The significance of the crane in Chinese culture and its application in Feng Shui

Table of Contents

1. Symbols of Cranes
- Rank and Status
- Longevity and Immortality
- Nobility and Integrity
- Harmony and Peace
- Wisdom and Insight

2. Legends of Cranes
- Legend of Crane Dance
- Zeng Sheng Saves Cranes
- Chang'e Transforms into Cranes
- Lv Dongbin Mural

3. Proverbs about Cranes
- Idle Cranes in Wild Clouds
- Cranes Stand Out from the Flock of Chickens
- Riding a Crane to the West
- Crane Bones and Pine Posture
- Crane Hair and Childish Face

4. Cranes in Art
- Pine and Crane Patterns
- Cranes and Peaches
- Auspicious Crane Pictures

5. Cranes in Feng Shui
- Directions and Layouts
- Crane Postures
- Crane Colors

6. Feng Shui Placement Guide
- South: Bring Good Luck
- Northwest: Support Elders
- East: Bring Health

7. Conclusion
- Crane Heritage and Symbols

In Chinese culture and Feng Shui, birds are considered symbols of auspiciousness and good fortune, and the crane is the best among them, known as the "feathered king". The crane is the most popular bird symbol after the phoenix, representing longevity and harmony.

Since ancient times, people have associated cranes with immortality. With the rise of Taoism in the Han Dynasty, the crane gradually became a symbol of wisdom, longevity and immortality. In Chinese, the word "鹤" (crane) is homophonic with "合" (harmony), so two cranes also represent a harmonious and happy marriage. The crane has a high status in the imperial hierarchy and is known as the "first-class bird", symbolizing nobility and prestige. In addition, the traditional writing of the word "飞" (fly) is also believed to symbolize the crane spreading its wings and flying.

The crane has a slender beak, legs and neck, so it is also called "three longs", and its standing height can reach one meter. The crane's strength and endurance in flight are admired, so its wings are also regarded as amulets, symbolizing the power to resist fatigue and consumption.

This article will delve into the rich symbolism of the crane in Chinese culture, covering its use in feng shui and its stories in mythology and folklore, and how it symbolizes virtues such as longevity, wealth, tranquility and wisdom.

The symbolic meaning of the crane in Chinese culture

For thousands of years, the crane has been loved for its elegant beauty and peaceful posture, but its symbolic meaning goes far beyond its appearance.

A symbol of social class

In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the crane pattern appeared on the official uniforms of first-rank civil officials, combined with patterns of water, clouds and blue sky, symbolizing wisdom and skills, highlighting the noble status of royal civil officials.

A symbol of longevity and immortality

The crane is often associated with immortals in mythology, so it is called "immortal crane" and symbolizes longevity. Taoism regards cranes as messengers from heaven. It is said that after the death of Taoist priests, cranes will escort them to heaven. Crane and pine pictures are often used as birthday gifts, implying "pine and crane prolong life", wishing the elderly a long and healthy life.

Symbol of Nobility and Integrity

The crane not only symbolizes longevity, but also represents nobility and integrity. The ancients often used the crane to represent people of noble character and talent.

Symbol of Confucian Relationships

In Confucian classics, the crane symbolizes the son's respect for his father, and together with the phoenix, mandarin duck, heron, and wagtail, it represents the Confucian Five Relationships.

Symbol of Funerals

Taoism believes that Taoist priests will "transform into cranes" after death, symbolizing the ascension of the soul. In funerals, cranes with spread wings are often used to symbolize the ascension of the Taoist soul, and in legends, "white crane boys" are often used as sacred messengers to help heroes.

Symbol of Prosperity and Wealth

The crane is regarded as a symbol of good luck and wealth. Two cranes flying together symbolize ambition, and their calls are believed to indicate success and wealth.

Symbol of Lasting Love

The crane symbolizes lasting love and loyalty in marriage. Cranes are monogamous, symbolizing the deep friendship between partners.

Symbol of harmony and peace

The crane’s gentleness and elegance make it a symbol of peace and harmony. In Chinese art, cranes often appear among mountains and rivers or in places where cherry blossoms bloom, symbolizing peaceful coexistence and tranquility.

