Chinese Symbols of Happiness You Should Know

Significantly, Chinese symbols usually don't align with European ones. For example, colors have completely different meanings – while white symbolizes purity and innocence in Europe, in China it signifies mourning. Black, while the color of mourning in Western European culture, is associated with immortality in the Middle Kingdom.

Four Wonderful Chinese Animals

In China, magical value is attributed to animals, among others, and especially to the four most important ones, originating from ancient cosmology: the phoenix, the dragon, the unicorn, and the turtle.

Chinese phoenix, or fengshuang, in folk beliefs he was the god of wind. He was usually depicted as the ruler of all birds. Although initially male phoenixes were distinguished (Feng) and female (Huang), nowadays everyone is given the feminine gender and paired with the Chinese dragon. This duo reflects the ideal relationship between two different forces: yin and yang, guaranteeing marital harmony. The phoenix itself symbolizes virtue and grace, and a talisman bearing its symbol helps a man find a partner. Interestingly, the phoenix motif is also widely used in Chinese culinary culture. "Phoenix claw" is a characteristic Cantonese dish of chicken in black bean sauce.

One of the most important and characteristic Chinese animals is the dragon. Unlike in Europe, in China it is associated with goodness and happiness. It represents the masculine yang energy. Talismans bearing its image fill their owners with positive energy. The dragon plays an important role in traditional ceremonies, including weddings. It is also one of the 12 animals. Chinese zodiac sign and at the same time the ruler of water. Dragons in shades of blue and green are attributed with prosperity and health.

Kindness and the desire to have children are symbolized by the unicorn, do it, which, unlike the European one, can have more than one horn. In Chinese homes, you can find paintings of a boy riding a unicorn with the inscription: "Qilin brings sons" (sons are more desirable than daughters). According to an old fairy tale do it he does not trample on any creature, not even grass, which is why he is also personified with goodness.

The fourth most important animal in the Middle Kingdom is the tortoise. It symbolizes permanence, wisdom, longevity, and independence. A tortoise figurine placed in a home ensures harmony for its inhabitants. According to ancient beliefs, it holds the secrets of Heaven and Earth.

Other animals also appear in Chinese beliefs. For example, the lion, as a symbol of power and dignity, is said to protect humans from evil forces. The toad brings joy, the fish – wealth and abundance, the deer, cat, and bat – prosperity and happiness, and the magpie – good luck. Flying cranes, on the other hand, are said to herald social advancement.

Which colors symbolize happiness?

In China, red is the color of happiness, courage, and loyalty. It also promotes good health, so it's recommended to wear something red. Red is the color of weddings and births. A red string with a coin is tied around a newborn's leg to ensure prosperity and happiness. Eggs given to a child as a gift are also red.

Another important color is yellow/gold, once reserved exclusively for the imperial family. It symbolizes authority, power, and wealth. Along with red, it is one of the colors most closely associated with the Middle Kingdom.

Purple is the color of wisdom and power. Green, as in Europe, signifies spring and life, but also purity, order, and prosperity. Blue symbolizes trust and long life. Black has an interesting meaning, associated with immortality, knowledge, stability, and power. It is said to support the exercise of power.

What number brings luck?

A popular Chinese proverb states, "A dragon has nine sons, each of a different kind." This is often said as a wish for newlyweds. This number is associated with dragons and symbolizes heightened masculine strength, recognition, and respect.

The Chinese's favorite number is eight, signifying wealth, which, when rotated 90 degrees, becomes the symbol of infinity. In China, an apartment on the 8th floor or at number 8 costs extra. It's also a good idea to have this number in your phone number or car license plate. This rule is also followed in business – eight should appear in the address, product prices, and sometimes even the company name. Six can also bring prosperity in business. Two, on the other hand, signifies community.

Other symbols of happiness

There are many other symbols of happiness in Chinese culture. Among them, it is worth highlighting Chinese love knot, signifying endless love, supporting long-term relationships and helping to resolve possible conflicts between loved ones, and a Chinese coin, ensuring happiness and prosperity, as well as strengthening family ties.

Bamboo placed in the southeast corner of the apartment also brings happiness, money and achievements.

The peach tree has interesting symbolism. Historically, branches of this tree were used to ward off demons. Today, they are offered to newlyweds as a sign of happiness, good luck, and fertility. Peach blossoms are associated with femininity—delicate and fair skin. The pomegranate is also a symbol of fertility. Meanwhile, the mandarin duck, or rather a pair of ducks, is said to ensure fidelity in marriage. This is because these birds mate for life. In China, there is a belief that when one duck dies, the other dies of grief.

In the Middle Kingdom, symbols give order to the world. That's why the Chinese surround themselves with them at home and at work, and even carry them with them. They also ensure that every space is organized according to the principles of feng shui, which guarantees the flow of positive energy.