Symbolism - Furniture Perth WA | Chinese Furniture | Tibetan Singing Bowls | Bamboo Table Wear | Shunga | Candles

There are many traditional auspicious patterns or symbols in Chinese culture. They have been condensed from people's daily life over China's long history. The lucky patterns are widely used in Chinese New Year Pictures to express people's desires for a lucky and happy new year. You can also find the auspicious patterns in Chinese folk arts and paintings.

The auspicious patterns or symbols usually consist of birds, flowers, animals, people, the sun, clouds, Chinese characters, etc. There are some basic methods to create the lucky patterns, such as through analogy, metaphor, homophony, symbolizing, and implied meanings, etc. For example, the Chinese character for 'vase' sounds the same as the character for 'peace' in Chinese, so a vase is often used to symbolize 'peace' in Chinese patterns. The principle for creating a lucky pattern is the symbols should not only look good, but also be meaningful, and understandable.
We have a collection of the Chinese auspicious patterns here and more will be added. Hopefully you like them.

Peaceful and As One Wishes

The Chinese picture on the left represents 'peaceful and as one wishes'. The four Chinese characters (from top) are Ping2 An1 Ru2 Yi4.
The Chinese character for 'vase' sounds the same as the character for 'peace' so the vase in the pattern symbolizes 'peaceful' or 'Ping2 An1' in Chinese.
The object in the vase is called 'ru2 yi4' in Chinese. 'Ru2 yi4' is a S-shaped ornamental object, traditionally made of jade, ivory or bamboo. It is a Chinese symbol for good luck. Literally 'ru2 yi4' stands for "as one wishes".

100 Longevity Characters

The picture above shows the 100 Chinese characters for longevity. They are all the same character for longevity, but each one is written differently. A person in Beijing has spent over 40 years to collect the writing of the Chinese character for longevity. So far he has found over 15,000 ways to write the character for longevity. It is amazing that a Chinese character can be written in so many different ways artistically.
The picture of the 100 longevity characters is an auspicious symbol. It can be used for clothing, furniture, building, calligraphy, stationery, etc

100 Blessing Characters

The picture above shows the 100 Chinese characters for blessing. They are all the same character for blessing, but each one is written differently. It is amazing that a Chinese character can be written in so many different ways artistically.
The picture of the 100 blessing characters is an auspicious symbol. It can be used for clothing, furniture, building, calligraphy, stationery, etc.





 Butterfly

The Chinese animal symbol Butterfly represents love, specifically young love. Happily flitting from flower to flower – it signifies a happy social life for the young and young- at-heart. Chinese legend has it that the Butterfly symbolizes an undying bond between lovers. All romantics-at-heart would do well to place an image of a Butterfly in their home. A perfect gift for a new couple is this design embroidered on towels for the couple's home. Representative of the Yang energy, this symbol can energize you or a loved one – particularly when embroidered on clothing – it reminds us of the energy of love.






Crab

The Crab signifies prosperity and status because the Chinese word referring to its shell is a pun on the highest score a candidate can make on the Chinese Imperial Examinations (first, or jia. Two Crabs represent the first and second scores of the Examinations.

Crane

The Crane is legendary in China for being the prince of all feathered creature on earth. Next to the Phoenix (also listed on this page), the Crane is the most favored all Chinese bird symbols. The Crane is the ancient symbol for longevity because of its exceptionally long life span. In many legends, the spirits ride on cranes, which are also said to bear the souls of the departed to the heavens.

Goldfish

This symbol means abundance of gold, making the Goldfish a popular symbol in the Chinese culture. One of the most popular New Year's images is a child holding a large goldfish and a lotus flower  which brings both wealth and harmony. A Goldfish embroidered on a bag or shirt is a sure-fire way to bring the energy of abundance into your life

Horse

The seventh of the Chinese Zodiac Signs, it also represents endurance, loyalty, and purity to the Buddhist way of thinking. It is also a symbol for quick advancement in rank, and recognition of strength.

Magpie

This Chinese animal symbol translates into the bird of joy. It is believed that when the Magpie nests in your house, it brings much cause for celebration and many happy occasions. Those wishing to settle down will do well to have this symbol in their lives, as it attracts the nesting, settling energies into our lives. Additionally the Magpie is a powerful symbol to attract the joy associated with marriage and children.

