Chinese jade has been admired for thousands of years. From earliest times in China, this precious green-blue material was valued even over gold and silver. While Asian consumers have never lost interest in the stone, today Western buyers are equally interested in using this stunning material for jewelry and as collectibles. The Chinese jade meaning for an individual wearer can be qualities such as healing, power, prosperity, and long life.
The first jade reached China in the 1700s from Burma and was quickly adopted into the country’s ancient gem-carving tradition. Master craftsmen immediately began working Chinese jade into a wide variety of art. These artists often incorporated the stone’s different colors, shapes, and veins into the design of the object to stunning effect. Wealthy patrons and the imperial court commissioned rings, necklaces, bangles, snuff bottles and other items made of the stone. Today, these objects are highly prized.
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Chinese Jade Meaning Around the Cultures
While Chinese jade is the most famous variety of the stone, other cultures have long appreciated it as well. While the chief Chinese jade meaning is healing, the Mayans and Aztecs too used the amazing stone for medicinal and religious purposes. In addition to decoration, these uses often involved holding the stones up to an afflicted part of their body. In fact, the word “jade” comes from the Spanish phrase “piedra de ijada,” which translates to “stone of the pain in the side.” When you’re buying Chinese jade pieces, we can’t promise it will medically cure you… but it can’t hurt to try, right? Who knows!
Specific Meanings of Chinese Jade Objects
The Chinese of course believed in the healing powers of jade, associating the stone with purity of spirit and clarity of mind. But, most interestingly to many modern buyers, they also believed in crafting jade carvings into symbolic motifs that are still used today. Some of the most common symbols and their meanings include:
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- Butterfly – long life
- Bat – happiness
- Peach – immortality
- Dragon – power, goodness and prosperity
Jade jewelry is certainly desirable all on its own, but knowing a little of the history behind it makes it even easier to appreciate this gorgeous stone. Whether you like jewelry, figurines, or other pieces, enjoy shopping for the perfect piece of Chinese jade, with a meaning specially important to you. And know that you’re adding to a long and storied history.
