User:Donald Trung/Implied meanings of Chinese numismatic charms/The Letters G, H, I, J, K, L, M, and N

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Symbol Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Pinyin Implied or hidden meaning Origin of the association Exemplary image(s)
Goat Yáng Freedom from starvation and being blessed by Taoist immortals. A reference to a large scale famine in the city of Guangzhou (then still known as (Chuting, 楚庭), in present-day Guangdong which happened under the Zhou dynasty's King Yi, on a day five immortals (sometimes referred to as "five celestial beings") came down from the heavens each of them riding on a goat and floating down on a cloud. Every goat had a six-eared rice stalk in its mouth which were given to the people with the promise by these immortals that Guangzhou would never suffer a famine again. These five goats remained after the immortals had left and transformed into stone.[a][1][2]
God of Examinations[b] 魁星 魁星 Kuí xīng Success in the imperial examination system. The God of Examinations is often thought to help candidates pass the difficult and rigorous Chinese civil exams of the imperial examination system.[3]
God of Happiness[c] 福 / 福神 / 福星 福 / 福神 / 福星 Fú / Fú shén / Fú xīng Good luck and good fortune.[4][5] The God of Happiness grants good luck and good fortune, the God of Happiness is a continuation of one of Taoism’s three original gods or heavenly officials, namely the "Heavenly Official who grants fortune" (天官賜福).
God of Longevity[d] 寿 Shòu Longevity.
Wisdom.[6]
In Confucianism it is believed that wisdom comes with (old) age.
Taoists admire longevity as their religion revolves around the quest for immortality.
God of Prosperity[e] 祿 The God of Prosperity is usually seen holding a Ruyi scepter in one hand which in more archaic versions used to be a short sword alongside a sword-guard which he used for either making gestures or self-defense, however the Ruyi scepter stands for whatever its holder wishes for to come true as well as prosperity.
The God of Prosperity is also associated with the saying thay the Ancient Chinese found to be auspicious "may office and salary be bestowed upon you" (加官進祿) which is commonly found on cash coin-shaped charms and lock charms.
The God of Prosperity if a member of the Taoist 3 immortals.[7][8]
God of Thunder 雷神 / 雷公 雷神 / 雷公 Léi shén / Léi gōng The punishment of humans that have committed certain types criminal offences as well evil spirits which have harmed human beings. Leigong is usually featured on Taoist numismatic charms in the form of the inscription "O Thunder God, destroy devils, subdue bogies, and drive away evil influences. Receive this command of Tai Shang Lao Qun (Lao Zi) and execute it as fast as Lü Ling (a famous runner of the Zhou dynasty)" (Traditional Chinese: 雷霆八部,誅鬼降精,斬妖辟邪,永保神清,奉太上老君,急急如律令,敕。; Hanyu Pinyin: Léi Tíng bā bù, zhū guǐ jiàng jīng, zhǎn yāo pì xié, yǒng bǎo shén qīng, fèng tài Shàng Lǎo Jūn, jí jí rú Lǜ Lìng, chì.).[9][10]
God of War 關帝 / 關公 关帝 / 关公 Guān Dì / Guān Gōng Warding off evil. Guan Yu is an immortalised Chinese general who is often depicted wielding a huge broadsword, he uses this enormous broadsword to fight evil.[11]
God of Wealth 財神 财神 Cái shén Wealth and success.[12] Caishen is usually depicted either carrying or being surrounded by cash coins, sycees, coral and other symbols the ancient Chinese associated with wealth.
Gods of Peace and Harmony[f] 和合二仙 和合二仙 Hé hé èr xiān Peace and harmony.[13] Han Shan (寒山) is usually depicted holding a round container, the Ruyi sceptre, a calabash, cash coins, a persimmon, Etc. While the other twin Shi De (拾得) usually is depicted holding a lotus flower.
Goldfish 金魚 金鱼 Jīn yú An abundance of wealth. The first character in the Mandarin Chinese name for "goldfish" means "gold" (金, jīn), while second character in "goldfish" means "fish" which has a similar pronunciation as the Mandarin Chinese words for "jade" (玉, ) and the Mandarin Chinese term for "abundance" or "surplus" (余, ).[14]Chinesehoroscop-e Lucky Fish in Feng Shui - Fish in Chinese Culture. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.</ref>
Gourd 葫蘆 葫芦 Hú lu Protection or being guarded from something.
To bless or a blessing.
Happiness and attaining a high rank in the imperial examination system.