Symbol of Wisdom and Intelligence

The crane also symbolizes wisdom and intelligence. Its complex migration routes are admired by the Chinese, and its appearance is seen as a sign of insight and clear thinking.

Symbol of Purity and Cleanliness

Crane soars high above the earth and is seen as a symbol of purity. Dreaming of cranes means longevity and wealth, and dreaming of flying cranes indicates that you will hold an important position.

Cranes in Festivals and Customs

During festivals such as the Lunar New Year, crane patterns are widely used in decorations to symbolize good luck and success. Crane patterns are also often used to congratulate the elderly on their birthdays, symbolizing health and longevity.

Chinese Legends about Cranes

Four Types of Cranes
In Chinese mythology, cranes are classified into four colors: white, yellow, blue, and black. Legend has it that black cranes can live for hundreds of years, turning gray at 1,000 years old and black at 2,000 years old, hence the name "mysterious crane". Black cranes stop eating at 600 years old and survive only on water. This long life span symbolizes longevity and mystery, and is a reflection of the concept of immortality in Taoism and Chinese culture.

The Legend of the Crane Dance
The Legend of the Crane Dance is one of the most popular crane stories in China. Legend has it that a group of cranes lived in a beautiful valley, singing and dancing happily all day long. One day, a young prince happened to stroll into the valley and was deeply attracted by the beauty of the cranes, so he stopped to watch. Over time, he developed a deep concern for the cranes and vowed to protect them. However, an evil force suddenly descended on the valley, posing a threat to the cranes. The prince resolutely joined the cranes and fought side by side with them, eventually defeating the evil and defending his home. This legend not only symbolizes the harmony between man and nature, but also represents the determination of mankind to protect precious things.

Legend of Zeng Sheng
According to legend, Zeng Sang, a disciple of Confucius, saved a wounded crane by chance. The crane flew away after recovery, but soon returned with its mate, each with a pearl in its mouth to show its gratitude. This legend expresses the spirit of animals repaying their gratitude, and also shows the grateful relationship between man and nature, symbolizing that kindness will bring unexpected rewards.

Legend of Chang'e
The story of Chang'e flying to the moon is also related to cranes. According to legend, the beautiful Chang'e lived on the moon with her husband Houyi. One day, Houyi went out to participate in a battle, and a monster took the opportunity to approach Chang'e with evil intentions. Chang'e was terrified and quickly flew away from the moon palace to get rid of the monster's pursuit. During her escape, she turned into a white crane, flew higher and higher, and finally landed on a remote mountaintop. She spent the rest of her life there, away from her loyal husband, but also successfully escaping the threat of the monster. This legend shows the purity and loyalty of Chang'e, while the image of the crane symbolizes freedom and tenacity.

The Story of Lü Dongbin
There is an interesting legend about Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. One day he drank in an inn, but did not pay for the drink, so he painted two lifelike cranes on the wall. The mural of the crane attracted a large number of customers, bringing unexpected business income to the inn, so the inn stopped collecting debts. However, when the debt was settled, the two cranes flew off the wall and disappeared into the sky. The story of Lü Dongbin shows his magical powers and also expresses the meaning of cranes as a symbol of good luck and wisdom in Chinese culture.

Here are more detailed explanations of crane proverbs:

1. 闲云野鹤 (xián yún yě hè)
Describes a person who lives an independent life like a leisurely cloud or a wild crane, free from the constraints of the world. It is often used to describe people who live a secluded life away from the hustle and bustle of the world.

2. 云中仙鹤 (yún zhōng xiān hè)
Describes a person with noble character, like a crane living in the clouds, not associating with the mundane. This idiom is often used to praise people with noble character and transcendent moral sentiments.

3. 鹤立鸡群 (hè lì jī qún)
It means that someone stands out in a group of people, like a crane standing out in a flock of chickens. This idiom is often used to describe a person whose appearance, temperament or talent is particularly conspicuous, forming a sharp contrast with the people around him.

