scorpions, centipedes, toads and spiders. In some variations lizards replace spiders. The "three-legged toad" is often seen as one of the five poisons.
  8. ^ This is even more so the case if the dragon in this context represents the Emperor of China.
  9. ^ They are alternatively known as the Four Heraldic Animals, the Four Directional Animals, or the Four Symbols (四象).
  10. ^ They are alternatively known as the Four Plants of Virtue.
  11. ^ Images of bamboo and a plum together symbolise friendship.
  12. ^ Alternatively known as the glossy ganoderma.

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Animal Symbolism in Chinese Art". Edna Zhou & Siting Ke (Art of Silk). 1 March 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  2. ^ Chinese Zodiac (Your guide to Chinese Astrology and the Chinese Zodiac) – Chinese Zodiac Dog. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  3. ^ "Religions in China - Menshen 門神, the Door Gods". Ulrich Theobald (Chinaknowledge). 3 August 2010. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  4. ^ Dikötter, Frank (10 November 1997). The Construction of Racial Identities in China and Japan. C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd. pp. 76–77. ISBN 978-1850652878.
  5. ^ Symbols.com - Chinese dragons are legendary creatures in Chinese mythology and folklore by Lynn Atchison Beech. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  6. ^ "The Mandarin Ducks as Feng Shui Cure for Love - Would you use this classical feng shui love cure in your home?". Rodika Tchi (The Spruce). 12 June 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  7. ^ University of California, Irvine - Savory Chinese Money by Arthur Wang, Eimi Watanabe, Alex Lee, Arlene Kim, and Hsiang June Chou. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  8. ^ "What a Heron Symbolizes: The Meanings are Compiled Right Here § Symbolism in China". Mysticurious Staff (Mysticurious). 4 March 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  9. ^ Qcuu.org Lucky Number 8 Chinese – Numerology - qcuu.org. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  10. ^ "The Eight Immortals Of Taoism". by Elizabeth Reninger (for ThoughtCo.). 12 May 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  11. ^ Terese Tse Bartholomew. Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art Hong Kong: Asian Art Museum-Chong-Moon Lee Center for Asian Art and Culture. 2006 ISBN 0-939117-36-3
  12. ^ Mythologian.net Buddhist Symbols and Their Meanings. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  13. ^ Li, David H. The Genealogy of Chess. Premier Publishing, Bethesda, Maryland, 1998. ISBN 0-9637852-2-2.
  14. ^ Bonhams Lot 51 - A gilt-bronze and cloisonné enamel elephant - 18th/19th century - Sold for HK$ 137,500 (€ 15,069) inc. premium. Imperial Splendour 3 Dec 2015, 12:00 HKT. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  15. ^ www.chinesehoroscop-e.com Phoenix in Chinese Mythology. Retrieved: 29 July 2018.
  16. ^ "The significance of fish in Chinese culture". by Jane (S.E.A. Aquarium). 3 January 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  17. ^ Leong Ko & Ping Chen. (2015). Translation and Cross-Cultural Communication Studies in the Asia Pacific. Koniniklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. Book 424. ISBN 978-90-04-29923-8. ISBN 978-90-04-29924-5
  18. ^ Huang Quanxin. (2003). Designs of Chinese Blessings: Longevity.24 Baiwanzhuang Road, Beijing 100037, China. Sinolingua Book. 4-7. ISBN 7-80052-890-1
  19. ^ Joseph Needham. (1981). Science in Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective. Hong Kong: The Chinese University Press. ISBN 962-201-144-6
  20. ^ "天師收五毒錢 Heavenly Master Subduing the Five Poisons". Jave Wu - Jave Wu Taoism Place (孝華君道教百科資訊網) - A place for All people around the World to know more about Taoism. 一個讓全球同道認識道教文化的資訊站。此為"太初五斗米道觀正一道教學院"之屬下傳道網頁。 (in Chinese (Taiwan)). 30 May 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2018.
  21. ^ "September 29, 2013 What is a Dragon's Pearl? On Kaohsiung's backstreets, small Taoist temples are as ubiquitous as betel nut stands and misbehaving scooter riders". Benedict Young Photography. 29 September 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  22. ^ "The Dragon and the Pearl". EXECUTIVE EDITORS: David Talbott, Wallace Thornhill MANAGING EDITOR: Amy Acheson. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Mel Acheson, Michael Armstrong, Dwardu Cardona, Ev Cochrane, Walter Radtke, C.J. Ransom, Don Scott, Rens van der Sluijs, Ian Tresman. WEBMASTER: Michael Armstrong (Thunderbolts.info). 1 December 2004. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  23. ^ "Adidas Originals' 4 'Chinese New Year' Sneakers Come Out Next Week". Peter Verry (Footwear News). 5 January 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  24. ^ "adidas Originals Is Releasing Four Shoes For Chinese New Year". Ben Felderstein (Sneaker News). 5 January 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  25. ^ 孙德萱. 濮阳西水坡蚌壳龙虎图案研究述评 (in Chinese). XinHuaNet. Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  26. ^ China Online Museum – The Four Gentlemen (四君子). Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  27. ^ Sung, Vivien (1 August 2002). Five-Fold Happiness: Chinese Concepts of Luck, Prosperity, Longevity, Happiness, and Wealth. Chronicle Books. ISBN 9780811835268. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  28. ^ "昆明发现"珍宝级"清代花窗 被赞巧夺天工(图)。". China News (originally published by The Kunming Times). (in Chinese). 25 November 2015. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  29. ^ "China Embraces a Game About a Traveling Frog". By Karoline Kan and Austin Ramzy (The New York Times). 26 January 2018. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  30. ^ "Reishi, Ling Zhi: 'Mushrooms of Immortality'". Paul Stamets (The Huffington Post). 4 December 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2018.

Standard source[edit]

August 2018.

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July 2018.

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June 2018.

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