Phoenix

A celestial sign to the Chinese, the Phoenix is the king of the winged kingdom. Magnificent and legendary, this bird is synonymous with good fortune, opportunity, and luck. It also conveys strength and resilience in the symbolic rising from its own ashes and soars to greater heights. On its own, the Phoenix is a Yang symbol and is associated with fire energies and the four winds. Combined with the Dragon  the Phoenix represents Yin energy. As a point of spiritual focus, the Phoenix evokes in us the five human qualities of good cosmic energy, or Chi:
virtue, duty & responsibility, proper behavior, or right attitude, compassion, reliability & loyalty

Rooster

An image of a Rooster conveys a wish for advancement because the Rooster's crest, (guan), is a play on the Chinese word meaning official. More importantly, the Rooster is an auspicious creature that can ward off evil spirits. Legend has it that the Heavenly Rooster of Dusu Mountain was crowing loudly and making all the roosters on earth crow along with it. This tremendous wall of sound (crowing) would result in scaring all evil spirits away.

Tiger

This ancient Chinese animal symbol is an emblem of dignity, ferocity, sternness, courage, and by itself is Yin energy. Also a symbol of protection, the image of a tiger is often seen on clothing or in the home to ward off harm any semblance of harm and assure safekeeping. In certain areas of China and Asia, the Tiger is regarded as the God of Wealth. Consequently, Tsai Shen Yeh, the Chinese God of Wealth is depicted sitting on a tiger. Such an image symbolizes the supremacy of the intangible forces, and our ability to harness the tiger's power in our lives.

Chinese Dragons

Ancient Chinese Dragons are ultimate symbols of cosmic Chi (energy). It is said to be the most potent symbol of good fortune in the Chinese pantheon of symbols. As one of the four creatures of the world's directions, the Dragon stands for new beginnings. The Dragon also has the power to release water to parched lands, and which in turn stands for abundance & relief. Continued success, high achievement, and prosperity are also listed among the Dragon's arsenal of good qualities, which rank it one of the most popular of Asian signs.

The Legend of The Nine Dragons
The mainland overlooking Hong Kong is called Kowloon, which means Nine Dragons. Legend states the mainland was named this by a Chinese Emperor who fled there after the Sung Dynasty. Originally, he named it after the eight hills predominantly located on the land. His servant observed that the Emperor should also be counted among the regal figures. Hence, the "Gau-lung" or Nine Dragons nomenclature was born.

Characteristics of the Nine Dragons:
1.P'u-lao:
Alerts one to danger, and serves as a protector. Often engraved on bells, sacred singing bowls, and gongs.
2.Ch'iu-niu:
Creator of Yang energy through the use of ancient dragon music.
3.Pi-his:
Provider of knowledge, luck and upholds the virtue of finer education.
4.Pa-hsia:
Provider of strength and support when called upon during times of need.
5.Chao-feng:
Guardian of the holy places, sacred lands, and holy temples.
6.Chih wen:
Symbolizes the power of water over fire.
7.Suan-ni:
Mighty protector and emblem against theft, loss or betrayal of any kind.
8.Yai-tzu:
Protector and guardian against any physical harm.
9.Pi-kau:
Defends again litigation, verbal disputes, or false accusations.

Dragon Design

The Dragon has always served me well as a symbol of self-confidence and courage. Dragons can make the heart beat stronger instill fire within, and may enable you to stand taller both physically & spiritually speaking.

Dragon and Tiger

These two great forces of the universe reflect the primordial Yin and Yang of existence. To the Chinese, the tiger is the emblem of dignity, and courage. This, combined with the abundance, luck, and Yang energy of Chinese dragons - it's a luck combination that can't be beat.                              
                                                          

Dragon Riding Clouds

Clouds are symbols of celestial mobility because many gods and immortals used the cloud as a vehicle on which they traveled. The cloud is also considered a portent of good luck, carrying needed rains that enable the growth of abundant crops. When clouds are combined with auspicious Chinese dragons, it makes a perfect emblem to manifest positive effects in your life.

Dragon Encircling Pearl

The pearl is often depicted with Chinese dragons. The pearl is sometimes thought to represent the moon. In fact, one legend has it that some dragons have become infatuated with the moon, and have gone insane trying to steal it from the sky. Other tales depict the pearl as an egg placed beneath the dragon's neck or chin. The dragon is said to carry the egg away until it is ready to hatch. By far the most agreed upon tale is that the pearl represents the dragon's wisdom - hence the term: "pearls of wisdom."