4. 龟年鹤寿 (guī nián hè shòu)
This is a birthday idiom, which refers to longevity. It comes from the ancient people's beautiful yearning for the longevity of turtles and cranes. It is usually used as a blessing for the elderly on their birthdays.

5. 烧琴煮鹤 (fén qín zhǔ hè)
It means that vulgar people destroy elegant things or do not understand their beauty. This idiom comes from "烧琴煮鹤皆无情", which refers to the destruction or misunderstanding of beautiful things.

6. 风声鹤唳 (fēng shēng hè lì)
From "Book of Jin·Biography of Xie Xuan", it tells the story of the enemy army retreating, the sound of wind and cranes made people mistakenly think that the enemy was chasing and panic. Now it is used to describe the state of being overly nervous and seeing enemies everywhere.

7. 驾鹤西去 (jià hè xī qù)
The ancient Chinese believed that cranes could take people to heaven, so "驾鹤西去" became a euphemism for death, expressing respect and remembrance for the deceased.

8. 鹤骨松姿 (hè gǔ sōng zī)
Describes a person's elegant and upright temperament, often used to praise those who are outstanding and moral, and their image is as elegant and tough as pine and crane.

9. 鹤发童颜 (hè fà tóng yán)
Describes an elderly person with white hair but ruddy face, showing health and vitality. This idiom is often used to describe an elderly person with a healthy appearance.

10. 杳如黄鹤 (yǎo rú huáng hè)
This idiom comes from Cui Hao's poem "The yellow crane has gone and never returns, white clouds float in the sky for thousands of years", which means that someone has gone and never returned, and there is no news of him/her. It is usually used to express a sense of loss or regret for something that has disappeared without a trace.

Cranes in Chinese Art

The Chinese have always been particularly creative in using different living, non-living and imaginary items to express abstract concepts. This system is based on the idea that all natural events and objects on Earth represent the intention of heaven for the way people behave. Therefore, in China, auspicious events are recorded or presented in visual form, and people believe that doing so will replicate their beneficial effects.

One of the most common representations of the red-crowned crane on Chinese carpets is flying among clouds and roses. This symbolizes longevity, knowledge and nobility.

Another common representation is a crane standing next to a pine tree, stone, turtle or deer. The turtle, like the crane, is one of the symbols of longevity in Chinese culture. Therefore, according to Chinese beliefs, the combination of turtle and crane is related to longevity.

The crane and peach are one of the symbols of longevity in China due to the combination of immortals with cranes and peaches. In Chinese mythology, both cranes and peaches are symbols of longevity.

Immortals often appear in the image of cranes, and legend has it that the mythical peaches grow in the garden of the Queen Mother of the West. The combination of peaches and immortals reminds people of Penglai, an island of immortals.

In addition, in many literature, art, and films, the crane symbolizes hope. It has evolved into a powerful symbol of overcoming adversity and staying resilient during difficult times. The crane's ability to soar into the sky is a metaphor for overcoming difficulties and achieving goals and objectives.

In the painting "Auspicious Cranes" by Emperor Huizong of Song (1082-1135), twenty cranes fly over the Golden Gate of the Imperial Palace, as if sent by heaven to praise and commemorate one of Huizong's most glorious years. This is because he was about to complete the twelfth year of his reign. In Chinese culture, twelve years is seen as the end of the earth's cycle. It is believed that an emperor who reigns for twelve years is able to achieve greater glory.

Huizong painted this painting on silk because he believed it was an auspicious sign. However, most flower and bird paintings depict private scenes, such as beautiful courtyards. Emperor Huizong took a new approach by focusing on the vast sky. His design was very bold. While the clear sky and soaring cranes occupy more than two-thirds of the painting, the bottom third of the work depicts the upper part of the palace gate, surrounded by clouds, which also symbolizes auspiciousness. (Image source: China Online Museum)

Cranes in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, cranes have long been seen as a symbol of good luck and wealth. As a result, cranes are often used in interior design to create a sense of calm and happiness, absorb good energy, and attract positive energy. With their slender legs and stately posture, cranes represent stability and strength, and can give a sense of calm in any environment.

