Page 83 - Chinese Porcelain Vol I, Galland

SYMBOLS, EMBLEMS, AND CHARMS. 51

out into a long rod or wire, and encased in silver. A large
is then made of it, to be worn on the ankles or the wrists
ring
of a boy until he is sixteen years old. Such a ring is often
prepared for the use of a boy, if he is an only son. Daughters
wear such wristlets or anklets only a few years, or even a
shorter time."
" 566 "
Five Poisons."— Doolittle, p. : Many believe that
the a of lizard, the a certain fabulous
tiger, species centipede,
animal having three feet, and the snake— which five things,
' —
taken are called the ' five have the
together, poisons power
to counteract influences. Sometimes of these
pernicious images
things are procured, and worshipped by families which have
an son. Pictures of them are often made with black silk
only
on new red cloth worn children for the first time
pockets, by
on one of the first five of the fifth month. It is believed
days
that such a charm will tend to keep the children from having
the colic, and from pernicious influences generally. They are
often found represented on the side of certain round brass
about two inches in diameter, used as charms
castings, against
evil
spirits."
"
Lad and Three-legged Animal. — 563 : A
Doolittle, p.
representation of a lad sitting on a three-legged nondescript
animal, with a bow in his hands, as if in the act of shooting
an arrow," placed on the roofs of houses to ward off evil
influences.
A Stone. — Doolittle, p. 564 : " A stone slab or pillar is
very often erected directly opposite the entrance of an alley,
which comes out into the main street near by one's house or
store, in order to ward off the bad or deadly influences which
are believed to emerge from the alley."
— "
Fish-nets. Doolittle, p. 564 : Old fish-nets are often
cut up into strips and sold, to be worn by children around the
waist as girdles as a preventive against evil spirits and per-
nicious influences. Sometimes a garment is made out of such
nets, and worn by children for a similar purpose. Oftentimes,
when pregnant women, who are nervous and easily excited,
ride out in the sedan, a of an old net is inside
part hung up
and over the door, as a preventive against her seeing evil
or her influenced or agitated by them."
spirits, against being
Nos. 38 and 39. The Tae-keih with the Pa-kwa
ranged