What are the traditional Chinese mascots?
Chinese mascot design has a long history and profound cultural heritage. Its development history can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, as early as more than 5,000 years ago in the primitive society of the Neolithic Age, China has a jade dragon, fish, frog, birds and beasts and other animal image pendant ornaments mascots. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, mascots were widely used in various handicrafts.
The mascot contains a variety of cultural connotations such as totem worship, fertility worship, and god worship in Chinese folk culture. The mascot itself contains auspicious meaning that has been injected into various folk activities and has become a symbol of modern folk culture.
1. Traditional Chinese mascots.
1.Fish: Fish is one of the traditional Chinese mascots, often used to imply "more than every year". Fish is a symbol of wealth and abundance in Chinese culture, as "yu" and "yu" are pronounced the same in Chinese and are seen as a symbol of abundance and abundance. In addition, fish is also frequently featured in traditional Chinese paintings and crafts and is seen as a symbol of happiness and prosperity.
2.Bats: Bats are also widely used in traditional Chinese mascots. Since "bat" and "fu" are pronounced the same in Chinese, bats are seen as a symbol of happiness. Therefore, bat motifs often appear in the decoration of various festivals and celebrations, such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, etc.
3.Deer: Deer is a symbol of longevity and happiness among traditional Chinese mascots. The deer is also seen in Chinese culture as a magical animal that brings good luck and health. Therefore, the image of the deer often appears in various crafts and ornaments.
4.Turtle: The turtle is one of the traditional Chinese mascots, meaning longevity and sturdiness. In Chinese culture, the turtle is regarded as an animal that can predict the future, so it is also regarded as a mythical animal. In addition, the turtle was also a currency in ancient China, as it was believed that the turtle shell could ward off evil spirits and evil spirits.
5.Dragon: The dragon is one of the most representative images of traditional Chinese mascots. The dragon is regarded as the supreme deity in Chinese culture and is a symbol of the emperor. The image of the dragon represents imperial power, strength, and independence. Dragon motifs are also often found in a variety of architecture, costumes, and cultural works of art.
6.Tiger: The tiger is also widely used in traditional Chinese mascots. The tiger symbolizes bravery and strength, and is revered for its strong body and superb hunting skills. In China's ethnic minority areas, the tiger also represents a local totem and cultural tradition.
7.Lion: The lion also has an important place in traditional Chinese mascots. The lion is regarded as a sacred animal that can ward off evil spirits, so it is often used in various religious ceremonies and festivals. The image of a lion is also often seen in the decoration of buildings such as gates and stone monuments.
8.Crane: The crane is a traditional Chinese mascot that symbolizes longevity and happiness. Regarded in Chinese culture as a bird that brings good luck and health, the crane is highly prized for its elegant image and longevity. The image of the crane also often appears in paintings, ceramics and other cultural and artistic works.
9.Butterflies: Butterflies also have a beautiful meaning in traditional Chinese mascots. Butterflies are seen as messengers of spring, representing beauty and love. In China's ethnic minority areas, butterflies are also regarded as local cultural symbols and totems.
10.Peach: Peach is a traditional Chinese mascot that symbolizes longevity and health. In Chinese mythology and legend, the peach is regarded as a sacred object capable of warding off evil spirits and is therefore regarded as a fruit that can bring good luck and health. In addition, peach wood is also believed to be a wood that can ward off evil spirits and evil spirits.
Second, the cultural connotation of traditional mascots.
Traditional Chinese mascots contain rich cultural connotations, which not only represent people's pursuit of happiness, health, longevity and other good wishes, but also reflect the beliefs, values and aesthetic concepts in traditional Chinese culture. These mascots have gradually formed a unique cultural phenomenon in the process of historical evolution and have become an important part of Chinese folk culture.
1.Belief and totem worship: Traditional Chinese mascots have a strong belief in the belief that these animals or objects have mystical powers that can bring good luck, happiness or protection. These beliefs are often associated with primitive totem worship, where people worship and sacrifice an animal or object as the patron deity of their tribe or group. This phenomenon of totem worship is particularly prominent in China's ethnic minority areas, such as the dragon totem of the Miao and the snake totem of the Zhuang people.
2.Reproduction and life worship: There are many images in traditional Chinese mascots related to reproduction and life, such as fish, frogs, snakes, etc. These animals are very strong in terms of their reproductive abilities and are therefore regarded as symbols of reproduction and life. In traditional Chinese culture, reproduction and life are one of the most important themes, and it is believed that by worshipping these animals or objects with reproductive abilities, one can obtain the blessings and blessings of the gods, and increase one's vitality and happiness.
3.Aesthetic Concept and Artistic Expression: As a form of artistic expression, the traditional Chinese mascot reflects the aesthetic concept in traditional Chinese culture. The design of these mascots often has high artistic and aesthetic value, such as the image of a bat is depicted very delicate and beautiful; The image of the fish focuses on smooth lines; The images of deer and crane pay attention to the vivid expression of their posture and charm. These mascots have a wide range of applications in handicrafts, paintings, sculptures and other fields, and have become an indispensable part of Chinese folk culture.
4.Folk Activities and Rituals: Traditional Chinese mascots play an important role in various folk activities and ceremonies. During traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival, people make various mascot-related items, such as paper cuts, lanterns, and colorful flags, to decorate the festive atmosphere and pray for happiness and good luck. These mascots are not only symbolic, but also carry people's blessings and expectations for their families, societies and countries.
5.Meaning and symbolism: Traditional Chinese mascots are rich in meaning and symbolism. These mascots often convey a certain good wish or quality through the specific attributes of the image or object. For example, fish symbolizes abundance and abundance; The bat symbolizes happiness and good luck; Peach symbolizes longevity and health. These allegorical and symbolic meanings are not only widely used in daily life, but also deeply excavated and expressed in the fields of literature and artistic creation.
3. Summary. As an important part of Chinese folk culture, traditional Chinese mascots contain rich cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. These mascots have gradually formed in the long course of history, representing people's pursuit of good wishes for happiness, health, and longevity, and also reflecting the beliefs, values, and aesthetics of traditional Chinese culture. Through the understanding and research of traditional Chinese mascots, we can better understand the profound heritage and unique charm of Chinese folk culture. At the same time, these mascots also provide us with a way to express good wishes and convey cultural values, so that people can feel the warmth and power of traditional culture in their daily lives. In modern society, we should inherit and carry forward the cultural connotation and spiritual value of traditional Chinese mascots, let them continue to play an important role in the context of the new era, and bring more beauty and harmony to our lives.