Heron
Heron in Chinese sounds a lot like the word for "path or way." A painting
of a heron and a lotus has the meaning of "May your path be always upward."
Horse
The horse is a symbol of strength and speed. Eight horses in a painting represent
the famous horses of King Mu from the 10th century BC.
Incense
The word means fragrance. Incense is used in homes and temples as an offering
to the gods. Usually incense sticks are lit and placed upright inside a
round open container.
Jade
The favorite gemstone in China. It is always cool to the touch.
Lily
A lily is a plant that is used to help you forget your troubles. It is also
know as the bringer of sons so is often given to a woman at marriage.
Lion
Lions play a big part in Chinese folklore and are usually depicted looking
more mythical than real. Pairs of stone lions rival even dragons in popularity
as guardians of buildings and temples.
Lotus
Thanks to the Buddhist influence, the lotus (or sea-rose) is of unique importance
in Chinese folklore and symbolism. It is the symbol of purity. The lotus
comes out of the mire but is not itself soiled. It is inwardly empty yet
outwardly upright. It has no branches but yet smells sweet. The words for
lotus in Chinese have the same meanings as: to bind, connect (in marriage),
one after the other, uninterrupted, to love, and modesty. It is one of
the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism.
Chinese
Lotus Paintings
Lute
Said to have been invented by Fu His, the first legendary emperor, 2953 B.C.
It is one of the four signs of a scholar the other three being chess, literature
and painting.
Magnolia
There are many varieties both tree and shrub. The magnolia blossom is the emblem
of feminine sweetness and beauty.
Mandala
An
elaborate diagram used by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains as
a visual aid to help people in the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Money
Images of Chinese money including metal coins, gold bars and paper money are
regularly seen in Chinese paintings. The word for money in Chinese is similar
to the word meaning "before, hence."
Mountains
In most religions mountains have an important symbolic role. They are the geographic
point at which followers believe they are the closest to their gods or
to the highest points of the universe.
Pagoda
In China, Korea and Japan a pagoda is a structure with several stories containing
sacred relics. Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, is often depicted wearing
a small pagoda or stupa on his headdress.
Parasol
A symbol of high rank or royalty. It is one of the Eight Auspicious Symbols
of Buddhism.
Peach
A symbol for longevity, the peach is the most symbolic of any tree or fruit.
Its tree wood and color keep demons at bay, and its flower petals can cast
spells on men.
Peacock
Symbolizes dignity and beauty.
Pear
Symbol of longevity due to the fact that pear trees live very long.
Peony
Queen of Flowers, the peony is a emblem of wealth and distinction. Chinese
Peony Paintings
Phoenix
Commonly seen alongside a dragon, the Phoenix symbolizes the Empress. It is
commonly used as a female symbol.
Pine
The favorite tree of Chinese painters, the pine symbolizes longevity and steadfastness.
Pine trees rank above all other trees and epitomize self-discipline. Pine,
bamboos and plum-trees are the "Three Friends in Winter."
Plum
The five petals of the plum tree symbolize the five gods of good luck. The
plum tree, pine, and bamboo are the "Three Friends in Winter." more
Prayer
Beads
Also called rosary, it usually consists of 108 beads and is an essential part
of the Buddhist priests’ garb. Some are smaller and the number of beads
can usually be divided by three. The beads can be made from different materials
and are sometimes decorated. |
