Hi, my name is Mojca. I am from Slovenia in Europe and I work as a student advisor at our Shanghai school.
Hi, my name is Sabatino. I am from Italy and I am a Student Advisor at LTL. Fancy coming to study with us in China?9 Fascinating Chinese Charms & Their Symbolism
Most Common Chinese Charms & How to Use Them
Chinese charms come in a variety of forms, each carrying its own unique symbolism and purpose.
If you believe in Chinese traditions, rituals and superstitions, this is definitely an article for you!
Let us know in the comments if you have know of any others we didn’t mention.
Let’s get started!
Chinese Charms | Most common types
Chinese Charms | How to activate and use them
Chinese Charms | Summary
Chinese Charms | FAQ’s
Chinese Charms l Popular & Common Types
Let’s have a look at the most popular types of Chinese Charms with their meaning and purpose.
Coins & Ingots
Purpose: to attract wealth and success.
Coins and ingots are among the most common Chinese charms associated with attracting wealth and prosperity.
- The round shape of the coin symbolises Heaven
- The square hole in the center represents Earth
It is believed that together, they represent the harmonious union of heaven and earth, bringing balance and abundance into one’s life.
8 Interesting & Beautiful Chinese Words (That Natives Use Daily)
In this article, we reveal 8 awesome and interesting Chinese words with no accurate English translation – and why you need to know them.
Jade Charms
Purpose: to bring good luck and protection.
Jade, a highly esteemed gemstone in the Chinese culture, is known to possess protective energies and the ability to attract good fortune.
These charms are crafted into multiple forms including dragons, phoenixes, and mythical creatures.
They are believed to serve as conduits for positive energy, safeguarding against negative influences.
Did you know: The most famous artwork in Taiwan (so much so it’s been referred to as the ‘Mona Lisa’ of Taipei) is a small jade cabbage less than 10 inches in size!
Red String Bracelets
Purpose: to ward off evil spirits.
Red string bracelets are not only fashionable accessories but also carry deep cultural significance in Chinese folklore.
These bracelets are believed to ward off evil spirits and protect the wearer from misfortune.
It is common to see individuals, young and old, wearing red string bracelets as a symbol of good luck and protection.
Discover Where The Silk Road Starts (+ More Fun Facts)
Want to learn about the Silk Road? Take a look at our beginner’s guide and learn some amazingly cool facts along the way.
Bagua Mirrors
Purpose: to shield against negative energies.
Bagua mirrors, featuring the iconic yin-yang symbol and eight trigrams, are powerful protective charms used in Feng Shui practices.
They are believed to deflect negative energy, promote harmony, and bring peace to the surroundings.
Bagua mirrors are often placed near entrances to safeguard homes and businesses from malevolent forces.
Wind Chimes
Purpose: to harmonise the energies and attract positive Qi.
Wind chimes, with their melodic sounds and vibrant designs, are not only delightful decorations but also but also function as powerful charms that draw in positive energy.
In Chinese tradition, wind chimes are believed to disperse stagnant energy, foster a harmonious atmosphere, and invite good luck and prosperity into the space.
Lotus Flower
Purpose: to inspire spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
The lotus flower holds great significance in Chinese culture, as it symbolises purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth.
Just as the lotus emerges from muddy waters and blossoms into a beautiful flower, it represents the journey of self-transformation and rising above adversities.
Lotus flower charms are often worn or displayed to inspire inner purity, spiritual awakening, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
Lucky Knots
Purpose: to ensure luck and fortune.
Lucky knots, intricately woven with a single, unbroken thread, hold profound significance of luck and fortune in Chinese culture.
With a rich history spanning centuries, these ornamental knots are frequently exchanged as gifts, conveying blessings and well-wishes.
Displaying lucky knots in homes or wearing them as accessories is believed to attract positive energy, secure good fortune, and promote harmonious relationships.
Laughing Buddha
Purpose: to spread joy and happiness.
The Laughing Buddha, also known as Budai or the Happy Buddha, is a jolly and benevolent figure in Chinese culture.
With his large belly and infectious laughter, he is a symbol of joy, contentment, and abundance.
Statues or charms depicting the Laughing Buddha are believed to bring happiness, good luck, and prosperity into one’s life.
They are often placed in homes, offices, and businesses to create a joyful and positive atmosphere.
Pi Xiu
Purpose: to protect against misfortune and negativity.
Pi Xiu, also spelled Pixiu, is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a dragon or Qilin.
There are two types of Pixiu:
- Bìxié is the female of the Pixiu species, and has two antlers. It is believed they wards off evil and have the ability to assist anyone who is suffering from bad feng shui. It is regarded as a powerful protector against misfortune, evil spirits, and negative energy. Pi Xiu charms are often crafted from materials like jade or gold and worn as bracelets or pendants.