Fertility, having many sons and grandsons.
The first Hanzi symbol in the Mandarin Chinese term for "gourd" (葫蘆, hú lu) is homonymous to the Mandarin Chinese term for "to protect" or "to guard" (護, ).
The first Hanzi symbol in the Mandarin Chinese term for "gourd" sounds like the Mandarin Chinese term for "blessing" (祜, ).[15]
In some varieties of the Chinese languages their word for "gourd" (葫蘆) sounds alike to the terms for "happiness and rank (as in attaining a high government office)" (福祿).
Trailing vines of calabashes are named in Mandarin Chinese with the Hanzi character "蔓", which can also be a homonym to the Mandarin Chinese word for "ten thousand" (萬, wàn), and due to the fact that the calabash contains a lot of seeds they are associated with having lots of (grand)children.
Grasshopper
(Tettigoniidae)[16][17]
螽斯 螽斯 Zhōng sī Fertility and procreation. Grasshoppers are associated with fertility because like to gather together in a manner similar to a human extended family, and they reproduce in large quantities.
Grasshoppers were raised by ancient Chinese children for fun during the summer and autumn.
The Chinese katydid or long-horned grasshopper has musical abilities akin to a musical instrument by simply rubbing its wings together to create "music".
An example of a Chinese charm that uses a grasshopper would be one with the inscription which could be translated as "may your children be as numerous as grasshoppers" (螽斯衍慶, zhōng sī yǎn qìng).
Halberd Good luck.
Attaining a high rank through the imperial examination system.
The Mandarin Chinese word for "halberd" (戟, ) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese term for "lucky" or "auspicious" (吉, ).
The Mandarin Chinese word for "halberd" sounds like the Mandarin Chinese term for "rank" or "grade" (級, ), which in this context refers to the rank of a government official.[18][19]
Horse Strength, stamina (or perseverance), and speed.
If a horse is shown holding scrolls these represent the Yellow River Map which brought the origins of Chinese culture to Fuxi.[20]
The Mongols.
Horses are one of the twelve animals represented in the Chinese zodiacs.[21]
Horses are associated with strength because of their physical endurance.
Horses are associated with the nomadic Mongol people who were the dominant class in the society of the Yuan dynasty.
Further reading: Horse in Chinese mythology.
Horse saddle Ān Peace. Horse saddles are associated with peace because the Mandarin Chinese word for "saddle" (鞍, ān) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "peace" (安, ān).[22]
Kitchen God[23][24][25] 灶君 灶君 Zào Jūn Protection of the hearth and family. The Kitchen God is the most important of a plethora of Chinese domestic gods in Chinese folk religion, Chinese mythology, and Taoism.
Lion Shī Majesty and raw strength.
High government positions and officials.
Male lions are usually seen playing with a ball while female lions are depicted playing with her offspring.
Great wealth.
Gautama Buddha.
The Mandarin Chinese word for "lion" (獅, shī) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese word for "teacher", "master", "tutor", or "preceptor" (師, shī) which could be associated with archaic governmental titles such as "Senior Grand Tutor" (太師, tài shī) and "Junior Preceptor" (少師, shào shī) which explain why lions are associated with high government positions.
Ancient Chinese customs such as the lion dance]] (獅子舞)[26] and symbols depicting lions are based on an older legend where the ancient Chinese people believed that if a lion were to enter a house's gates that great fortune shall be bestowed upon its residents.
In Buddhism lions are depicted as the guardians of that religion and a symbol of Buddhist kings, and many Buddhist deities are depicted riding a lion.[27][28]
Gautama Buddha is believed to have been reincarnated ten times as a lion.
See also: Cultural depictions of lions.
Liu Haichan and Jin Chan 劉海戲蟾 刘海戏蟾 Liú hǎi xì chán Wealth and prosperity. Please see the information described at Chinese numismatic charm#Liu Haichan and the Three-Legged Toad charms above.
Longevity stone 長壽石 长寿石 Cháng shòu shí Longevity. Longevity stones are usually depicted next to images of linzhi mushrooms often at the bottom of the Chinese numismatic charm, amulet, or talisman that features them, longevity stones are odd-shaped rocks associated with longevity due to the fact that they’re old.
Lotus 蓮花 / 荷花 莲花 / 荷花 Lián huā / Hé huā Purity and being detached from all earthly cares.
Continuous harmony.
The 7th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar (or the farmer's calendar).
