Modern people often find Chinese feng shui mysterious and hard to understand, but it doesn't have to be. Many everyday items we see have very auspicious meanings. These items not only hold significant positions in Chinese culture but can also be appreciated by people in Western countries. After all, good fortune knows no borders.
Buddha's Hand: A Symbol of Blessing
Buddha's hand, also known as "Fu Shou" (blessing hand), is a unique citrus fruit shaped like a hand with fingers. This fruit emits a lasting, pleasant fragrance and is considered a symbol of Buddha. Historically, people used images of narcissus and Buddha's hand in artwork to symbolize "learning from immortals and Buddha," representing happiness and good fortune.
Placing a fresh Buddha's hand in a room not only purifies the air but also adds a cultural and auspicious touch to the home environment. It is a perfect decorative piece for wishing for longevity and blessings, combining beauty and significance.
*Picture from HK01
Apple: A Wish for Peace
Apples, with their attractive appearance and pleasing color, symbolize beauty and loveliness. The word for apple, "ping," sounds like the word for peace in Chinese, making apples associated with peace. During New Year celebrations, many families place a plate of apples on the table to wish for a year of peace and good fortune for family and guests.
In the West, apples also symbolize health and prosperity. For example, during Christmas, people often use apples to decorate their homes, representing happiness and health. Incorporating apples into daily life not only brings delicious flavors but also conveys a wish for peace.
*Picture from https://health.udn.com/health/story/6037/3841237
Koi Fish: A Symbol of Success and Prosperity
Koi fish hold deep symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, representing longevity, prosperity, high status, and abundance. The idiom "carp jumping over the dragon gate" is well known, symbolizing that through hard work and perseverance, one can achieve success and change their destiny.
Koi are often depicted in auspicious paintings and decorations like "wealth and surplus," "year after year with surplus." In Cantonese, "koi" sounds like "reason," so in Hong Kong, it's common to eat koi fish during the New Year to bring good luck for business. The vibrant red color of koi is also a popular element in fashion design, symbolizing good fortune and catching the eye.
Frog/Toad: A Symbol of Harvest and Wealth
Frogs are seen as a good omen in many East Asian cultures. Despite their plain appearance, they are considered symbols of wealth and good fortune. Even today, many Hong Kong shops display toads carrying coins, symbolizing incoming wealth.
The famous Chinese poet Xin Qiji wrote, "In the fragrance of rice flowers, listening to the sound of frogs," associating frogs with a bountiful harvest. People believe frogs are linked to good harvests and thus symbolize prosperity and surplus. Frogs and toads, though not physically imposing, symbolize enduring prosperity through their tenacity.
*Picture from https://homeruntaiwan.com/detail/article/718
Conclusion
These auspicious items are not only common in our daily lives but also carry rich cultural meanings and blessings. By understanding their significance, we can better appreciate the unique charm of Chinese culture. At the same time, these symbols of good fortune can bring more happiness and beauty to our lives. Whether in China or the West, luck and blessings are universal desires. Let these symbols of good fortune become small lucky charms in our lives, adding a touch of beauty to each day.
* Cover picture from HK01
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