Page 219 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 212

Two magpies: conjugal bliss

As the bird of good omen, the magpie is contrasted with the raven, the bird of ill
omen. The magpie is a yang creature, partaking in male vigour. When the founding
father of the Manchu Dynasty was fleeing from his enemies, a magpie perched on his
head. The pursuit was called off, and thereafter the magpie was regarded as a sacred bird
by the Manchus. They also believed that it dropped a fruit by means of which a heavenly
maiden became pregnant.
The magpie makes its nest out of things it picks up on the ground. If a magpie’s nest is
burned on the 5th day of the 5th month and its eggs given to a sick man, he will recover.
A picture showing 12 magpies expresses 12 good wishes. A picture showing an

official on horseback in the middle, surrounded by magpies, means ‘May redoubled joy
be yours (i.e. may you make a good marriage and have many children).’ Here, the horse
symbolises the high rank awaiting the offspring. A picture showing magpies (xi),
bamboos (zhu) and plums (mei) means ‘May man and wife (bamboo and plum) delight
each other (two magpies).’ Two magpies symbolise the wish ‘May you meet each other
in joy’: this can refer either to a marriage or to conjugal sexual intercourse.