Harmony in marriage and coitus.
Having lots of children continuously (lotus seeds).[29]
Gautama Buddha is often shown sitting on a lotus.[30]
The Mandarin Chinese one of the words for "lotus" is lián huā (蓮花) which has a primary Hanzi character that is pronounced similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "continuous" (連, lián), meanwhile the first Hanzi character in another term for "lotus" which is pronounced as (荷) sounds similar to the Mandarin Chinese word for "harmony" (和, ).
When a lotus pod is shown on the same Chinese numismatic charm as a lotus stem this is used as a symbol for a harmonious marriage and having sexual intercourse.
The Mandarin Chinese word for "lotus seeds" (蓮籽, lián zǐ) sounds like the Mandarin Chinese phrase "continuously giving birth to children" (連子, lián zi).
Lozenge 方勝 方胜 Fāng shèng The lozenge is one of the Chinese 8 treasures associated with good luck.[31]
If two lozenges are interlocked they symbolise an ancient Chinese musical instrument.
People cooperating with each other.
Victory.
It is (currently) still unclear why lozenges are associated with good luck.
The lozenges when two are interlocked symbolise this ancient Chinese musical instrument due to their diamond-shape.
Two interlocked lozenges symbolise two hearts working together with a single mindset.
Magpie 喜鵲 喜鹊 Xǐ què Happiness.[g]
Marriage.
There are several Chinese sayings associated with magpies which could be conveyed by using images of a magpie or magpies in a rebus.
The first character in the Mandarin Chinese word for "magpie" (喜鵲, xǐ què) is synonymous to the Mandarin Chinese word for "happiness" (喜).[32]
The association of two magpies with matrimony comes from an old Chinese tale where the herder of oxen (牛郎) and the weaving maiden (織女)[h] who were two celestials that were in love with each other but were forever separated from each other except for a single day every year that falls on Qixi.[i] During this festival they were allowed to meet each other on bridge made of magpies that was on top of a heavenly river.[33]
Some of these Chinese sayings include "there is a happy bird (magpie) on the tip of the plum branch" (喜上梅稍, xǐ shàng méi shāo) which has a homonymous sound to the other Chinese saying "happiness up to one's eyebrows" (喜上眉稍, xǐ shàng méi shāo).
Mirror 銅鏡 铜镜 Tóng jìng Good luck and protection from demons and evil spirts.
A harmonious marriage.
The (bronze) mirror is one of the Chinese 8 treasures.
The ancient Chinese believed that if a demon or evil spirit would see a mirror that they would be scared of their own reflection and run away.
Bronze mirrors alongside shoes were included as traditional Chinese wedding gifts because of the fact that in Mandarin Chinese their names could be a pun as the Mandarin Chinese words for "bronze mirror" (銅鏡, tóng jìng) and "shoes" (鞋, xié) sound like "together and in harmony" (同諧, tóng xié).
Money tree 搖錢樹 摇钱树 Yáo qián shù Wealth, riches, and treasures.[34] See Chinese numismatic charm#Chinese money trees for more detailed information.
Monkey Hóu The monkey is one of the 12 animals represented as a Chinese zodiac.
The Monkey King
The Monkey King or "Sun Wukong" (孫悟空) Is a character from the Ming dynasty era novel Journey to the West.[35]
Further reading: Monkeys in Chinese culture.
Monkey riding a horse[j] 馬上風猴 马上风猴 Mǎ shàng fēng hóu If a monkey is depicted during on top of a horse it’s a visual pun for a wish to be immediately promoted and receive a high rank.[36] The reason why a monkey riding on top of a horse is a visual pun for the Mandarin Chinese phrase mǎ shàng fēng hóu (馬上風猴) is because the first to Hanzi characters of the inscription could mean both "on the horse" as well as "at once", the third Hanzi character which is the Mandarin Chinese word for "wind" or "breeze" is pronounced similar as the word for "to grant a title" (封, fēng), and the final Hanzi character means "monkey" which is pronounced very similar as the word for "marquis" (侯, hóu) which is associated with "a high rank".
Moon
(Crescent)
Yuè In Chinese mythology the moon is the residence of Jin Chan.
In Taoist mythology the "Jade Rabbit" (also known as the "Moon Hare") lives on the moon, this rabbit is known for making the elixir of immortality.[37]
The moon is often a location for various figures from Chinese mythology.
Mountain Shān Limitlessness. In Chinese mythology the mountains are the places closest to the Gods.
