In the context of traditional Chinese coins, particularly cash coins, the main symbols and their meanings are:
- Round Shape: Represents the heavens or sky.
- Square Hole in the Center: Symbolizes the earth.
This combination represents the union of heaven and earth, a foundational concept in Chinese cosmology.
- Emperor’s Reign Title (Nianhao 年号): Usually found at the top and bottom of the obverse (front) side of the coin. The reign title signifies the era in which the coin was minted.
- “Currency” Terms: Often found at the right and left sides of the obverse. Common terms include:
– Tongbao (通寶): Meaning “universal currency” or “circulating currency”.
– Yuanbao (元寶): Meaning “original currency”.
– Zhongbao (重寶): Meaning “heavy currency,” typically used for high-denomination coins.
- Mint Location: On the reverse side, particularly on Qing dynasty coins, inscriptions in Manchu and/or Chinese indicate the mint where the coin was cast.
- Red Tassels/Ribbons: Often used to string coins together in Feng Shui practices, red represents vitality, good luck, and happiness.
- Auspicious Phrases/Images: Many Chinese numismatic charms (not necessarily official currency) feature inscriptions or images with symbolic meanings, such as:
– Longevity (壽): Represented by peach charms or inscriptions.
– Happiness (福): Represented by bats (a visual pun due to similar pronunciation).
– Wealth and Prosperity: Represented by images of gold, silver, or specific deities.
- Five Emperor Coins: A set of five coins from specific Qing dynasty emperors (Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Jiaqing) are particularly significant in Feng Shui, each representing a different aspect of good fortune and prosperity.
Chinese coins, particularly older cash coins, are frequently used in Feng Shui to attract wealth and prosperity, ward off negative energy, and promote positive Chi (energy) in a household or business.
What does the Chinese coin symbolize?
I can help with that. Feng Shui coins are used in general for attracting wealth and prosperity depending on which school of feng shui you follow. Coins are generally arranged in sets of three, tied together with a red ribbon, symbolizing the unity of man, earth, and heaven called the Tien-di-Ren.
What does the I Ching coin symbolize?
Good point! Ancient Chinese Feng Shui I-Ching Coins are commonly seen as a symbol of good fortune. Apart from that, they also safeguard your household from negative energies. The circular shape represents Heaven, and the square symbolizes the Earth. It attracts positive energy from Heaven and Earth.
What is the Chinese coin called?
From my experience, The currency of China is referred to as either the Chinese yuan (CNY) or renminbi (RMB). The two terms are similar and are often used interchangeably. The key difference is that the RMB is the official currency. The yuan is its principal unit of measurement.