- Tiānlù is the male of the Pixiu species, and is in charge of wealth.
What kind of Pixiu would you like?
Chinese Charms | Activating & Using Them
According the the tradition, Chinese charms require thoughtful placement, activation, and adherence to cultural practices.
REMEMBER | Chinese charms are not meant to replace personal effort or responsibility.
They are tools that are believed to help align your energy, intentions, and environment to support your desires and aspirations.
Here’s a guide on how to use Chinese charms effectively, according to the Chinese culture.
Choosing the right charm
Select a Chinese charm that resonates with your intentions and goals.
Consider the symbolism, materials used, and personal connection you feel towards the charm.
Whether it’s a coin, jade pendant, or red string bracelet, choose the charm that aligns with your desires.
Placement & Display
Once you have chosen your charm, find an appropriate location for it.
Some charms, like Bagua mirrors, are best placed near entrances to protect against negative energy.
Others, such as wind chimes, can be hung in areas where you seek harmony and balance.
Display your charm in a prominent position where it can be easily seen and admired.
Activation & Rituals
To activate the energy of your Chinese charm, consider performing a simple ritual.
This may involve holding the charm in your hands, visualising your intentions, and imbuing it with positive energy.
Some people prefer to light incense or recite prayers while activating their charms.
Follow your intuition and embrace the ritual that feels right to you.
Respect & Maintenance
Treat your Chinese charm with respect and care.
Cleanse it periodically to remove any accumulated negative energy.
You can do this by gently wiping the charm with a soft cloth or by exposing it to sunlight or moonlight.
Avoid letting others touch your charm unless it’s for a specific purpose, as personal energy can affect its effectiveness.
Intention & Focus
When using a Chinese charm, it’s essential to have clear intentions and maintain focus.
Concentrate on your goals, desires, or the specific energy you want to attract or repel.
This focused intention helps align your energy with that of the charm, amplifying its effects and creating a stronger connection.
Continued Awareness
Chinese charms work best when you cultivate an ongoing awareness of their presence and symbolism.
Take the time to reflect on the charm’s significance in your life.
This mindful practice deepens your connection with the charm and reminds you of its purpose and power.
Gratitude & Appreciation
Express gratitude for the positive changes and experiences that come into your life through the influence of the Chinese charm.
Cultivating an attitude of appreciation and thankfulness enhances the energy flow and reinforces the charm’s beneficial effects.
Chinese Charms | Summary
We’ve mentioned several Chinese charms already, and we hoped you got to learn new interesting information.
Here is a summary of all of them along with their symbolism.
| Chinese Charms | Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Gold & Ingot | To attract wealth and success |
| Jade | To bring good luck and protection |
| Red String Bracelet | To ward off evil spirits |
| Bagua Mirrors | To shield against negative energies |
| Wind Chimes | To harmonise the energies and attract positive Qi |
| Lotus Flower | To inspire spiritual awakening and enlightenment |
| Lucky Knots | To ensure luck and fortune |
| Laughing Buddha | To spread joy and happiness |
| Pi Xiu | To protect against misfortune and negativity |
Chinese Charms | FAQs
What are some Chinese charms?
Some of the most common and popular Chinese charms include lucky knots, bagua mirrors, jade charms, gold coins and wind chimes.
Is the colour red lucky in Chinese culture?
Yes, the colour red is considered highly auspicious and lucky in Chinese culture. It holds a deep symbolic meaning and is associated with joy, prosperity, and good fortune.
What is believed to be the most powerful Chinese charm?
The power of a Chinese charm is believed to depend on its symbolism and the intentions of the individual using it.
There is no single charm that is universally considered the most powerful. The effectiveness of a charm lies in the personal connection and belief the wearer has towards it.
Can I wear multiple Chinese charms together?
Yes, according to the Chinese traditions, you can wear multiple charms together.
However, you should avoid overwhelming yourself with too many charms and consider how they interact and align with your intentions.
How do I activate the energy of a Chinese charm?
According the Chinese culture, activating the energy of a Chinese charm involves infusing it with your intentions and positive energy.
Hold the charm in your hands, visualise your desires, and focus on the purpose of the charm.
Some people also like to recite affirmations or prayers while activating their charms. The key is to imbue the charm with your personal energy and intentions.
Are Chinese charms only used for personal luck?
Chinese charms are often associated with personal luck and fortune, but their uses go beyond that.
They can be used to attract positive energy, protect against negative influences, enhance spiritual growth, and promote harmony.
Chinese charms can be applied in various aspects of life, including relationships, career, health, and overall well-being.
Want more from LTL?
If you wish to hear more from LTL Mandarin School why not join our mailing list.
We give plenty of handy information on learning Chinese, useful apps to learn the language and everything going on at our LTL schools!
Sign up below and become part of our ever growing community!
