Fortune is a term that encompasses both material wealth and immaterial blessings such as success, money, health, successful relationships, and just an overall sense of good luck. It is a polarising term. Yet there is one thing on which both sides of the debate can agree: fortune is a force that shapes our lives in profound ways, granting unexpected opportunities and presenting unforeseen challenges. Fortune represents uncertainty and security at the same time. Traditionally, the Feng Shui colour wheel is based on five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element resembles a different meaning of fortune, such as reputation, love, creativity, career, wisdom, relationships, wealth, and health. In this issue, SLEEK channels all meanings of fortune through the use of colour.
A firm belief in fate is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. When we are born, each of us already gets assigned to our destiny, which is much outside of the control of our human powers. In order to navigate through our lives, learning one’s fate becomes an essential part of achieving the best possible outcome. Tackling the task of changing the tide of one’s fate can only succeed when living after the principles of good fortune. Chinese culture is rich in its auspicious symbols and rituals that are incorporated into each step of life. At the centre of Chinese identity stands the pursuit of fortune and abundance; wealth is equal to prosperity, encompassing both materialistic values and spiritual wellbeing.
Photography by Xiaohan Xu.
RED
In Chinese culture, the colour red is a symbol of fortune. For each New Year’s celebration, a spiritual medium tells you which colours to avoid and which ones to wear, as your clothes can help twist your fate. In the Western world, red is a symbol for love and passion, whereas in China, it is believed to have life-generating energy. The colour red represents the sun, blood, and fire. Mostly, red is used for celebrations as it is associated with joy and the advent of prosperity.
HONG BAO
The direct translation for hong bao is red packet. These little red envelopes filled with money are given on occasions like the New Year celebrations or at weddings, as a token of good wishes. According to legend, the Eight Immortals from Chinese mythology transformed themselves into coins to help an elderly couple save their son. This story has been transformed into a tradition of money-gifting that still lasts to this day. Commonly, married adults give hong baos to the younger generations, though nowadays, the practice has been extended to also be a more general gesture of gratitude. Before offering this gift during the New Year’s festival, it is customary to wish the person good health and a prosperous year ahead. For good luck, the number of hong baos offered as well as the amount of money inside should be even, so that one single packet embodies all aspects of fortune and wealth.
WEDDING
Two people finding each other through the connection of love is seen as fate. In Western society, the symbol of marriage therefore functions as a celebration of life. In heteronormative Western weddings, the bride traditionally wears a white dress. In Chinese culture, however, the colour white traditionally represents death – quite the opposite sentiment of what is usually associated with a couple’s special day. Due to globalisation and Western movies or TV shows, white wedding dresses are now increasingly popular in China – though traditional red elements like this red plate to collect the hongbaos are always essential. Often, a bride changes her dress multiple times during the ceremony, and at least one of these wedding dresses is usually still red.
LANTERNS
When walking through Chinese-owned establishments, the first thing that catches your eye is often the prominent red lanterns dangling from the ceilings. As soon as you see them, you understand that you are entering a space of Chinese culture. The red paper wrapped around bamboo sticks has roots dating back as far as the Han dynasty, when monks would light the lanterns in honour of Buddha. This tradition, passed on by the monks, has now evolved into a folk custom with its own festival. On the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar, the Lantern festival symbolises the act of letting go of your past self as you welcome your new future.
PORCELAIN
During the Ming Dynasty, the emperors were attracted to the colour red, which is reflected in their ceramics. The colour was associated with authority and status. Once the dynastic founder Zhu Yuanzhang established red as his characteristic shade, his successors continued the tradition of incorporating red elements in their ceramics and porcelain. For annual ceremonies at the Altar of the Sun, red porcelain vessels took centre stage due to the symbolism they carried. Red served as an embodiment of the sun, representing life and cosmic power. The very creation of the distinct royal shade of red demanded high mastery and vast financial resources; each step was meticulously controlled to make sure that the shade would bear close resemblance to blood.
Credits:
Words: Angelina Mo
Photographer: Xiaohan Xu
As featured in SLEEK 80 – FORTUNE. Available in print and digital here.