Page 163 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
P. 163
A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 156
A bat is often shown fluttering round each of these gods. Again, the three
constellations may be added.
Five bats on their own symbolise the five gods and their gifts.
Goose
e
Like the mandarin duck or the phoenix, the goose is in China a symbol of
married bliss. The goose takes one partner for life, as a woman should. So a goose makes
a very suitable engagement present. This is a very old custom, varied on occasion by an
exchange – the bridegroom’s family sends a gander, the bride’s family reciprocates by
sending back a goose. Neither of these ever ends up on the table.
A wild goose as bearer of good news
‘May the wild goose on the wing lengthen (your) days (years)’
The ‘little calendar of the Xia Dynasty’ marks the first month as follows: ‘The wild goose
flies to northern regions’, and in the 9th month ‘the wild geese migrate’.
Brass boxes sometimes have the following inscription on the lid: ‘May the flying wild
goose lengthen (your) years’ – a reference to the way in which seasons are announced in
popular calendars, and to the reliability of a bird which never fails to turn up on time.