Dragon with Phoenix Together.

Tthe dragon and phoenix symbolize Yin and Yang together: perfect balance. Standing alone, each symbol is hugely powerful. Together they represent a power- packed union of success, prosperity, friendship, love, and enlightenment. The union of these two highly symbolic creatures at wedding festivities suggests a match that is blessed with money and incredible luck. Furthermore, it denotes the beginning of a dynastic family with the dragon symbolizing the patriarch and they phoenix signifying the matriarch. 

   

Chinese Flowers

Utilizing the Symbolic Meanings of Chinese Flowers

Chinese flower symbols represent the natural nectar that brings growth, fulfillment and new, prosperous beginnings into our lives.
In Feng Shui, many flowers are utilized for good fortune and success. This is because, in general, healthy flowering plants manifest good Chi, or energy. Therefore, flowers as symbols are representative of that same flourishing, flow of strong energy.

Additionally, flower symbols convey beauty, grace, and perfection. They are also excellent symbols of love, adoration, and unity.
Just as the flower blooms, so too does our intellect and spirit bloom when we focus our attention on the endless beauty and potential of these exquisite symbols.

Chrysanthemum

Excellent when presented as a gift to someone, the Chrysanthemum signifies a life of ease. Buddhists are fond of using this flower as offerings on alters. Symbolic of powerful Yang energy, this flower is an attractant of good luck in the home.




.

Citron

Also known as the Buddha's hand, the finger-shaped Citron stand for luck and happiness. It is known as the Buddha's hand because the upturned petals of the Citron are reminiscent of the upturned fingers of the Buddha's meditative position.

Hydrangea

A symbol expressing love, gratitude, and enlightenment. It is said that the observer can easily get lost in it's abundance of beautiful petals, and thus gets lost in one's own thoughts – propitiating higher thought and reaching enlightenment. Due to it's versatility, and beauty, the hydrangea makes an excellent thank you gift to an unsung hero in our lives.

Meaning of Lotus

Buddhist's all over the world recognize this Lotus as signifying the holy seat of the Buddha. To the Chinese it symbolizes ultimate purity and perfection because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud. Every part of the plant, from roots to petals can be put to good use and has medicinal properties. As such, the plant as a whole, conveys deep significance. Esoterically, it represents inward emptying and outward splendor and this conveys the true nature of reality according to the Buddhist philosophy.

Narcissus

This Chinese flower symbol is said to bestow the flowering of our hidden talents. It is reputed to augment the hard work put into careers, assuring those with careers will be rewarded when incorporating this auspicious symbol in their lives. As such, the Narcissus is an excellent gift for those who are seeking career advancement and luck.

Orchid

Emblematic of fertility, this flower encourages plenty of progeny. Also a symbol of perfection, abundance, and higher growth, when we focus on the endless loveliness of this flower we are able to open the flow of exotic beauty and prosperity in our lives.

Peony

Esteemed as one of the most exquisite flowers, the peony is a symbol for nobility and value. The peony became popular in the imperial palaces during the Sui and Tang dynasties, and earned the title of the "king of flowers." A symbol of spring, it is also used as a metaphor for female beauty and reproduction. Pictured in full bloom, the peony symbolizes peace.

Chinese Symbol for Longevity

“The quality, not the longevity, of one's life is what is important.” -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Chinese are incredibly skilled at assigning deeper meanings to various symbols to represent a condition or energy. Walking through their country is a true education on Chinese symbols.

Among the myriad of symbols, the Chinese symbol(s) for longevity are widespread and quite intriguing. For example, would you ever think of a gourd to represent long life? In the Chinese culture it is, and is used in the art of Feng Shui extensively.

A long, healthy, prosperous life is one of the most admirable and highest goals of humanity. It only makes sense that the Chinese along with so many other cultures would establish many symbols to represent the facets of longevity.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a Chinese symbol for longevity because of its durability, strength, flexibility and resilience. It survives in the harshest conditions, and seems to endure through all the brutalities mother nature can dish out - still standing tall, and staying green year-round. Its flexibility and adaptability are a lesson to us all that the secret of a long happy life is to go with the flow. Feng Shui practitioners recommend putting bamboo plants in the front of your home to assure long life for all those who dwell there.
.

