In Chinese culture, various animals hold deep symbolic meanings, often rooted in linguistic homophones, ancient myths, and observed characteristics. These symbols are frequently depicted in art, literature, and everyday life to convey wishes for good fortune, longevity, prosperity, and other positive attributes.

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Lizards, Snakes, Bats, Sea Urchins, Mice, and Fish in Chinese Symbolism

Lizard (Gecko) The gecko (壁虎 bì hǔ) is a common sight in southern Chinese homes and is symbolically known as the "wall tiger" due to its hunting prowess for insects [1]. While it is considered one of the five noxious creatures (五毒 wǔ dú), associating it with potent magic potions, it also has a unique, albeit dark, symbolic use. A powerful potion was believed to be made by feeding a gecko cinnabar for a year, with the pounded remains then applied to the skin to detect and prevent infidelity [1].

Snake The snake (蛇 shé) is one of the twelve astrological year animals and is generally considered wise and cunning, though also treacherous [1]. Its ability to slough its skin symbolizes transformation and renewal [1]. Snakes are also associated with fertility and flexibility, representing the female yin element [1]. Ancient deities like Fuxi and Nuwa are often depicted with snake-like lower halves [1]. While there are not many venomous snakes in China, the legend of the White Snake (白蛇 bái shé) in Hangzhou, where a snake transforms into a woman and marries a man, highlights its transformative and sometimes romantic symbolism [1]. Snake meat and liver are used in traditional medicine, with snakeskin being a popular lucky charm [1].

Bat Bats (蝠 fú) are highly auspicious in Chinese culture, primarily because the character for bat (蝠 fú) is a homophone for "good fortune" (福 fú) [1]. They are frequently seen as decorative motifs in art and ornaments to wish good luck [1]. Two bats symbolize double happiness [1]. The five blessings of life—health, wealth, virtue, long life, and peaceful death—are often represented by five bats, sometimes surrounding the longevity (寿 shòu) emblem [1]. A red bat signifies great happiness, while a bat with peaches wishes for a long and happy life [1]. Five bats and a box represent a harmonious life with all five blessings [1]. Bats are also known as "sky rats" (天鼠 tiānshǔ) and "embracing wings" (附翼 fùyì) [1]. Their consumption of insect pests is welcomed, and white bats, believed to live for a thousand years, are associated with longevity in traditional medicine [1].

Sea Urchin While not extensively detailed in traditional Chinese symbolism, sea urchins (海胆 hǎi dǎn) are marine animals. In a broader context of marine life, they contribute to the rich biodiversity of the oceans, which are seen as vast "molecular libraries" with potential for new therapeutic compounds [2]. Accidents involving sea urchins are common in some regions, causing local inflammatory reactions, pain, and edema due to toxins in their spines [2]. Research has identified pro-inflammatory molecules and bioactive peptides, like "echinometrin," in sea urchin extracts, which contribute to these effects [2]. This highlights a scientific interest in their biological properties, even if their symbolic representation is not as prominent as other animals [2].

Mouse (Rat) The rat (鼠 shǔ) is surprisingly the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, attributed to its cleverness in reaching the head of the queue by riding on the ox's back [1]. The character for rat is a pictograph depicting its head, tail, and whiskers [1]. The mouse (小鼠 xiǎo shǔ) is referred to as "little rat" and plays a minor role in legends compared to the rat [1]. Rats are considered "yin" (female) animals [1]. Their constant activity is associated with the acquisitive nature of misers, linking them to money [1]. One legend credits rats with introducing rice as a nutritious food [1]. However, they can also be thought to turn into demons [1]. The squirrel (松鼠 sōng shǔ) shares the same character in Chinese, reinforcing the "tree rat" association and similar symbolism [1]. Rats and squirrels are often depicted with trailing plants, symbolizing a wish for many generations of children [1]. The presence of rats in a house is considered a bad omen, indicating impending dilapidation and abandonment [1].

Fish Fish (鱼 yú) are powerful symbols of abundance and affluence in Chinese culture, largely because the character for fish (鱼 yú) is a homophone for "surplus" (余 yú) [1]. A child with a fish symbolizes a wish for extra children [1]. The goldfish (金鱼 jīn yú) specifically represents "an abundance of gold" [1]. Fish are a staple in the Chinese diet and are often consumed during the Spring Festival to symbolize a wish for abundance in the coming year [1]. When shown with a lotus blossom, fish convey the wish for surplus to last for years, as "lotus" (莲 lián) sounds like "successive" (连 lián) [1].

The carp (鲤 lǐ) holds particular significance, symbolizing good wishes due to its phonetic similarity to "favorable, benefit, advantage" (利 lì) and "strength, power" (力 lì) [1]. Carps are associated with success in state examinations, stemming from the legend of carp leaping up the Yellow River's Dragon Gate to transform into dragons, signifying rapid success and becoming powerful officials [1]. Fish are often depicted in pairs, symbolizing conjugal bliss and a wish for many children [1]. Two fish with a stone chime wish for "good fortune in abundance" (吉庆有余 jí qìng yǒu yú) [1]. The catfish (鲶鱼 nián yú) is prominent at the Spring New Year festival because its name (nián yú) sounds like "year" (年 nián) [1].

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