Whatis good luck or good fortune in Mandarin Chinese?
The twelve animals in the chinese zodiac are usually lucky, and the cat (neko) can be, but cats can also be ghosts who suck the lives out of humans. Foxes are usually considered unlucky (although I must admit that I'm sketchy on why). From: Eto - The Twelve Animals Of The Zodiac In Japan. The eto is essentially the Japanese version of the Chinese zodiac: a system of 12 animals representing every year, with each animal having its own traits. 2018 is the Year of the Dog, but the other animals and their symbols are: 子 (Ne): Rat 丑 (Ushi): Ox 寅 (Tora): Tiger 卯 (U): Rabbit. Many Japanese superstitions come from old folk wisdom—night time is quiet time, and those who make noise will be targeted by the bad guys. The broken geta sandal. In the west, it's the breaking of a mirror which signals bad things to come, while in Japan, it's the popping off of a geta strap. Don't buy el cheapos from the 100 yen. Jan 07, 2019 Here are just some of the significant animals in Japanese culture: Cats – Cats are revered by Japanese, and different types of good luck charms and temples are devoted to cats. The Maneki Neko 'good fortune' cat, depicted as a sitting cat waving one paw, is seen in most Japanese business establishments because it is believed to draw in good business. Aug 13, 2015 Kitsune is the Japanese word for 'fox,' and in Japanese folklore, foxes are believed to posses supernatural abilities. There are good kitsune ( zenko or myobu) that bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. Yako and nogitsune are malicious kitsune, and they play pranks and tricks on humans.
Luck in Chinese is 运 (yùn) or 运气 (yùn qì) . The Chinese word 运 in itself means transport / ship / fortune / luck. How do you say good luck in Chinese then? As you may already know, good in Chinese expression is 好, so good luck is 好运. When you want to wish someone to have good luck, you can say 祝你好运 (zhù nǐ hǎo yùn) .
Goodluck in Chinese culture
Whether Chinese or Western culture, we all want to have good luck. Chinese luck comes in many forms. Chinese good luck characters, animals, numbers, colors, birds, fruits and many more. Luck in Chinese culture has strong relations to feng shui practice as well.
7Chinese lucky symbols
1. Chinese good luck characterThe Chinese character 福 is commonly used during the Chinese New Year. Chinese like to hang Chinese New Year decoration that has this Chinese word on it. And, they will purposely hang this lucky Chinese character upside down. By doing so, it symbolizes good fortune and good luck will come to one's home. 福倒 (fú dào) , the Chinese word 倒 dao has the same sound as 到 dao.
2. Chinesegood luck birdIn the Western culture, Magpies are associated with evil and bad fortune. However, in the Chinese culture, Magpies symbolizes good luck, joy and fortune. The Chinese believe that if one sees a Magpie, one's good luck will arrive. Magpie in Chinese is 喜鹊 (xǐ què) . The Chinese word 喜 (xǐ) symbolizes joy and happiness, and 鹊 (què) means Magpie. Therefore, when you see a Magpie, you will soon have good luck in Chinese beliefs.
Just like Japanese and Koreans, cranes in Chinese culture play a vital role in the Chinese mythology as well. As cranes symbolize in longevity, purity, good fortune and peace, it is thus the second most favored bird symbols after the phoenix. Cranes are also known as the prince of all feathered creatures.
3. Chinese good luck animalsI am sure you have heard the 4 mystic creatures – dragon 龙 (lóng) , phoenix 凤 (fèng) , kirin 麒麟 (qí lín) and tortoise 龟 (guī) in Chinese culture. But, do you know that bats, deer and elephants are good luck animals in Chinese beliefs as well?
BATS
In Western culture, bats have always been associated with vampires, as blood sucking creatures or something that is dark and evil. However, in Chinese culture, especially Chinese feng shui, bats are symbol for wealth because the Chinese translation for bats is 蝙蝠 (biān fú) . And the Chinese word 蝠 (fú) has the same Chinese pinyin as 福 (fú) , the Chinese translation for fortune or happiness. If you place 5 bats together, they represent the Chinese symbolism of the ‘Five Blessings' (wufu 五福): long life, wealth, health, love of virtue and a peaceful death.
Deers
Deers in Chinese culture are good luck animals because the Chinese translation for deer is 鹿 (lù). This Chinese word has the same Chinese pinyin as 禄 (lù), which has the meaning of good fortune.
Elephants
In Thailand and India, elephants are good luck animals as well. In Thailand, elephants are their national animal. Chang, meaning elephant in Thai language, is a symbol of longevity, strength and durability. White elephant is a symbol for royalty.
In India too, elephant areimportant in the Indian mythology. Elephant symbolizes wisdom and greatintellect for the Indians and one of their popular Indian deities, Lord Ganeshabears an elephant head. Adobe for apple mac air.