Cicada

In Ancient China, before burying their deceased loved ones, wealthy families would insert a jade carving of the cicada inside their mouth. It was believed this would assure the deceased would have a joyful life after death, and would immortalize them after their passing. The cicada is also revered by the living and signifies eternal youth and happiness. As the cicada is one of the longest living insect, it's no wonder this is a long-standing Chinese symbol for longevity.

Crane

There are four types of cranes in Chinese myth: White, yellow, blue and black. The black crane is thought to live the longest - up to 600 years. When a crane is shown among clouds it stands for longevity, widsom and nobility. When shown among pine trees, the crane symbolizes determination, wealth and power. When two cranes are shown together, it is the ultimate depiction of longevity. The Chinese Phoenix is also a powerful bird symbol.

Deer

Known for its endurance, grace, and long life, the deer is another Chinese symbol for longevity. The word for deer in Chinese is lu which translates to  mean income. Consequently, the combined meanings represent a prosperous long life. In Chinese art the deer is depicted with court officials; it is said that this signifies a wish for fame, recognition and a long, successful career. Find more symbolic deer meanings here.

Gourd

Specifically the bottle gourd is also a common Chinese symbol for longevity as well as good luck. It is thought that the gourd holds magic nectar which is consumed by many Buddhist deities. Sau, the Chinese god of longevity brandishes the gourd at the end of his staff, this is said to contain the elixir of immortality. Gourds are painted with the Chinese symbol for longevityand then displayed in the home to ward off harmful energies - thus promoting long life.

God of Longevity

Known as Sau, this Chinese god is one of the most popular. This is because he is a symbol of the easy life, smooth living, and victory over the strife that life can sometimes cause. A gourd is attached to the end of his staff which is said to hold the elixir of life or immortality. Sau is usually depicted holding a peach, which is the divine fruit of the gods, allowing them to live forever. You'll note Sau is usually sitting on a deer, another symbol for longevity.

Peach

The peach tree is a tremendous Chinese symbol for longevity as well as other auspicious attributes. Each element of the peach tree has significant meaning. The wood of the tree was said to ward off evil, and ancient warriors would craft weapons from the wood. Taoist magic was made with the petals of the peach blossoms - the effects were known to put men into an intense trance of love. It is said that the Peach plant of immortality located in the Kun Lun mountains would produce the fruit only once every 3,000 years. When this happened, the Eight Immortals would gather and eat of the magic fruit, assuring their immortality.

Pine

Because of their endurance, and steadfastness even in the most harsh weather conditions, the pine trees are honored Chinese symbols for long life. The pine is often depicted in Chinese art with other symbols of longevity such as the peach, the god Sau, deer, and also mentioned in the tales of the Eight Immortals. Having pine trees on your property is said to be highly auspicious. Take care to always keep these healthy as they will assure long happy lives for you and all those who live upon your

Chinese Symbols and Meanings

Commonly Used Symbols and Their Meanings

Chinese symbols and meanings infiltrate the cities and landscapes of the region. From art to architecture, clothing to kitchenware, symbols of luck, prosperity, and abundance are sure to be found. The Chinese believe that incorporating positive symbols in their lives will inexorably lead to positive results in their existence.
This is a valid belief, as it has been proven that whatever one focuses upon inevitably makes its way into one's life. Below are some common Chinese symbols and meanings are included.

Five Fortunes Surround Longevity

Five bats grouped together create the extremely auspicious and popular motif of the "five good fortunes." These five good fortunes are: Wealth, Health, Longevity, Love, and Virtue. Red bats are especially lucky omen because red is believed to be the color that wards off evil. The embroidered bat motif around the symbol of longevity is a hugely powerful symbol.

Longevity Symbol

Longevity is the most highly esteemed value of the five-fold happinesses. The desire for long life is embodied many Chinese traditions. Longevity wishes are inscribed on scrolls, engraved in bronze, and embroidered.

Longevity and Love Symbol

This symbol increases its favor with the beholder as it also includes the presence of the butterfly. The Chinese symbol and meaning of the butterfly is that of young love, specifically undying love. Story has it that a young male scholar was deeply in love with a rich man's daughter who returned his love. Being a poor scholar, the young man was rejected by the young woman's father. The father separated the couple, and forbid them from seeing each other. Heartbroken, the lovers die, and are reunited in death. Reincarnated as butterflies, the two are together forever.

