Animals, plants, colours, numbers, characters and objects do not carry one timeless meaning. These guides show where an interpretation comes from and when it applies.
17 guides · Page 2 of 2
Eight
Why Eight Is Considered Lucky in China
Cantonese · commerce · modern use
Fenghuang
Why the Fenghuang Is Not the Western Phoenix
Peace · court art · rebirth boundary
Red
When Red Means Celebration in Chinese Culture
Ritual · weddings · context
Dragon
Chinese Dragons and Western Dragons Are Not the Same Creature
Water · weather · translation
Bat
Why Bats Mean Good Fortune in Chinese Art
Homophone · five blessings · Qing objects