Elephant in Chinese culture symbolizes auspiciousness, propitious and luck. Just like the animals deers and bats, the Chinese pinyin for elephant 象 (xiàng) sounds like 祥(xiáng).
4.Chinese good luck numbers Number 8In Chinese culture, other than the numbers 4 and 7, the rest of the numbers are good luck numbers in Chinese beliefs. Chinese all over the world love the number 8 because it sounds as 发 (fā), symbolizing prosperity and wealth. This is contrary to the culture in the West. In the West, they consider number 7 as a lucky number.
Number 4Why is the number 4 unlucky? This again has to do with the pinyin or Chinese pronunciation of the Chinese word. Number 4 sounds similar to the Chinese word 死 (sǐ), which symbolizes death in Chinese.
Number 7Chinese don't really like the number 7 because this number relates to the 7th month (ghostly month), where the gate of hell opens for the dead to visit the living. And the Chinese pronunciation of this Chinese word is very similar to 欺 (qī), which symbolize cheat or bully in Chinese.
Number 1, 2, 3 and 5The numbers 1 and 2 represent the Yin and the Yang. 1 is Yin and 2 is Yang, hence they are both auspicious numbers. Number 3 sounds like the Chinese word '生 (shēng) birth'. Number 5 represents the 5 elements and thus is a good luck number in Chinese beliefs. However, some Chinese do not consider the number 5 as a good luck number because it sounds like 无 (wú), which means nothing in Chinese.
Number 6Money by jumsoft 4 7 5. Number 6 has the meaning of luck in the Chinese culture because it means everything is smooth sailing. Unlike the Western culture where 666 represents the devil, Chinese beliefs considered the number 66 as lucky as seen in the Chinese idioms 六六大顺 ( liù liù dà shùn) . This Chinese idiom has the meaning great success and smoothness in everything that one does.
Number 9Number 9 in Chinese is greatly welcome and accepted in weddings and birthdays as it means eternity and long lasting. This Chinese number 9 is also said to be traditionally associated with the Chinese emperor.
5. Chinese goodluck colorsNot only numbers, everyculture has its own color preferences. The French love grey, white, pink andyellow. Germans prefer brown, black and dark blue. Chinese on the other handconsider red and yellow to be lucky colors in Chinese beliefs.
Chinese preference for the color red is not something new. In Chinese culture, red color means warm, festive, lively and filled with emotional senses. That is why, the red packets that children receive during Chinese new year is 红包 (hóng bāo) , which is red packet in English translations. The bonus one receives from the company at the end of the year is 年终花红 (nián zhōng huā hóng) . Countries like Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore broadly use this Chinese expressions. Another Chinese expression is 分红 (fēn hóng). This is the money shareholders or business partners receive when the company earns profit.
Have you heard of this Chinese phrase 红娘 (hóng niáng) ? The literal translation in English is red mother. Well, it is not red mother but rather a match maker. It's like a person playing cupid in the Western culture.
Craps winning stories. Another color which represents China more than the color red is the good luck color yellow. Not only does yellow equate wealth, it also represents royal and power. The robes worn by the China Emperors were bright yellow. The decorations in the royal palace were mainly yellow as well.
6. Chinese good luck fruitsWhat kind of fruits do youlike to eat? If apple is one of them, you are lucky. Apple is a goodluck fruitin Chinese beliefs. It presents peace and safety. It is one of the fruitsChinese must have during the Chinese New Year.
The other good luck fruits are oranges and pomelo. These fruits are good luck in Chinese because the names of the fruits sound auspicious. Pomelo in Chinese is 柚子(yòu zi) . The Chinese word 柚 (yòu) sounds similar to 佑 (yòu) , to be blessed. As you may have guessed it, orange is a good luck fruit because the Chinese expression for orange is 桔子(jú zi) . 桔(jú) and 吉(jí) are similar in sound and thus is a fruit that bring in luck and prosperity.
As for pomegranates, do you know why it is a good luck fruit in Chinese beliefs? This fruit is a symbol of fertility and abundance for the abundance of sees inside the pomegranate fruits. The seed 籽(zǐ) and 子(zi) has the similar Chinese pinyin. Casino registration bonus. Therefore, in Chinese culture, newlyweds are often advised to display pomegranates as a Chinese good luck charm at home to attract luck and fertility to the family
7. Chinese good luck plantsChinese luck can be found in all types of plants as well. Plum 梅(méi) , Chinese traditional flower, is highly seen as strong, noble and humble. Thus, Chinese associates this Chinese flower as a lucky symbol of spring festival.
The next lucky plant is Panda's favorite food, Bamboo 竹 (zhú) . Bamboo has been rooted in Chinese culture for a long time. Chinese view bamboo as a symbol of traditional Chinese values. It is given the title of 'gentleman' for the plant symbolizes modesty, chastity and honor. In actual fact, bamboo, plum and pine have been known as the 'three winter friends'.
