According to information from the Palace Museum, the origin of wishful thinking is closely related to the back-scratching tool commonly known as "not asking for help" in our daily lives.
Illustration of Ruyi
The earliest Ruyi has the shape of a finger at the end of the handle to show that it can be scratched if the hand cannot reach it, so it is called Ruyi, commonly known as "not asking for help". The "List of Different Names of Things" of the Qing Dynasty says: "Those who wish well are also the claws and sticks of ancient times." In ancient my country, there was a "scratching staff" (now called itchy scratching stick) and a "wat" (also known as "chao wat" and "hand board") for recording events. Ruyi can serve the purpose of both. Later, its forms differentiated. One type retained its practical function and was spread among the people; the other type emphasized the auspicious meaning and evolved into a pure display and treasure, with a statue of a Bodhisattva holding a wish-fulfilling hand.
"Ruyi" is called "Analu" in Sanskrit in India. It is partly used as a Buddhist utensil, with a "heart" shape at the end of the handle and made of bamboo, bone, copper and jade. When the Master lectures on sutras, he often holds a Ruyi handle and writes down sutras on it in case he forgets them. A Buddhist monk Ruyi was unearthed from the underground palace of Famen Temple in Fufeng, Shaanxi. It was made of silver and gilt, with a cloud head at the head and a straight handle.
According to information from the Palace Museum, the origin of wishful thinking is closely related to the back-scratching tool commonly known as "not asking for help" in our daily lives.
Illustration of Ruyi
The earliest Ruyi has the shape of a finger at the end of the handle to show that it can be scratched if the hand cannot reach it, so it is called Ruyi, commonly known as "not asking for help". The "List of Different Names of Things" of the Qing Dynasty says: "Those who wish well are also the ancient claws and sticks." In ancient my country, there was a "scratching stick" (now called itchy scratching stick), and a "wat" (also known as "chao wat" and "hand board") for recording events. Ruyi can serve the purpose of both. Later, its forms differentiated. One type retained its practical function and was spread among the people; the other type emphasized the auspicious meaning and evolved into a pure display and treasure, with a statue of a Bodhisattva holding a wish-fulfilling hand.
"Ruyi" is called "Analu" in Sanskrit in India. It is partly used as a Buddhist tool, with a "heart" shape at the end of the handle and made of bamboo, bone, copper and jade. When the Master lectures on sutras, he often holds a Ruyi handle and writes down sutras on it in case he forgets them. A Buddhist monk Ruyi was unearthed from the underground palace of Famen Temple in Fufeng, Shaanxi. It was made of gilt silver, with a cloud head at the head and a straight handle.
Although Ruyi has different purposes, the original Ruyi undoubtedly imitated the shape of human hands. This creative concept can also be said to be the extension of human will. The hand shape of Ruyi evolved into cirrus cloud shape, Ganoderma lucidum shape, heart shape and flower shape Ruyi. It was after the Tang Dynasty. It was made with gold and jade jewelry, which not only made it a kind of art, but also added a bit of immortality and peaceful charm. . By the Qing Dynasty, Ruyi's craftsmanship had reached its peak, and its functions had reached unprecedented nobility. On every New Year's Day, princes, ministers and governors would visit Ruyi in order to obtain good fortune. Therefore, there is a saying that "Jiao Qi all flock to the jewelry market." , a poem about the price of a moment's happiness." Nowadays, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing can appreciate the Ruyi of the Qing Dynasty royal family. Among the people, large-scale Ruyi is a kind of furnishing in the hall, and small-scale Ruyi is a gift to show auspicious wishes. Common materials include gold, silver, jade, horn, tooth, jade, coral, copper, bamboo, wood, etc.
Many of the traditional Chinese mascots are related to the New Year, and Ruyi is a well-known mascot.
Five Blessings:
As a symbol of good luck, of course everyone desires to have Ruyi.
Red Sandalwood Ruyi, but a beautiful Ruyi is very expensive. It is beyond the reach of ordinary people. Things have changed, and nowadays Ruyi has withdrawn from people's daily life and become a kind of antique. However, the exquisite and beautiful Ruyi carries the history they once had and the auspicious and beautiful meaning they contain. They are still so pleasing to the eye. Popular with people.