In addition, it is believed that people who welcome cranes into their homes will be blessed with longevity, abundance, and wisdom.

Because cranes are believed to represent the yin and yang of life - the balance between light and dark, positive and negative - cranes often appear in pairs in Feng Shui. By placing a pair of cranes in your home or business, you can use the influence of this ancient symbol to create a peaceful and auspicious environment filled with good luck and wealth.

In Chinese mythology, cranes come in four colors: white, black, blue, and yellow, which we have already discussed. Although black cranes are said to have the longest lifespan, many families choose white cranes because they look better. However, this does not reduce the impact of other color cranes.

But the environment and the way the swans stand are more important than color. It is found that in Feng Shui, the crane has a variety of postures, while the money frog almost always maintains the same posture.

Crane - Different postures, different meanings

Generally speaking, the appearance of a crane, regardless of its posture, is closely related to wealth, joy, peace and longevity. But let's take a look at the meanings of different postures.

When it flies across the sky, it symbolizes knowledge and longevity. Most often used by those who want to get promoted at work.
The image of a crane with one leg up and wings spread out symbolizes longevity.
Two cranes walking towards each other, flying or walking, also symbolize longevity.
When it is shown with a sika deer under a pine tree, it symbolizes longevity.
Cranes among peony flowers symbolize longevity and wealth.
Cranes on lotus flowers symbolize purity and longevity.
When a crane is depicted rising towards the sun, it represents the desire for social progress.
A crane standing on a large stone and gazing at the sun symbolizes a powerful authority that can see through everything.
When it is depicted flying to heaven, its spiritual significance represents a pleasant afterlife. This is because according to legend, it is the guardian of the soul's ascent to heaven.
As a lovely bird with graceful flight, it is often accompanied by gifts and gifts to people who board the plane... because it symbolizes a smooth flight.

How to Use the Symbol of Cranes to Create Good Feng Shui

As a symbol of good fortune, cranes can bring different Feng Shui effects in the home or workplace through proper placement. Here are some layout suggestions for reference:

- South: Placing cranes in the south symbolizes opportunity and recognition, especially white cranes, which can bring harmony and reunion to the family. Placing a pair of white cranes at home also implies the continuation of the family and the harmony between father and daughter.

- Northwest: It is suitable to place crane decorations to help enhance the fortune and prestige of the father in the family.

- West: Placing cranes in the west can improve the good luck and health of children, especially for children in the family.

- East: The posture of the crane standing on one leg with its wings spread out symbolizes longevity and health. Placing it in the east can enhance the health fortune of the elders in the family.

- Flying Sun Pattern: If you want to improve your reputation and gain recognition, you can choose an artwork of a crane flying towards the rising sun. This layout helps to enhance personal and professional reputation.

- Combination with flowers: Cranes are often depicted next to flowers such as peonies and lotus flowers. For example, the combination of crane and peony symbolizes wealth and longevity, which is suitable for increasing the family's blessings and well-being.

- Pair with pine or bamboo: The combination of crane, pine or bamboo and deer symbolizes longevity and is a good choice for blessing the elders. Giving such paintings as gifts to the elderly can help bring them longevity and health wishes.

- Above the front door: Hanging a painting of a crane above the front door can attract good luck into the home and add a peaceful atmosphere.

Feng Shui Notes

- Avoid placing it in the bathroom, storage room and kitchen: These areas have complex energies and may affect the auspicious effect of the crane. It is recommended to avoid placing it.

- It is not advisable to cage the crane: The crane symbolizes freedom and growth. Keeping it in a cage means that its growth is restricted, which is not conducive to the Feng Shui effect.

Conclusion

The crane has a deep symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, and its connotation far exceeds its elegant appearance. The crane is believed to represent longevity, peace, wisdom, wealth, lasting love and cleanliness, and is a classic element with auspicious symbols in Chinese Feng Shui. Properly placing crane ornaments in your home or office can help increase the positive energy in the environment and bring an atmosphere of peace and health.