Chinese Sunset Symbol

The sun is the most potent symbol and source of Yang energy. It purifies and energizes at the same time. Also a symbol of balance, the legend states that there were originally ten suns, making the world too hot. The Divine Archer Yi had to kill nine of the suns to restore cosmic balance and harmony.

Chinese Symbol Writing

Chinese symbol writing is a unique style of communication, primarily because it is as beautiful as it is functional. This is evident in the character shown above, which means love

The Chinese written language is conveyed in characters. Earlier in the written language, each of these characters were pictures like animals or places. Over time, writing became more stylized and seldom takes on a picture form.

There are tens of thousands of different characters in the Chinese writing system. Most of these have been dropped due to lack of use over the centuries. Today, knowledge of about 4,000 symbols conveys most messages.

Below are some words and phrases in English along with Chinese symbol writing for each. Note, these characters are shown in the standard simplified version, called Kaiti.

Angel

Attitude

Balance

Body Mind Spirit

Celebrate

Fortunate

Friendship

Happiness

Love

Meditation

Peace

Rejoice

Spirit

Thank You

Unique

Chinese Yin Yang Symbols

In a nutshell, Chinese Yin Yang symbols represent perfect balance. Seemingly, the whole of Chinese philosophy stems from the concept of Yin and Yang – opposites interacting and supposedly the seed of all things. For example, evil results from an imbalance in Yin and Yang, and good comes from the two being in harmonic balance.
To aid in understanding the properties belonging to each side of the symbol, I have included the following table. Each property is beneath its corresponding Yin or Yan energy.

Yin & Yang Corresponding Energies

Yin	Yang	Yin	Yang
Dark	Light	Winter	Summer
Matter	Spirit	Shade	Sunlight
Earth	Sky	Receptive	Creative
Female	Male	Valleys	Mountains
Passive	Active	Even Numbers	Odd Numbers
Tiger	Dragon	Moon	Sun
Down	Up	Cold	Heat
North	South	Death	Life

The meaning of the characters for yin and yang, has more than just one connotation. Basically interpreted, yang means "sunny", so it corresponds to the day and more active functions. Whereas yin, means "shady", and corresponds to night and less active functions.
The following Yin Yang symbols and brief descritpions are shown for your reference and symbolic enjoyment.

Classic Yin Yang Symbol

This is the basic Yin Yang symbol embroidered. As mentioned above, this symbol represents the primal opposing but complementary forces found in all things in the universe. Depicted as it is, it also outlines the necessity of balance in all things.








Yin Yang Lotus Symbol

The Yin Yang enclosed in the legendary lotus is a particularly powerful and balancing symbol. The Buddhist's all over the world recognize this Lotus as signifying the holy seat of the Buddha. To the Chinese it symbolizes ultimate purity and perfection because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud. The sacred lotus combined with the balancing acting of the Yin Yang make this a perfect point of focus for the body, mind and spirit. 





                                                                          
                                                                            Yin Yang Eye

An artistic spin on the traditional Yin Yang, this symbol represents our focus or view of balance – both internally and externally. This is a beautiful symbol expresses your vision for peace and balance.

Yin Yang Heart

Balance in our hearts and love in our lives is truly what makes the world go 'round. This traditional Yin Yang symbol in the form of a heart reminds us that love is one of the truest and dearest of virtues.

Chinese Zodiac Signs

The Chinese zodiac signs are determined by the lunar year in which you were born. The Chinese believe the animal ruling one's birth year has a profound influence on personality, and destiny. The saying is: "This animal hides in your heart."
 Unlike Western astrology, it does not look the heavenly constellations or planets to predict one's destiny. Rather, Chinese astrology deals with divining sciences of wuxing or the five elements (earth, fire, water, metal, wood), Yin and Yang, Chi, and the cycles of time.
Legend has it that inception of the Chinese zodiac signs began when the Buddha beckoned all the animals to bid him farewell before his departure from the Earth. Only twelve arrived at his summoning, and so those were given a place of honor in a year being named after each.
You can determine your animal sign by referring to the year you were born and matching it up with the corresponding animal in the chart below.

