In China, the Phoenix is also called Fenghuang, and similar to the western counterpart, the mythological creature is an immortal bird that also represents the element of fire. The Chinese Phoenix is believed to symbolize harmony, and in ancient China, the appearance of the Fenghuang is believed as a sign when a new emperor is going to rise to lead the country.
Chinese porcelain is one of the most unique products of the history of Chinese culture. Unlike porcelain equipment, tools, and ornaments we see in western countries, Chinese porcelains have unique translucency and luster, giving the Chinese earthenware rather unique characteristics and popularity over those from other countries.
The Chinese lucky coins are considered to be a symbol of wealth and fortune, and when placed in our home and workplace according to the Feng Shui principles, it is believed that the owner will enjoy prosperity.
Jade has been a very important part of the Chinese tradition, and the history between the Chinese culture and jade has been recorded for a very long time and can be traced back to as early as the Neolithic era (10,000–4,500 BCE) with records showing how the ancient Chinese during the period has worn jade accessories and ornaments.
The lucky bamboo is a real bamboo plant, typically from the species Dracaena sanderiana. It is relatively small and you can put it in a pot and place it indoors as a Feng Shui charm, and it is quite aesthetically-pleasing so it can also act as a decoration. The lucky bamboo has been popular for centuries not only in China but in various other eastern cultures like Japan.
The Chinese Pagoda is considered one of the most unique and important buildings in ancient Chinese architecture with its distinct style of construction. Pagoda structures can be made from various different materials: stone, brick, and wood, among others.
Fu Dog the Chinese guardian lion that is also called 石獅shí shī, is a very important symbol in Feng Shui. Historically the Fu Dog statues were placed in front of temples, government offices, and even imperial palaces in ancient China. However, in today’s Feng Shui applications, the Fu Dog is not only believed to be a protective amulet but is also a symbol of social status and family wealth that is often placed in front of wealthy homes.
Baoding balls, also known as Chinese meditation balls, exercise balls, or sometimes Zen meditation balls, are a pair of relatively small balls, each of them small enough to be held in one hand. Baoding balls are typically used by rolling both them (or sometimes, more) repeatedly in the palm of your hand, where the relative positions of the balls are constantly switching. This exercise is intended to improve finger dexterity, relaxation, as well as aiding the recovery of motor skills and muscle strength after injury.
Today, Chinese masks are usually associated with Chinese New Year or Chinese opera. Those are the two most common occasions when we can see people wearing them. In the past, they had more functions - from scaring evil spirits to celebrating various events. If you were wondering what do all these masks actually mean, you will find the answer to that and many other questions here.
Chi Lin, or Qilin (麒麟), or Kirin in Japanse, is a mythical animal shaped like a Chinese Dragon with one, or sometimes two, antlers with similarities to the Western Unicorn. Hence, the Chi Lin is also often translated as Chinese Unicorn.