Mugwort
(Artemisia Leaf)
Ài The mugworth is a member of one of the Chinese 8 treasures.
Longevity.
Protection from harm.[38]
The mugworth is associated with longevity because of its usage in traditional Chinese medicine.
In ancient China people used to hang mugworths on their doors because they believed that the scent or aroma of the plant would repel bugs such as insects and that because it's shaped like the claws of a tiger it would protect the residence of the place where the mugworth was hung.
Narcissus 水仙 水仙 Shuǐ xiān Immortals.[k]
A common Chinese rebus or visualised pun using a narcissus would contain the image of a narcissus with a stone, and a bamboo plant. The meaning of this visual would be "the immortals" (symbolised by a narcissus) "wish" (the pun here is bamboo = wish) "for you" to have a "long life" (the stone in this context would be "a longevity stone"). This is considered to be a very auspicious and felicitous saying by Chinese people.
The Mandarin Chinese word for "narcissus" (水仙, shuǐ xiān) means "water immortal".[39]
Nine (9) Jiǔ Forever. The Mandarin Chinese word for the number "nine" (九, jiǔ) is homonymous with the Mandarin Chinese word for "forever" or "long lasting" (久, jiǔ).[40][41]
Nine Similitudes 九如 九如 Jiǔ rú The nine similitudes are associated with the congratulatory greeting: "May you be as the mountains and the hills, as the greater (taller) and the lesser (shorter) heights, as the river streams which flow in all directions, having the constancy of the moon in the sky, like the rising sun which brings us the day, with the longevity of the southern mountain and the green luxuriance of the fir and the cypress." which wishes for the greeted person to be blessed with luxury, wealth, and (of course) longevity. The nine similitudes are from the Classic of Poetry which is a book that incorporates music, poetry, and hymns from the Spring and Autumn Period and the Zhou dynasty.[42]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Due to this myth the city of Guangzhou has also adopted the nicknames "the City of Goats" (羊城), "Sheaves of Rice City" (穗城), and "the City of Five Goats" (五羊城).
  2. ^ Alternatively referred to in English the Star of Literature.
  3. ^ He is alternatively known as the "God of Luck" or the "God of Good Fortune and Blessings".
  4. ^ The Chinese God of Longevity is alternatively known as "Shou Lao" (壽老), the "Old Immortal of the South Pole" (南極仙翁), and the "Longevity Star" (壽星).
  5. ^ He is alternatively known as "the God of Rank and Emolument", and "the God of High Ranking Office".
  6. ^ They are alternatively known as "the Gods of Unity and Harmony", "the Laughing Twins", and "the Gods of Mirth" in the English language.
  7. ^ If a magpie is shown upside down this has the same connotations as an upside down bat described above. The same goes for two magpies like two bats are used as in "a pair of magpies" (喜喜) or "a pair of bats" (蝠蝠).
  8. ^ alternatively she is referred to as the "weaving girl".
  9. ^ Written in Chinese as "七夕", in the English language this festival is also known as "the sisters festival" or "the Double Seven".
  10. ^ Sometimes a monkey is shown riding a deer.
  11. ^ The Hanzi character "仙" could be translated as "immortal", this is a reference to the water goddess of the Xiang River (Chinese: 水仙; pinyin: shuǐ xiān), or the "goddess standing above the waves" (lingbo xianzi).

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Five Goat Coin". Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture). 29 July 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  2. ^ "老人藏袁世凯称帝纪念币(图) - 2011-07-27 09:28 金羊网-羊城晚报。". Sina Corp. 27 July 2011. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Cloud Hands - T'ai Chi Ch'uan and Qigong - Taijiquan Sword (Jian) and/or Broadsword (Dao) Symbolism, Myths, Legends, Lore Great Star of the Literary God – Zhong Kui, K'uei Hsing, Kui Xing Chief Star, Big Dipper Constellation, Point to the Major Luminary". Research by Michael P. Garofalo. 14 December 2007. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  4. ^ Encyclopædia BritannicaFu Shen - Chinese mythology. Alternative Title: Fushen. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  5. ^ Encyclopædia BritannicaFuxing - Chinese mythology. Alternative Title: Fu Hsing. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  6. ^ Godchecker (Chinese Mythology – The Gods and Spirts of the Middle Kingdom…) – SHOU-XING - Chinese Old Age God - Also known as SHOU-HSING, SHOU-LAO, NAN-JI-XIAN-WENG - The superstar of longevity and old age. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  7. ^ Godchecker (Chinese Mythology – The Gods and Spirits of the Middle Kingdom…) - LU-XING - Chinese Wealth God - Also known as LUK-XING, LU-HSING, GUAN-XING - God of Wealth and Status. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
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  12. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica, "Ts'ai Shen"
  13. ^ Welch, Patricia Bjaaland (2008). Chinese art: a guide to motifs and visual imagery. Tuttle Publishing. p. 270.
