Is there a Chinese Alphabet?
Technically, no. Chinese is a logographic system where symbols (Hanzi) represent words or morphemes, not single sounds. However, there is a phonetic system called Bopomofo (or Zhuyin Fuhao), used primarily in Taiwan, which functions like an alphabet to teach pronunciation.
Common Symbols in Art
- The Dragon (龙): A symbol of power, strength, and good luck. Unlike Western dragons, Chinese dragons are benevolent.
- Double Happiness (喜): Often seen at weddings, this character (囍) is actually two "Joy" characters combined to represent the union of two people.
- Fortune (福): Often displayed upside down on doors during New Year. The word for "upside down" sounds like the word for "arrive," implying that "Fortune has arrived."
The Five Elements (Wu Xing)
Chinese philosophy categorizes the universe into five elemental phases: Metal (金), Wood (木), Water (水), Fire (火), and Earth (土). These are fundamental to Feng Shui, medicine, and martial arts.