Some Popular Chinese Luck Symbols
The Chinese have believed for centuries that one can draw luck to their lives by speaking lucky words or surrounding themselves with traditionally lucky objects or characters. These Chinese luck symbols are customarily placed in certain areas of the home or office to increase their luck enhancing abilities.
The word for luck in China is Fu. It is a very common site during the Chinese New Year to see this character on placards in most cities and towns. The placards are placed upside down with the intent of bringing extra luck during the celebration.
Tales of dragons bringing fortune as well as good luck to homes and workplaces have long been present in Chinese folklore. Dragons in Chinese culture are held in the highest esteem, considered supreme beings, greater than all other animals. The dragon’s significance to China and its way of life is evident in the great many temples and shrines built to honor them.
In China dragons are believed to be able to control the rivers, lakes, seas and rain. It is said, to increase a dragon’s fortune and luck bringing abilities one should arrange them with moving water such as a fountain.
Another traditional animal that customarily symbolizes luck and prosperity is the tortoise. It is said that all the secrets of the Earth reside within its body and patterns within its shell. A tortoise can be used inside or outside the residence however should always be placed in the North. According to the rules of Feng Shui this will bring the greatest luck to its residences.
Another common symbol throughout Chinese tradition is the Qulin. A Qulin is supposed to help increase ones professional and fertility luck. This symbol is also known as the Chinese unicorn. This creature is believed to have the skull of a dragon, a deer’s body, an ox’s tail, horse’s hooves and legs with the scales of a fish. Right in the middle of the creatures head is a horn, much like a unicorns.
Chinese people also believe plants to be lucky. The bamboo plant is one such plant, considered very lucky in China. It is one of four plants the Chinese recognize for their determination during cruel seasons experienced by China. This plant is referred to as one of the Four Noble Ones. In Chinese the word for bamboo is very similar to the word meaning prayer. This is one of the main reasons it’s considered lucky to the Chinese. Many believe it will enhance their prayer energy to have bamboo present.
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