  14. ^ Nations Online Goldfish, Koi Fish in Feng Shui and Chinese Belief - Goldfish, (in trad. Chinese 金鱼, Pinyin: jīn yú) - A popular Chinese New Year symbol is a child holding a large goldfish and a lotus flower, symbolizing abundance of gold and harmony. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
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  16. ^ "Zithers and Grasshoppers". Gary Ashkenazy / גארי אשכנזי (Primaltrek – a journey through Chinese culture). 7 September 2011. Retrieved 1 July 2018.
  17. ^ “The Catalogue of Chinese Charms” 何林 “民俗钱图说”, Peking, 2003.
  18. ^ Chinasage - Assorted symbols in Chinese art and history § Halberd 戟 jǐ. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  19. ^ Gotheborg.com Halberd 'ji' by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  20. ^ Imperial China: The Art of the Horse in Chinese History: Exhibition Catalog. Lexington, KY: Kentucky Horse Park, 2000. Print.
  21. ^ "Chinese Zodiac - Horse". Your Chinese Astrology. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  22. ^ Han Trainer Dictionary – The Chinese word an - 安 – ān (peace in Chinese). Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
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  26. ^ Wang Kefen (1985). The History of Chinese Dance. China Books & Periodicals. pp. 25–27. ISBN 978-0835111867.
  27. ^ Himalayanart.com (enjoy our redesign website) - Lion is one of Buddhism's most potent symbols. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  28. ^ "Symbolism of Animals in Buddhism - 國立臺灣大學。". Ven. Jampa Choskyi - Buddhist Himalaya, VOL. I NO. I - SUMMER 1988 (Copyright 1988 by Gakken Co. Ltd.). 1988. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  29. ^ "Chinese wedding: four words for ultimate good-luck". Ninchanese Blog (Tips and tricks to help you learn Chinese). 9 April 2013. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  30. ^ Patrul Rinpoche. Words of My Perfect Teacher: A Complete Translation of a Classic Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, rev. ed., trans. Padmakara Translation Group, Walnut Creek, CA: AltaMira Press, 1998, 440.
  31. ^ Gotheborg.com Symbols, explained § Eight Precious Things (Babao) by Jan-Brik Nilsson. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  32. ^ "Magpie Symbol Meaning in Chinese Culture". Daniel Lorenzzo for ThailandChina (A Siam News Network Portal). 2 September 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  33. ^ The Order of Bards Ovates & Druids - Magpies - A Story of Seven by Lynx. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  34. ^ "Money Tree in the Eastern Han Dynasty - China culture". History.cultural-china.com. 1927-11-12. Archived from the original on 2012-02-19. Retrieved 2013-08-11.
  35. ^ China Tours Chinese Zodiac Sign of the Monkey, the Symbol of Cleverness and Curiosity. Retrieved: 28 July 2018.
  36. ^ China Highlights www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/monkey-chinese-zodiac-sign-symbolism.htm (Chinese Zodiac Monkey Symbolize What in Chinese Culture?) Retrieved: 28 July 2018/
  37. ^ "What's the Moon Rabbit Doing on the Moon?". Cheng & Tsui. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  38. ^ Jas eTea Selected Chinese Symbols § FRUITS, VEGETABLES, PLANTS. Retrieved: 27 July 2018.
  39. ^ Cultural China. "Narcissus". Shanghai News and Press Bureau. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  40. ^ HSK Academy – 九 meaning and pronunciation. Retrieved: 14 July 2018.
  41. ^ "Symbolic Meanings of Chinese Numbers". AttractChina (Attract China Blog). 19 November 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2018.
  42. ^ Bonhams Lot 29 - A rare blue and white 'three abundances' garlic-mouth vase - Qianlong seal mark and of the period - Sold for HK$ 3,760,000 (€ 411,437) inc. premium - Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - 4 Jun 2015, 10:30 HKT. Retrieved: 14 July 2018.

Standard source[edit]

August 2018.

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July 2018.

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June 2018.

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