The Chinese claim that they do not worship the idol in their
devotions, but rather the thought or the spirit that the idol
represents. So they worship at the shrine of “Long Life,”
“Happiness,” “Offspring,” “Ancestors,” “Agriculture,” “Heaven,”
“Earth,” “Rain,” “Sunshine.” The bat means happiness; the peach,
long life; the pomegranate, many children; the dragon, power;
indeed, everything has its significance. This explains their
designs upon cloth, embroideries, cloisonne, and porcelain,
every figure and stroke having its meaning. The material thing
represents a thought.
Is there not a legitimate use of symbols? And may they not be made to
have a language that speaks through the senses to the soul?
(3147)
* * * * *
Symbols may have value to those who can interpret them, even if we can
not:
An American lady was at a dinner party with Mr. Li Lo, the
eminent Chinese philosopher, when she said:
“May I ask why you attach so much importance to the dragon in
your country? You know there is no such creature, don’t you? You
have never seen one?”
“My dear madam,” graciously answered the great Chinaman, “why do
you attach so much importance to the Goddess of Liberty on your
coins? You know there is no such lady, don’t you? You have never
seen her, have you?”
(3148)
=Symbols Interpreting Realities=--See REALITIES, INVISIBLE.