Years Corresponding to Chinese Zodiac Signs:

Rat	1900	1912	1924	1936	1948	1960	1972	1984	1996	2008	2020
Ox	1901	1913	1925	1937	1949	1961	1973	1985	1997	2009	2021
Tiger	1902	1914	1926	1938	1950	1962	1974	1986	1998	2010	2022
Rabbit	1903	1915	1927	1939	1951	1963	1975	1987	1999	2011	2023
Dragon	1904	1916	1928	1940	1952	1964	1976	1988	2000	2012	2024
Snake	1905	1917	1929	1941	1953	1965	1977	1989	2001	2013	2025
Horse	1906	1918	1930	1942	1954	1966	1978	1990	2002	2014	2026
Sheep	1907	1919	1931	1943	1955	1967	1979	1991	2003	2015	2027
Monkey	1908	1920	1932	1944	1956	1968	1980	1992	2004	2016	2028
Rooster	1909	1921	1933	1945	1957	1969	1981	1993	2005	2017	2029
Dog	1910	1922	1934	1946	1958	1970	1982	1994	2006	2018	2030
Boar	1911	1923	1935	1947	1959	1971	1983	1995	2007	2019	2031

Rat

Element: Water
Partners well with: Dragon & Monkey
Characteristics: Intelligent, adaptable, quick-witted, charming, artistic, sociable

Ox

Element: Earth
Partners well with: Snake & Rooster
Characteristics: Loyal, reliable, thorough, strong, reasonable, steady, determined

Tiger

Element: Wood
Partners well with: Horse & Dog
Characteristics: Enthusiastic, courageous, ambitious, leadership, confidence, charismatic

Rabbit

Element: Wood
Partners well with: Sheep & Boar
Characteristics: Trustworthy, empathic, modest, diplomatic, sincere, sociable, caretakers

Dragon

Element: Earth
Partners well with: Rat & Monkey
Characteristics: Lucky, flexible, eccentric, imaginative, artistic, spiritual, charismatic

Snake

Element: Fire
Partners well with: Rooster & Ox
Characteristics: Philosophical, organized, intelligent, intuitive, elegant, attentive, decisive

Horse

Element: Fire
Partners well with: Dog & Tiger
Characteristics: Adaptable, loyal, courageous, ambitious, intelligent, adventurous, strong .

Sheep

Element: Earth
Partners well with: Boar & Rabbit
Characteristics: Tasteful, crafty, warm, elegant, charming, intuitive, sensitive, calm

Monkey

Element: Metal
Partners well with: Dragon & Rat
Characteristics: Quick-witted, charming, lucky, adaptable, bright, versatile, lively, smart

Rooster

Element: Metal
Partners well with: Snake & Ox
Characteristics: Honest, energetic, intelligent, flamboyant, flexible, diverse, confident.

Dog

Element: Earth
Partners well with: Tiger & Horse
Characteristics: Loyal, sociable, courageous, diligent, steady, lively, adaptable, smart 


                                                                                                                                                              

Boar

Element: Water
Partners well with: Sheep & Rabbit
Characteristics: Honorable, philanthropic, determined, optimistic, sincere, sociable




The various symbols found on Asian works of art have quite a long history. Taoism, and Buddhism each brought with them a complete set of beliefs, legends, and superstitions. To even attempt a complete listing would be a lifetime project. What we have done instead was to go through our inventory of product and research the meaning of each, compile the information we found, and present it here. We are continually adding to this section as we acquire new designs and find there meaning.

Badger & Magpie	May you experience great happiness
Basket of Fruit or Flowers	One of the Eight Immortals
Bats	Good Luck. 2 Bats together means double good fortune. 5 Bats means The Five Blessings: long life, wealth, health, virtue, and a natural death
Butterflies	With Plum Blossoms symbolizes Long Life and Beauty. With a Cat means wish to live to 70 or 80 years
Bear / Panda	Man
Carp	Advantage or Benefit in Business
Cicada	Immortality, Life after Death
Cock	Reliability / Red Cock protects your house from fire
Crane	Longevity. A Pair of Cranes symbolizes "Long Marriage", as Cranes mate for life.
Cricket	Fighting Spirit
Deer	Riches
Dove	Fidelity
Dragon	Male Vigor and Fertility, also the symbol for The Emperor
Dragon & Phoenix	Man and Wife, also the Symbol for Emperor and Empress.
Duck	Married Bliss
Duck in Reeds	May you do well on your exams
Eagle	Strength
Eagle on a rock in Sea	Hero
Elephant	Strength and Astuteness
Riding an Elephant	Happiness
Fish	Wealth
Fisherman	One of the 4 Basic Occupations
Goose	Married Bliss
Heron with Lotus Flowers	May your path be upward
Endless Knot	Long Life without Setbacks
Lotus	Purity
Magnolia	Beautiful Woman
Onion	Clever
Ox / Water Buffalo	Coming of Spring
Peach	Longevity
Peacock	Dignity and Beauty
Phoenix	The Five Human Qualities: Virtue, Duty, Correct Behavior, Humanity, Reliability
Pine Trees	Longevity, Steadfastness, and Self-Discipline
Quail	Courage
Sheep	Yang...The Male Principle
Snake	The Woman
Tiger	Courage and Bravery
Tortoise	Longevity & Immortality
Yin	The Female Principle
Yang	The Male Principle

