Chinese civilization is one of the most ancient, fraught with many secrets and mysteries. A little-known fact is that the first coins came from China.
But also few people know why the Chinese coin has a square hole. It is worth considering the history of their creation, meaning and photo to find out the answer to this question.
When did Chinese coins appear?
In the 11th century BC. The first metal coins appeared in the Western Zhou kingdom. They were cast from bronze, using durable molds, made of stone or ceramics.
Several specimens have survived to this day that represent this kingdom. But this was not simple metal money. They had one distinctive feature - a hole in the middle of the coin.
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Moreover, it could be either round or square. Later, all Chinese money had the same format: a round bronze coin with a square hole in the middle.
This form was approved by Emperor Wu Di of the Han Dynasty in 118 BC. Coins with a square hole from the Middle Kingdom were an example to be followed in the field of money production by the countries of East and Southeast Asia. Such as Korea, Vietnam, Japan and others.
From the history of Chinese coins
About 4.5 thousand years ago, barter trade began to be replaced by the “commodity-currency” system. Initially, grain or cowrie shells were used as money. Gradually they were replaced by small fragments of precious metals. Interestingly, at first neither denomination nor weight were indicated on them. The first coins that contained information about the weight of the currency and the place of its manufacture were bronze qiani - round coins with a hole inside. They were first minted in 947.
The first monetary reform in China was carried out by Qin Shi Huang. He tried to introduce a single monetary currency in the country. To purchase goods, only coins of the specified type could be used. The new money was in the form of copper discs. They had a square-shaped hole inside. This currency (its name is qian) was used in China until the mid-19th century.
China's largest currency find was discovered in the form of 10 tons of bronze qian. According to historians, this amount should have passed into the hands of the emperor of the Han dynasty (ruled after Shi Huang).
The introduction of the first paper money in China led to inflation because the currency was not backed by precious materials. The first currency called "yuan" began to be used in 1835.
What did the square hole mean on coins from China?
For what purpose was this hole in the very middle of the coin invented? The solution is very rational, for ease of use in calculations.
The nominal value of such money was low and when paying, it took a lot of time to count each coin. So we decided to make this task easier by pooling a certain amount of money by hanging it on a ribbon or metal rod.
And of course, Chinese philosophy endowed ancient Chinese coins with deep symbols:
- Why are coins round? The circle shape meant the sky.
- The central square-shaped hole is the ground.
- On the front side - Yang, 4 hieroglyphs were applied.
- The back of the coin - Yin had only 2 symbols.
In Ancient China, it was believed that a person completes the triad, connecting 2 elements: Earth and Sky.
Description of coins
Chinese qians are circular in shape, made of bronze with a square hole in the center. They are known all over the world. They are very common among people who are keen on Feng Shui traditions.
But even more often you can find a lot of souvenirs. Although, if you want to achieve results, you must understand that all the power is concentrated in a real coin. They can be easily purchased from numismatists at a low cost.
The teachings of Feng Shui endow these coins with the symbolism of the harmony of the highest, heavenly and earthly, simple.
Combining the energy of active and passive, personifying the unity of Yang and Yin.
The monetary heritage of Chinese civilization now remains only in history and in the collections of numismatists, as well as those who believe in amulets and talismans that can be created using metal money.
What properties were endowed with Chinese coins with a square hole?
There are a large number of rituals using metal money paraphernalia. Widely known and used by many - a coin intertwined with red or gold thread. Basically, these attributes are aimed at attracting health, wealth and success.
It is worn around the neck or on the wrist, like a money talisman, to attract financial success, to attract fortune, like a good luck coin, for family well-being. By the way, if you don’t know what the health talisman is called, then this is the coin that represents this symbol.
Absolutely everything is important to create a working mascot. How many coins are used, their alternation, the method of weaving the lace and how it can be tied.
To create a talisman with metal money, a red cord is often used. The color red symbolizes prosperity, attracts prosperity to the home and scares away evil spirits. The red ribbon that connects the coins means indestructibility and naturalness.
Based on what amulet the amulet is created for, the number of coins will depend. The infinity knot with which metal money is tied is very important. It is designed to expel the aggressive energy of Sha Qi.
How to use talisman coins
- wear around the neck;
- store in a wallet;
- sew into a mattress or place under a pillow;
- lay in the foundation of a house during construction.
To attract money and improve the financial situation, amulets are created from one or more metal coins:
- If you take only one coin, then such a talisman attracts wealth. A red thread is tied on it and placed at the entrance to the house or coins are kept under the rug.
- When 2 is used, it attracts the accumulation of money in the house, protection from evil and troubles.
- A bundle of 6 metal coins attracts heavenly luck. This amulet should be kept in the northwestern part of the house.
In China, the numbers 4 and 7 are believed to not bring good luck. They are not used in talismans.
Other types of talismans:
- To maintain harmony in marriage and attract love to those who are single, use a copper coin with a golden phoenix bird and a soaring dragon. It is not customary to show it or wear it in plain sight. Usually carried in a pocket or wallet, placed under the mattress. Extends its effect to all household members of the owner of this talisman.
- The old man Shou-xing (a Chinese deity who bestows longevity) depicted on the reverse side of metal coins will help improve health. On the other side of the coin is a hieroglyph, the inscription on the coin, which means longevity.
- Money with 5 bats and in the shape of a meihua flower, with 5 petals, are considered rare and ancient. The talisman provides well-being, protection and joy to its owner. Store it in locked desk doors.
- A talisman with the image of the immortal Taoist Zhongli Quan is a rare and powerful amulet. He protects his owner from envy, anger, and hatred. Keep it in the area of the home altar or keep it with you.
- There was also metal money that was never used. For example, the irredeemable Nanbu coin. It was not used for payment, but only as a seal to confirm the contract.
If you are the owner of a genuine ancient coin or a commemorative coin from China, then in order to make a talisman out of it, you first need to get rid of the past energy.
To do this, soak for 3 days in salted water. With these actions you activate pure energy, which will attract prosperity, health, love and prosperity into your life.
How many coins should there be?
You can use one or more coins as a money talisman. The quantity should be chosen based on the purpose and situation:
| Number of coins | Properties | How to use |
| 1 | Attracts wealth | You can hang it on the front door handle, after tying a red thread on it, or put it under the rug, in a folder with documents |
| 2 | Symbolize the accumulation of finances, protect from evil | Must be carried with you or put in your favorite box |
| 3 | Attract financial well-being from three sources at once | Can be placed on the wall, placed under a money tree or buried in a plant pot |
| 5 | Increase the income of trade workers | It is recommended to place it under the door mat |
| 6 | Represent heavenly luck | The best place for storage is the north-west of the room |
| 8 | Attract wealth into the house from all sides | It is recommended to locate it in the south-eastern sector of the home |
| 9 | They attract wealth not only to the owner, but also to all his descendants of the next 9 generations | Coins from the Qin Dynasty are suitable, they are placed in the southeast and northwest of the house |
The numbers 4 and 7 are considered unlucky. This number of coins is not suitable as a talisman.
Expert opinion
Melnik Dmitry
feng shui master
Risky people who bet money on races or like to play the lottery need to keep a Chinese coin in the southeast of their home near the door. It can also be worn around the neck by passing a red string through the hole. Such a talisman will attract good luck and make sure that fortune does not turn away from a person.
It is not necessary to put Chinese coins on public display. They can be hidden from prying eyes so that others do not ask many questions.
