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
The Laughing
Buddha so recognised and loved in eastern culture is, among other things, the
patron of children and a figure of happiness and joy. He is said to symbolise plenty.
The figure we all identify in western culture with the Christmas season
as the bringer of gifts to good girls and boys.
