Friday 29 June 2012

DOUBLE HAPPINESS SYMBOL


In Chinese culture there are three main ‘happiness’ occasions throughout life, known as ‘Hei See.’

The first is the celebration of birth, of a new life being welcomed into the world; the second is the celebration of a happy marriage and the final happiness occasion is the celebration of longevity, that is celebrating the long and continued good health of someone in the family. 

In ancient China births were said to be particularly auspicious when the baby was a son.  This was seen as a good omen for many blessings to be granted to the family. 

Thankfully in our modern times the birth of any child is seen as a happy and fulfilling experience.

Double happiness is important when two people find each other and commit to spending their lives together in a loving and close relationship.  The symbol is therefore a significant part of Chinese Wedding celebrations representing the union of two people and the hope that the couple will be blessed with many children.  The symbol itself literally means ‘happiness doubled.’

The Chinese rarely celebrate the birthday of anyone under 60 years of age.  To reach this age is seen as the manifestation of good fortune.  Celebrating the birthdays of younger people is said to be tempting fate.

Displaying the double happiness symbol (which translates simply as ‘happiness’ or ‘joy’ doubled) in your home is auspicious throughout life.

It can be the image on a lantern, a plaque, painting or a wall hanging in the Southwest of your home.  The Southwest is the Earth area representing Love and Relationships.  This is the area to enhance if you are looking for love or if you have found your soul mate and want to safeguard your relationship.

The Southwest (area of the female), the West or the Northwest (area of the male) are auspicious areas to display a jade double happiness symbol.  Jade is said to attract love and is a highly sought after gemstone.  It is described as combining the virtues of Yin (Earth) and Yang (Heaven.) 

“Its colour represents loyalty. Its interior flaws, always showing themselves through the transparency, call to mind sincerity. Its iridescent brightness represents heaven. Its admirable substance, born of mountain and of water, represents the earth.”

An excerpt from the “Eleven Virtues of Jade” attributed to Confucius (551-479 BCE)

As well as having a profusion of the double happiness symbol  displayed during Wedding celebrations many Chinese couples choose to have the headboard of their double bed carved with this symbol as a constant reminder of their mutual love and devotion.

It is also possible to wear the double happiness symbol.  It has been fashioned into auspicious gold and diamond rings, pendants, earrings and cufflinks so can play a significant role in your Wedding ceremony and your future life.

To activate your home for a family you can display a Metal plaque or painting in the West which is the Metal area representing Descendants Luck.

To activate your home for longevity displaying a carved wooden double happiness symbol in the East is auspicious.  The East is the Wood area relating to Health and Longevity.

So to the Chinese double happiness signifies a couple setting out on life together; it signifies their marriage being blessed with many children and it signifies them living a long and happy life.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC


We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi.com LynC

No comments:

Post a Comment