Page 61 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 54

The bridge in the flower bay

Broom

sao

The broom often symbolises wisdom and insight. It must never be left in the room where

someone is dying, however, as otherwise the dead person will turn into a spirit with long
hair. Nor should it stand behind participants in a game of chance, as it may well sweep
luck out of the window. The goddess Sao-qing niang-niang (i.e. ‘the woman who sweeps
everything clean’) is often represented as a woman with a broom; she is the goddess of
fair weather, as she sweeps away clouds and rain. She is especially venerated at the New
Year festivities.
The ‘foundling’ Shi-de, friend and confidant of the poet Han Shan, is also often shown
holding a broom and laughing, as he has just been sweeping out the monastery kitchen.
Of this ‘saint’ it is told that ‘he shouted and ranted and annoyed people. Then again he
would stare into space and laugh wildly. But every word he uttered and every breath he
drew were in agreement with the Dao.’