The Axe-head

The Axe-head is a symbol of the emperor's power over difficult situations, life and death, times of war and famine. 
 

 

The Flowery Creature

The flowery creature may represent a constellation called "Red Bird" which was located in the southern hemisphere
and was visible from late spring through summer. It symbolized the cultural accomplishments of the emperor. 
 

 

The Water Plant

Water is always represented on the hem of a robe. Emerging from this symbol is the water plant.The water plant can be another symbol for water and winter. 
 
 

 

The Sacrificial Vessel

The sacrificial vessel is associated with metal and is also called a cup. The cup symbolizes the emperor's ability to pacify any rebellion that may arise with courage. 
 
 



 

The Flames

Flames were used in daily activities such as firing pottery and cooking. Each time fire was used it renewedthe imperial power of the emperor. Fire also symbolizes the summer solstice. 
 

The Grain

Grain is the basis of all food, and as part of the "Twelve Symbols" symbolizes that the emperor is the mainstay for the people. 
 

 

Crane

The image of a crane with its wings out stretched and one leg raised up is a symbol of longevity. This longevity symbol when combined with a spotted deer and the pine is known as the 'prolonged life' design (Hanyu 15). The crane was also represented on civil officials' robes serve to depict rank throughout the different Chinese dynasties. The bird was a symbol of literary elegance and, therefore, an appropriate creature to designate civil officials who had gained their position through examination based on the classics of the Confucian canon. 
 


 

Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are used as borders or as bands along garments for added decoration. Two common patterns are the meander pattern and the key pattern. One of the oldest pattern types is the swastika. In China the swastika became a Buddhist symbol for luck sometime after AD 200. It is also the shortened form for the number ten thousand, and this indicates longevity (Chung168).
 

Bats

The bat in China is the symbol for happiness and joy. It is occasionally represented in a very ornate manner and can be mistaken for a butterfly.

Butterfly

The Butterfly is a popular symbol in Chinese embroidery. It is the symbol of summer and joy. 
 

Water Motif

The water motif was very popular on Chinese garments and is always found on the bottom portion of a robe. Diagonal stripes represent the depths of the waters. At the front and back and on either side of a garment, a mountain can be found which seams to emerge from the foamy waves. The mountain is said to represent an ancient belief; China believed that the earth was a land mass surrounded by four oceans. 
 

Fu - Blessing, Good Fortune, Good Luck

Fu is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese New Year. It is often posted upside down on the front door of a house or an apartment. The upside down fu means good luck came since the character for upsite down in Chinese sounds the same as the character for came..

Lu - Prosperity

It used to mean official's salary in feudal China. Fengshui is believed to be the Chinese way to health, wealth and happiness.

Shou - Longevity

Shou also means life, age or birthday.

Xi - Happiness

Double happiness is usually posted everywhere on Chinese weddings.

Cai - Wealth, money

Chinese often say money can make a ghost turn a millstone. It is to say money really can do a lot of things..

He - Harmonious

'People harmony' is an important part of Chinese culture. When you have harmonious relations with others, things will be a lot easier for you.

Ai - Love, affection

Don't need to say any more about this one. Just want to point out ai is often used with 'mianzi' together. Aimianzi means 'be concerned about one's face-saving.'

Mei - Beautiful, pretty

The United States of American is called Mei Guo in the short form. Guo means country so Meiguo is a good name.

Ji - Lucky, auspicious, propitious

Hope all is well..

De - Virtue, moral

De means virtue, moral, heart, mind, and kindness, etc. It is also used in the name for Germany, i.e., De Guo..