The meaning and symbolism of the soft-shelled turtle?
In traditional Chinese culture, soft-shelled turtles are endowed with rich meanings and symbolic meanings. These meanings have evolved with historical development and regional differences, but in general they are based on the characteristics of soft-shelled turtles and people's understanding of them. This article will delve into the meaning and symbolism of soft-shelled turtle and reveal its important position in Chinese culture.
First of all, soft-shelled turtles are often seen as a symbol of longevity in traditional cultures. This is mainly due to the relatively long lifespan of soft-shelled turtles, and the shape and texture of their shells are thought to resemble the character "Shou". In many traditional paintings and carvings, we can see soft-shelled turtles appearing together with pine trees, cranes and other elements to form a picture that symbolizes longevity. In addition, in some places, it is customary to eat soft-shelled turtle on birthdays in the hope of praying for longevity.
Secondly, soft-shelled turtles are also closely associated with wealth in traditional culture. In folk beliefs, the homonym of soft-shelled turtle is similar to that of "golden beetle", which is regarded as a symbol of wealth and wealth. In many merchants and wealthy families, people are willing to place soft-shelled turtle-shaped ornaments indoors to pray for wealth. In some places, when the bride gets married, there is also the custom of "golden beetle son-in-law", which means that the newlyweds can live a prosperous life.
In addition to the symbolism of longevity and wealth, soft-shelled turtles have also been given a deeper meaning in ancient literature. For example, in Dream of Red Mansions, the appearance of soft-shelled turtles is often associated with the love story of Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu. The soft-shelled turtle is endowed with the symbolic meaning of love here, suggesting the steadfastness and eternity of love. In "Journey to the West", the "turtle soup" drunk by the four Tang monks and apprentices symbolizes the process of washing away the troubles of the world and purifying the soul.
In addition, soft-shelled turtles are also widely used in folk activities. In some places, people will use soft-shelled turtles to predict the weather or the harvest of crops. In some festivals, such as the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival, soft-shelled turtles are also used to make delicacies to pray for family reunion and happiness and well-being. These folk activities not only enrich people's lives, but also further deepen the status of soft-shelled turtles in Chinese culture.
In modern society, with people's increasing attention to the ecological environment, soft-shelled turtle, as a precious wild animal, has gradually become a symbol of environmental awareness. Many environmental organizations regard soft-shelled turtles as one of the objects of conservation, and raise people's awareness and attention to ecological protection through publicity and education activities.
To sum up, soft-shelled turtles have multiple meanings and symbolic meanings in traditional Chinese culture. It not only represents beautiful visions such as longevity, wealth, and love, but is also closely related to folk activities and ecological protection. Through the in-depth understanding and research of soft-shelled turtles, we can better appreciate the profoundness and rich connotation of Chinese culture. At the same time, we should also cherish the natural environment and protect wild animals, so that this far-reaching creature can continue to thrive. Search Topic Full Time Challenge in January