Lifestyles by Estelia…… Chinese Life and Culture – Luck Symbols for Your Home

May you enjoy good fortune as expansive as the Eastern Sea,

And longevity as long as the Southern Mountain.

Good fortune and positive thoughts are central to all aspects of Chinese life and culture. The Chinese believe that by layering their lives with lucky objects and images, they increase their chances of a happy and prosperous existence. Lucky words and phrases are used to create an environment protected from misfortune, bad omens and disaster.

Going forward I will share the meaning of symbols and the stories they tell. I hope you enjoy reading about them and, perhaps consider incorporating some into your daily life. Here are three (of countless symbols) of luck – with more to follow in future blogs.

• Bat (biān fú): The bat is a symbol of good fortune because the word “bat” is a play on the word for “luck”. A drawing of two bats facing each other represents double luck. A red bat is especially lucky because red is believed to be the color that wards off evil.  An image of five bats flying above a round box or container signifies harmony and the five good fortunes of luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness and wealth.
• God of Luck: Along with the God of Prosperity and the God of Longevity, the God of Luck (fú xing) is part of a group of three revered stellar gods. Early legend recants that the God of Luck originated as a star and was believed to bring good fortune. His name literally means “lucky star”. In later mythology he took on a human form, and is now represented as an old man wearing a long gown, often holding a scepter or a child.
• Lucky Children: Pictures of a boy and girl are often pasted on the exterior door of a house or business. The pair are known as Da A Fu, and bring protection, luck and happiness. Newlyweds enjoy putting statues of these plump children in their new homes.