Glossary

8.1 Jade in Chinese culture and its sacred properties

6 min read•august 13, 2024

Jade has been revered in Chinese culture for millennia. Its unique properties and beauty make it a symbol of , wisdom, and spiritual power. From ancient burial rites to modern jewelry, jade continues to hold deep cultural significance in China.

Jade's importance extends beyond aesthetics. It's believed to have protective and healing properties, and is used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Jade's enduring presence in Chinese art, religion, and daily life reflects its profound cultural impact.

Jade's Cultural Significance in China

Historical Importance and Virtues

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  • Jade has been prized in China for over 8,000 years, with the earliest known jade artifacts dating back to the Neolithic period (Hongshan culture)
  • In Chinese culture, jade is associated with virtues such as wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty, and courage
    • These virtues are often attributed to the stone's physical properties, such as its hardness, durability, and beauty
    • Confucius praised jade as a metaphor for the ideal human qualities of benevolence, righteousness, and wisdom
  • The Chinese character for jade, "yu," is often used in words and phrases related to beauty, , and nobility
    • For example, "yu yan" means "beautiful words," and "yu de" means "jade-like virtue"
    • The phrase "yu qing" (jade-like purity) is used to describe someone of high moral character

Symbolic and Artistic Significance

  • Jade is believed to protect the wearer from harm and bring good luck, making it a popular material for amulets and talismans
    • Jade amulets were often carved with protective symbols or inscriptions, such as the "bi" disc and the "huang" arc
    • Jade pendants in the shape of animals, such as dragons and phoenixes, were believed to confer the creature's power to the wearer
  • Jade has been used in various forms of Chinese art, including sculpture, jewelry, and decorative objects, often symbolizing status and power
    • , composed of thousands of jade plaques sewn together with gold or silver thread, were reserved for royalty and high-ranking officials ()
    • Intricately carved jade objects, such as vases, incense burners, and scholar's desk ornaments, were prized possessions of the wealthy and educated elite (Ming and Qing Dynasties)

Spiritual Properties of Jade

Mythological and Taoist Beliefs

  • In Chinese mythology, jade is associated with immortality and is believed to be the food of the gods
    • The Queen Mother of the West, a prominent figure in Taoist mythology, is said to have an orchard of jade peaches that grant eternal life
    • In the classic novel "Journey to the West," the Monkey King's staff is made of divine jade, granting him immense power and the ability to change its size
  • Taoist beliefs hold that jade can absorb cosmic energy and protect the wearer's vital essence, or ""
    • Taoist practitioners believed that wearing jade could help balance the body's yin and yang energies, promoting physical and spiritual well-being
    • Jade was also used in Taoist alchemical practices, with the belief that consuming powdered jade could lead to immortality

Healing and Confucian Symbolism

  • Jade is believed to have healing properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments
    • Jade rollers and massage tools are used to promote blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and improve skin health
    • Powdered jade is sometimes added to herbal remedies or consumed as a tonic to strengthen the body and calm the mind
  • In , jade is seen as a symbol of moral integrity and is used to represent the ideal qualities of a gentleman
    • Confucian scholars often wore jade pendants or ornaments as a sign of their virtue and wisdom
    • The Confucian classic "Book of Rites" describes the "gentleman's jade" as being smooth, lustrous, and flawless, like the perfect human character

Types of Jade and Their Characteristics

Nephrite and Jadeite

  • Jade refers to two distinct minerals: and , both prized for their beauty and durability
    • Nephrite is a calcium magnesium silicate, while jadeite is a sodium aluminum silicate
    • Both types of jade are exceptionally tough and resistant to chipping or breaking, making them ideal for carving and jewelry-making
  • Nephrite is the more traditional form of jade in China, known for its creamy, waxy appearance and range of colors, including white, green, and brown
    • Nephrite has been used in China for thousands of years and is often associated with ancient jade artifacts and carvings (Neolithic to Han Dynasty)
    • The most prized nephrite is a rich, even green color, known as "spinach green" or "imperial green"

Jadeite and Special Varieties

  • Jadeite is a harder, more vibrant form of jade, often featuring vivid green hues and translucency
    • Jadeite was introduced to China from Burma (present-day Myanmar) during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
    • The most prized form of jadeite is "Imperial Jade," characterized by its intense emerald green color and transparency
  • Other varieties of jade include "mutton fat" jade, named for its creamy white appearance, and "moss-in-snow" jade, featuring green inclusions in a white base
    • "Mutton fat" jade is highly valued for its purity and even color, resembling the creamy white fat of a lamb
    • "Moss-in-snow" jade, also known as "landscape jade," is prized for its unique patterns and natural beauty, reminiscent of a snowy landscape with green vegetation peeking through

Jade in Religious and Ceremonial Practices

Burial Rites and Taoism

  • Jade has been used in Chinese burial rites for thousands of years, with jade objects placed in tombs to protect and honor the deceased
    • Jade burial suits, made of thousands of small jade plaques sewn together with gold or silver thread, were used to encase the bodies of royalty and nobility (Han Dynasty)
    • Jade carvings of animals, such as tigers and bears, were placed in tombs to serve as guardian spirits for the deceased in the afterlife
  • In Taoism, jade is used to create ritual objects such as incense burners and altar pieces, believed to facilitate communication with the divine
    • Jade Taoist talismans, often inscribed with mystical symbols and incantations, are used to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune
    • Taoist priests may wear jade pendants or use jade ritual tools during ceremonies to invoke the power of the Tao and harmonize with the natural world

