Page 79 - A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols BIG Book

A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols 72
Chopsticks

kuaiz; zhu

Paired pieces of thin wood used for eating purposes have been found in graves dating
from at least 1200 BC. Today, chopsticks are made almost exclusively from bamboo or
other woods, though silver, ivory and plastics are also used. The word zhu is taboo at
New Year, because it is phonetically identical with the word meaning ‘to come to a halt’
(zhu). Chopsticks should not be lent to anyone, as they break very easily. After use, they
should never be left in the bowl or on the plate, as one does when honouring one’s
ancestors. To do so would bring bad luck.
According to the regulations for eating laid down in the ‘Book of Rites’ (Li-ji)
chopsticks should not be used for eating rice or millet. Of course, the ‘Book of
Rites’ was concerned mainly with ceremonial occasions and with the eating habits of the
upper class, which goes far towards explaining this prohibition.

Chrysanthemum

ju

The chrysanthemum is the flower of autumn, which it symbolises. The flower is
especially associated with the 9th month of the old Chinese calendar. Its name is

phonetically close to the word for ‘to remain’ (ju); and the word for ‘nine’ (jiu) is
identical with the word for ‘long time’ (jiu); so the chrysanthemum is also the symbol of
long life and of duration. It is best to pick chrysanthemums on the 9th day of the 9th
month. Alternatively, a form of tea can be prepared on this day from dried
chrysanthemums. The flowering of the chrysanthemum is also celebrated by adding the
flowers to the previous year’s rice-wine. As Tao Yuan-ming says:

Autumn chrysanthemums have a lovely tint,
I pluck their fresh petals so full of dew.
Drowned in this sorrow-banishing liquor
I leave behind a world-laden heart.
Though I enjoy the goblet all alone… (Tr. Roland Fang)