Just like the bamboo, pine trees 松树(sōng shù) symbolize longevity. And, as they are evergreen trees, they are greatly loved not only in the East, but also in the West as well.
Chinese superstitions or Chinese symbolism
In summary, whether you believe the above to be just some Chinese superstitions or Chinese symbolism, one thing is for sure, they are deeply rooted into the Chinese culture and Chinese values. These Chinese beliefs and Chinese symbols are being practiced in the daily lives even till now.
Chinese all over the world still hangs Chinese lucky symbols in their homes, they still practice Chinese values just like what their ancestors have been doing for hundreds of years. Do you believe? Love to hear your comments on this.
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Japan is a country steeped in tradition and they use the beautiful language of colors in their art, dresses, phrases and rituals. Even though western influences have changed several associations of colors, especially in art and dresses; some of the traditional color meanings are still valid today. There are many colors which are considered as ‘auspicious or lucky' by the Japanese people. Certain colors are very important at weddings and other rituals. There are many timeless rules associated with kimono colors as well. So let us take a look at what these different colors mean.
Kimono color meanings
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Japanese kimono colors denote different meanings but it is the color of the Obi that is especially important. So if you see a woman wearing black or white kimono or a man wearing a black suit with a black tie, it does not necessarily mean they are attending a funeral. In fact, though white is associated with funerals, it is usually the color of the obi that can further denote whether the dress is for a funeral or a wedding. For example, if a woman is wearing a white kimono with a colorful Obi she is probably on the way to a wedding.
Traditional colors of Japan
For details on Japanese color symbolism chart please click here.
Red and white
Red and white are prominent traditional colors in Japan. Both colors are used in decorations at events which represent happiness and joy. People also wear these colors at important ceremonies such as weddings, birthdays and other life events. In general red color in Japan is associated with public phones, cherries and paint. Color red in Japanese culture denotes strength, passion, self sacrifice and blood. It is the color that ‘gets the blood flowing'. Red bean rice is served on auspicious occasions. Many phrases such as the terms for 'embarrassment to death' or 'growing red with anger' or 'deficit spending or losses' or 'complete stranger' are denoted with Japanese word for ‘red'.
White on the other hand is a popular color in cars in Japan but it inherently denotes death and mourning too. This peaceful color also stands for purity and truth. White is the color of snow, starting on a blank page, going back to the roots and to scorn or treat someone coldly.
Blue
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What does the color blue mean in Japan? Blue symbolizes coolness, passivity as well as fidelity. It is a popular color in Japanese clothing. Many office workers wear different shades of blue whereas University students wear ‘recruitment suits in blue' for job interviews. Blue is also one of the most important lucky colors in Japan with the others in the category being yellow, white, purple, green and, red.
Green
Green is another special color in Japan and it is very popular in clothing as it is restful and fresh. Tea, especially matcha and green tea are both green in color after brewing and the tea leaves are green as well. Tea is very important in Japanese culture. Japan celebrates greenery day as they love and respect vegetation, foliage and nature. April 29th is the birthday of Emperor Shoowa and since he loved and respected nature and natural science, this day is dedicated to appreciation of nature. In short, green color in Japan represents youth, eternity, vitality and energy.
Silver and Gold
Gold is used extensively in decoration and symbolizes wealth and prestige. Silver is used in tools and weapons and represents precision, masculinity and high tech strength. Jixipix watercolor studio pro 1 4 64.
Black
Black is a popular color in Japan for electronics and clothing. It mainly denotes non-being, mystery, night and anger. Calligraphy is usually done in black ink on white paper. As stated above, black and white are both colors of mourning in Japan. Wooden condolence gifts are often tied in envelopes stringed in black and white. Black in Japanese culture also denotes the hair and eyes. Many phrases consist of the Japanese word for black such as 'clarifying between right and wrong 'or 'rolling one's eyes in surprise, fright or anguish' etc. Black also denotes evil-hearted person.
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Pink
Pink is a popular color in Japanese clothing. Lingerie and flowers in pink are ideal gifts. Pink is the color for ‘off-color' humor. It denotes spring, femininity, youth and good health.
Brown
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Brown denotes Earth, strength and durability-it is also the color of wooden objects. The word cha or tea also has its roots in the words that denote different shades of brown in Japanese language.
Yellow
This color denotes sunshine and nature in Japan. It is a popular color in flowers, clothes and in gardening. Yellow is the color of railway crossing and school children's caps to denote warning and caution and also to increase visibility. In Far East Japan, people consider yellow a sacred color but in the Western, it denotes treachery. The Japanese term for someone having a yellow beak means one who is inexperienced whereas someone with a ‘yellow voice' means the shrill voice of women and kids.
Purple and Orange
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As in the west, purple stands for royalty in Japanese culture as well. Purple flowers are very popular too. Orange on the other hand, denotes love and happiness and is a popular color in clothing. This vibrant color also denotes civilization and knowledge.