Page 110 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
P. 110
A-Z 103
A duck in the reeds: ‘May you do well in your examination’
Adherents of the sect still known as the ‘Duck-egg Religion’ in China and parts of
Taiwan are strict vegetarians, apart from making duck-eggs their staple diet.
When worshipping the goddess Guan-yin they hold duck eggs in their hands.
The cult has been accused of immoral behaviour, and is therefore banned in Taiwan.
The mandarin duck symbolises married bliss.
Dust
chen
Like smoke, dust is a constant reminder of the transitory nature of things.
‘Dust handle’ (chen bing) is a Buddhist metaphor for the penis. The broom for sweeping
dust seems to have come to China from India. Nowadays it is the emblem of Zhong-
li Quan, one of the eight Immortals.
