Page 357 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 350
been used to mean ten thousand (wan), i.e. symbolising infinity. This meaning is
implicit in the emblem’s use as a decorative motif, often far removed from the original
shape, in printed fabrics.
Swing Swing

qiu-qian

At New Year and in the spring (often round about the 4th day of April) swinging on
rope swings was a popular amusement, especially among young women. Swinging had a
religious connotation, and symbolised a prayer for longevity (qian-qiu = a thousand
autumns). In some parts of South China and Thailand, and in Korea, the activity was
connected with the 5th day of the 5th month, i.e. according to our calendar, with the
summer solstice. At this turning point of the year, the to-and-fro motion of the swing may
symbolise the annual progression of the sun along the ecliptic. However, there is no
textual authority for this.
It was the only Chinese feast-day on which young girls could enjoy
themselves in the open air.
Sword Sword

da dao

A demon-slaying sword is the attribute of Lü Dong-bin, one of the eight

Immortals. Many legends have collected around swords and their magic properties.
Among the most celebrated were the male sword Gan-jiang and its female counterpart
Mo-ye, which were said to have been forged from the liver and kidneys of the metal-
eating hare of the Kun-lun Mountains. And we hear how a pair of carp in ancient
Vietnam turned into iron from which two swords were then made.
n dreams, the sword is represented by the snake, but if a woman dreams of
drawing a sword she will give birth to a son. If she dreams of possessing a sword, this is a
very lucky omen; but if a man dreams that he sees a sword fall into the water, this
presages the death of women.