Confucianism, Weddings, and Buddhism

  • Confucian scholars and officials often wore jade pendants or badges as symbols of their rank and moral authority
    • Jade "gui" scepters were held by Confucian officials during formal ceremonies as a sign of their power and virtue
    • Jade seals, engraved with the official's name or title, were used to stamp documents and symbolize the authority of the imperial court
  • Jade is used in traditional Chinese wedding ceremonies, with the bride and groom exchanging jade jewelry to symbolize their love and commitment
    • Jade "bi" discs, symbolizing unity and harmony, are often incorporated into wedding decorations or given as gifts to the newlyweds
    • The bride may wear a jade pendant or bracelet as a symbol of her purity and virtue, while the groom may wear a jade tie pin or cufflinks
  • In Buddhist practices, jade is sometimes used to create devotional objects such as prayer beads and statues of bodhisattvas
    • Jade prayer beads, or "malas," are used by Buddhist practitioners to count mantras and focus the mind during meditation
    • Jade statues of the Buddha or bodhisattvas, such as Guanyin (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), are revered as sacred objects and may be enshrined in temples or home altars

Key Terms to Review (17)

Bi disk: A bi disk is a flat, circular artifact made from jade or other materials, often found in ancient Chinese tombs. It has significant cultural and spiritual importance, symbolizing heaven and the cosmos in Chinese cosmology, and is associated with rituals and burial practices.
Confucianism: Confucianism is a philosophical and ethical system based on the teachings of Confucius, emphasizing moral integrity, social harmony, and the importance of education. It has profoundly influenced Chinese culture, shaping social norms, rituals, and artistic expressions throughout history.
Daoism: Daoism, also known as Taoism, is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Dao, or 'the Way,' which is the fundamental principle that underlies and unites the universe. This belief system influences various aspects of Chinese culture, including art, literature, and spirituality, reflecting the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
Feng shui: Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment to promote balance, energy flow, and well-being. It incorporates the arrangement of spaces, structures, and objects to achieve optimal energy flow, known as 'qi' (or 'chi'), which influences various aspects of life including health, relationships, and prosperity.
Han Dynasty: The Han Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history that lasted from 206 BCE to 220 CE, known for its cultural, technological, and political advancements. It is often regarded as a golden age for Chinese civilization, deeply influencing the development of Chinese sacred arts, literature, philosophy, and governance.
Jade burial suits: Jade burial suits are ceremonial garments made from jade pieces, used to cover the bodies of the elite in ancient China during their burial. These suits are believed to have been created to protect the deceased in the afterlife, reflecting the high value placed on jade in Chinese culture for its perceived sacred properties, and serving as symbols of wealth and power.
Jade carving: Jade carving is the intricate art of shaping and polishing jade, a highly valued stone in Chinese culture known for its beauty and symbolic meaning. This craft not only showcases the artist's skill and creativity but also reflects deeper cultural beliefs, as jade is often associated with virtues such as purity, integrity, and immortality. The craftsmanship involved in jade carving connects to the sacred arts by embodying spiritual significance and cultural heritage, while also emphasizing the importance of jade in religious and social contexts.
Jade markets: Jade markets are marketplaces where jade, a highly valued gemstone in Chinese culture, is bought, sold, and traded. These markets are not only commercial hubs but also cultural centers that reflect the significance of jade in terms of art, spirituality, and social status in Chinese society.
Jadeite: Jadeite is a precious gemstone that is a type of jade, primarily composed of the mineral pyroxene. In Chinese culture, jadeite holds significant cultural and spiritual value, often regarded as a symbol of purity, moral integrity, and immortality. Its deep green color, along with other shades like lavender and yellow, makes it highly sought after for art, jewelry, and ceremonial objects.
Ming Dynasty: The Ming Dynasty was a major Chinese dynasty that lasted from 1368 to 1644, known for its trade expansion, cultural achievements, and strong centralized governance. This period is significant in the development of sacred arts, influencing artistic expression, spiritual beliefs, and architectural innovations that shaped China's cultural landscape.
Nephrite: Nephrite is a form of jade that is composed of a fibrous mineral called actinolite, known for its toughness and rich green color. It holds significant cultural and spiritual value in Chinese traditions, often regarded as a symbol of virtue, beauty, and power. This stone is not only prized for its aesthetic qualities but also for its believed protective and healing properties.
Purity: Purity refers to a state of being free from contaminants, impurities, or moral blemishes. In various cultures, especially in the context of sacred arts, purity is often associated with spiritual cleanliness and the ability to connect with higher realms or divine beings. This concept can also symbolize perfection, wholeness, and the embodiment of moral virtues.
Qi: Qi, often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force', is a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy and culture, representing the dynamic flow of energy within the universe and within individuals. It connects to various aspects of life and the cosmos, influencing sacred arts, philosophy, and religious practices.
Qianlong Emperor: The Qianlong Emperor was the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty in China, ruling from 1735 to 1796. His reign is marked by cultural flourishing and expansion of the empire, along with a strong appreciation for jade, which he viewed as a symbol of purity and moral integrity, reflecting its sacred properties in Chinese culture.
Silk Road: The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected the East and West, facilitating not only the exchange of goods like silk, spices, and precious stones but also cultural, religious, and artistic influences. This route played a crucial role in the development of various civilizations by linking diverse cultures, leading to significant artistic movements, spiritual exchanges, and technological advancements.
Virtue: Virtue refers to moral excellence and righteousness, embodying qualities that are considered good and desirable in a person. In many cultures, virtues serve as guiding principles for behavior, shaping the moral character of individuals. They often connect to deeper spiritual or philosophical beliefs, influencing how people perceive themselves and interact with others.
Yang wenhui: Yang wenhui refers to the cultural practice in China that emphasizes the significance of jade in expressing spiritual and aesthetic values. This concept captures the profound respect and reverence that Chinese culture holds for jade, believing it embodies virtues such as purity, wisdom, and moral integrity, often linked to sacred properties attributed to the stone.
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