Page 260 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
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A-Z 253
Nine sheep (or goats) under the sign of the triple yang
On the lines of the nine provinces, there arose in Han times the concept of the ‘Nine
Wells’ (jiu quan) as a term denoting the realm of the dead ( hell). On the 9th day of
the 9th month the feast of the ‘double yang’ was observed: men went up into the
mountains and drank wine from chrysanthemum flowers. Old Peking, which was
built in keeping with astrological advice, has a holy of holies in the centre, and eight
access avenues – i.e. nine parts.
Noodles
mian-tiao
We know from grave excavations that noodles were in general use in the Tang Dynasty
(618–907). They used to be made from pure wheat or rice, but nowadays a mixture of
maize, peas and beans is more commonly used. In South China, they are eaten
particularly at New Year, as they symbolise longevity. ‘Packet of noodles’ is a
term for the Mons veneris.
