THE 12 SYMBOLS OF SOVEREIGNTY IN CHINA
This is also known as the twelve ornaments of China, it represented the Chinese royal authority of the ancient emperor. The twelve ornaments are a figurative representation of the universe and are in synchrony with the twelve months of the lunar year.
The phrase “fit for royalty” was taken to heart by the Chinese in establishing the twelve symbols of sovereignty. Throughout the rule of the emperor in the ancient days, these symbols of imperial authority were embroidered on the sacrificial robes of the Emperor. The robe is a symbol of the Emperor as Son of Heaven and ruler of the universe.
The twelve symbols of sovereignty are the sun, moon, constellation of three stars, mountain, Dragon, pheasant, two goblets, seaweed, grain, fire, axe head and fu. Only the members of the royal family could wear the twelve-symbol robes.
- Sun (日 — rì)
This is the spring of life, in this context, the sun symbolizes enlightenment and is portrayed by a three-legged bird on a red disc. The bird inhabits the sun. The sun represents brightness and sovereignty in the reign of the emperor.
2. Moon (月 — yuè)
This is the symbol of Heaven portrayed by a hare thrashing the mixture of immortality. The hare is the companion of the moon goddess (Ch’ang O). In comparison with the sun limned as a red disc, the moon is limned as a shade of blue or green.
3. Constellation of Three Stars (星辰 — xīngchén)
The Constellation of Three Stars is a symbol of the cosmic universe. The universe is personified by the emperor and is an endless source of love and pardon. It represents China and the Heart of the Emperor
4. Mountain (山 — shān)
The mountain is a symbol of earth and water ruled by the emperor. The mountains represent worship and depict the most renowned mountains of China.
5. Dragon (龙 — lóng)
This is the Emperor's symbol of imperial power which represents dignity. Dragons are the highest symbol of good luck in the animal kingdom (Chinese zodiac) and symbolize power. It is believed that the dragon is a composition of many animals such as a serpents body with scales of a fish, claws of a tiger and so on. The dragon although a mythical creature is greatly revered for its strength and is the most powerful animal.
6. Pheasant (華蟲)
The pheasant is a true representation of beauty, fortune and literary refinement. The pheasant is depicted as a phoenix( a mythological creature). The dragon represent masculinity and the phoenix represents the female. Therefore, the dragon is the Emperor and the phoenix, the Empress.
7. Two Goblets (宗彝 — zōng yí)
These symbolize filial piety which is depicted by a lion or tiger which represents strength and a monkey which represents cleverness. filial piety is the virtue of respect towards older people. These are the two animal kings in the emperors garden. A Pair of Goblets, together, they symbolise respect for one’s parents. One cup has a monkey (cleverness), the other a tiger (physical strength).
8. Seaweed (藻 — zǎo)
Represents purity and leadership. This is a noble symbol of the then emperor.
9. Grain (粉米 — fěn mǐ)
This is the ability of the emperor to feed his people. Thus, they symbolize fertility and prosperity and the duty of the emperor in sustaining the agriculture and wealth of the country.
10. Fire (火 — huǒ)
This is the spark of the emperors intellectual brilliance and also symbolises the summer solstice.
11. Axe head (黼 — fǔ),
This represents the emperors power to be decisive. The Ax signifies justice and the might to punish.
12. Fu symbol (黻 — fú)
The “fu” represents the ability of the emperor to distinguish right from wrong and life with death.
Everything in olden China had a level of significance.
What can be said of modern China?
