Page 222 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
P. 222
A-Z 215
to sow their wild oats, and gain sexual experience. In South China there were until
quite recently similar houses for unmarried girls who enjoyed sexual liberty. Certain men,
as well as saints, are often depicted without shirts. They are always bustier than the
women depicted in paintings.
Mandarin Duck
yuan-yang
The mandarin duck, a familiar sight in parks in Europe, is native to East Asia. The birds
live in pairs, and mate for life. So it is a natural symbol for marital happiness; and when
two mandarin ducks are depicted, one with a lotus blossom in its beak, the other with a
lotus fruit, this expresses the additional wish that the marriage will be blessed with sons.
‘Mandarin duck curtains’ and ‘Mandarin duck coverlets’ are used to decorate marriage
beds. ‘Mandarin duck pillows’ often figure as wedding gifts: they are made of china and
are painted with ducks.
Mandarin ducks with lotus
