The Emblem of Protection
One of the dearest aspirations of the Chinese is the blessing of being able to live a long, healthy and fruitful life. The Chinese people associate one's good fortune as being able to enjoy watching their offspring achieve success and live their life knowing that they have achieved a legacy.
One of the main aspects of the Chinese Feng Shui practice is the enhancement of longevity and good health. Therefore this is the reason for the popularity of the tortoise animal - this shell-backed animal is known as the ultimate Health enhancer and is also a strong symbol to longevity.
In ancient scripts and text, the tortoise is mentioned as the fourth celestial animal in Chinese Feng Shui mythology. It is universally regarded as a benign creature that denotes longevity, safety, strength and endurance. The tortoise is said to conceal, within its body and the design on its shell, all the secrets of heaven and earth.
Tortoises also lead humble lives - although they are strong and long-lived, they prefer not to rush through anything, hence symbolizing stability and durability.
The History of the Tortoise
The tortoise is a very important and ancient creature in Chinese legends. This animal is also heavily featured in many legends and associated myths in both verbal and written form.
In a particularly famous legend, the tortoise was said to have once assisted the Jade Emperor. The Jade Emperor is the Taoist ruler of Heaven, and is one of the more important Gods of the Chinese Taoist pantheon.
This legend tells a story of how the tortoise - when summoned by the Jade Emperor to tame the raging Yellow River - performed this request with such admirable skill that the grateful Emperor conferred upon the tortoise 10,000 years of life. This reward was basically the equivalent to becoming an immortal creature and hence, a symbol of longevity.
The Tortoise and Feng Shui
An image or figure of the Tortoise in a strategic place in your home is said to enhance one's health, bringing in positive Qi (pronounced chi, denoting to energy) for a healthy and fit old age.
The tortoise figure may also be place in the good Health sector of the year, according to Flying Stars Feng Shui. Whereas other enthusiasts take it a step further and bring along little tortoises made of crystal or in a jade tassel form for personal Feng Shui all day long.
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