Page 34 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book
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A-Z 27
The bamboo – model and guide-line in Chinese calligraphy
Stylised bamboo leaves: something that does not die in winter
Fireworks used to be made from bamboo, which explodes with a loud bang when put
into a fire. It was supposed to ward off demons, and its use in fireworks at New Year
and other festive occasions was for this purpose. With the departure of the demons, peace
and contentment are supposed to enter, and so it is fitting that the Chinese words for
‘bamboo’ and for ‘to wish, pray’ are homonyms, as are the words for ‘to explode’ and for
