The Profound Meanings and Influences of Cranes in Eastern Cultures
Meaning of Crane in Eastern Cultures
In Eastern cultures, the crane is a symbol of good fortune, longevity, and elegance. It often represents positive values and is highly respected and cherished.
Customs and Allusions about Crane in Different Asian Countries
China
In China, the combination of the crane and the pine tree symbolizes "longevity as the pine and crane endure". It's a common motif in traditional Chinese paintings, poems, and handicrafts. For example, in traditional Chinese meticulous paintings, artists would depict the postures of cranes in great detail to show their graceful beauty and convey the wish for good luck and a long life.
Japan
In Japanese culture, the crane is regarded as a symbol of longevity and loyalty. There is a custom of folding a thousand origami cranes to make a wish. It is believed that folding a thousand paper cranes can fulfill a person's desire. This custom is reflected in many films, television works, and literary works. For instance, the novel "Thousand Cranes" is related to this practice.
Korea
In Korean culture, the crane also represents longevity, good fortune, and fidelity. In traditional Korean dance, dancers sometimes imitate the movements of cranes. Dressed in white, they dance gracefully like cranes, demonstrating the purity and elegance that the crane symbolizes.
The Literary Image of the Crane
In literature, the crane is a frequently-used image. In ancient Chinese poetry, for example, the crane often appears to add an ethereal and artistic conception. The scenery described in many poems, such as clear rivers, fragrant grass, and misty waters, easily makes people think of the beautiful natural environment where cranes inhabit. Some poets, like Lin Bu in the Song Dynasty, who lived a reclusive life and regarded the plum as his wife and the crane as his child, used the crane to express his aloof and hermit-like attitude towards life. In a broader literary context, the crane's graceful figure and noble bearing make it a symbol that enriches the artistic conception and cultural connotation of literary works.
The Positive Energy that Cranes Bring to Us
Cranes bring us a sense of peace, grace, and hope. Their elegance and dignity remind us to maintain a noble and calm attitude in life. Their association with longevity gives us a positive psychological hint about a healthy and long-lasting life. Moreover, their connection with nature makes us more aware of the beauty and importance of the natural world and encourages us to cherish and protect the ecological environment.