Chinese therapy or Baoding balls date back to the Ming dynasty (1358 to 1644). Before Baoding balls were created, soldiers and the general public exercised their hands by rolling walnuts. Nowadays, most therapy balls are made of steel and usually hollow inside. When manipulated, they produce a pleasant chiming sound.

Baoding balls are often recommended to those who suffer from fatigue since the balls are believed to activate different therapeutic pressure points found in the palm of the hand. As a result, internal energy flow is enhanced.

Those who use these therapy balls have reported experiencing significant benefits, including:

• Relaxed joints and muscles
• Stress and anxiety relief
• Improved memory
• Enhanced quality of sleep

Baoding balls are also used for certain forms of physical therapy, especially when aiming to improve dexterity and exercise the wrists, hands, and arms. Some claim that prolonged use of these balls even improves memory and sharpens intelligence.

In Peking opera, performers use colorful masks to represent the personalities and moods of the characters they're portraying. While they create their masks using makeup, you can take replicas home with these papier mache versions. Wear them or use them as decor.

The various colors of the masks are full of meaning.

Red

Considered good luck in Chinese culture, red is also a good omen in Peking opera. It symbolizes loyalty, devotion, courage, and uprightness.

Black

Makeup with an emphasis on black indicates a character who’s rough around the edges but also bold, selfless, and fair.

Yellow

This bright hue signifies someone who’s fierce and ambitious yet cool-headed at the same time.

Purple

See a purple face and you’ll see someone who’s honorable, sophisticated, and calm. Makeup that’s reddish purple suggests a character who’s just and noble.

Blue

Feeling blue in the face? If you’re in a Peking opera, you’re tough, reliable, and astute.

White

In Western culture the color white often embodies purity and innocence, but in Chinese culture, it’s a different story. A character with white-dominated makeup is thought to be sinister, treacherous, crafty, and even a powerful villain.

Green

A verdant visage implies someone who’s impulsive, violent, stubborn, and an all around loose cannon.

Silver and gold

These luminous shades often specify supernatural beings, such as gods, ghosts, and demons.

Learn even more about Peking opera.

Believed to promote relaxation, relieve stress, and produce other healing effects. Despite their name, the bowls may have originated not in Tibet but in China in the 16th century BCE. In the last few decades, increased interest in Tibet may have helped popularize these bowls, and now they can be found in various countries all over the world.

Purported benefits include improving sleep, reducing depression, relieving pain, and increasing immunity.

Carp kites, or koinobori, are kites in the shape of carp fish, which are hung outside houses by families on Children's Day in Japan.

Children’s Day is celebrated every May 5. It was first known as Boys’ Day — with Girls’ Day held on March 3 — and colorful koinobori or carp banners were flown to represent children's courage and resilience. After 1948, it was changed to Children’s Day although it seems many families still focus on their male children on this day, understandable since girls continue to have their own holiday in early March.

In Japanese culture, the carp in general symbolizes the strength and determination to overcome obstacles. Considered the most spirited of fish, it stands for courage and reaching high goals due to its ability to swim up waterfalls.

Learn more about fish in Asian cultures.

Coins are a traditional symbol of wealth and luck. The number of coins also has significance.

Three coins

Attract wealth as they represent the trinity of luck: heaven, earth and mankind. 

Five coins

Invoke the five "Emperors of the Universe" to protect against danger and attract wealth. The five coins also signify the five feng shui elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth) for a balanced and harmonious life. 

Six coins

Will help you to attain skills in networking and gaining support from influential people in your workplace.

Eight coins 

Very auspicious since the number eight sounds like "good fortune” in Chinese. It's also linked to the symbol of infinity which represents unending good things.

Nine coins

Signify the wholeness of the universe, and the unity between heaven and earth.

Rat

• YEARS: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
• STRENGTHS: wise, unique, intelligent, crafty, determined, inventive, and intense
• WEAKNESSES: acquisitiveness, ruthlessness, and nervousness
• COMPATIBILITY: Dragon, Ox, Monkey 

Learn even more about the Year of the Rat.

Ox

• YEARS: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
• STRENGTHS: honest, contemplative, observant, determined, cautious, and loyal
• WEAKNESSES: self-righteous, stubborn, petty, egotistical, judgmental, and overly cautious
• COMPATIBILITY: Snake, Rat, Rooster

Learn even more about the Year of the Ox.

Tiger

• YEARS: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
• STRENGTHS: outspoken, adventurous, unconventional, and enthusiastic
• WEAKNESSES: aggressive, arrogant, short-tempered, and anxious
• COMPATIBILITY: Pig, Horse, Dog

Learn even more about the Year of the Tiger.

Rabbit

• YEARS: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
• STRENGTHS: intuitive, even-tempered, gentle, faithful, compassionate, and clever
• WEAKNESSES: pessimistic, insecure, vain, overly cautious, and finicky
• COMPATIBILITY: Dog, Sheep, Pig 

Learn even more about the Year of the Rabbit.

Dragon

• YEARS: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
• STRENGTHS: courageous, intelligent, charismatic, and passionate
• WEAKNESSES: impetuous, inflexible, and brash
• COMPATIBILITY: Rat, Rooster, Monkey 

Learn even more about the Year of the Dragon.

Snake

• YEARS: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
• STRENGTHS: wise, enigmatic, intuitive, sympathetic, mesmerizing, sensual, and beautiful
• WEAKNESSES: hedonistic, vain, malicious, overly materialistic, and duplicitous
• COMPATIBILITY: Rooster, Ox, Monkey 

Horse

• YEARS: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
• STRENGTHS: virile, easygoing, witty, honest, and outspoken
• WEAKNESSES: impatient, impulsive, and self-centered
• COMPATIBILITY: Tiger, Goat, Dog

Sheep

• YEARS: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
• STRENGTHS: calm, gentle, sympathetic, kindhearted, strong sense of justice 
• WEAKNESSES: naive, moody, vain
• COMPATIBILITY: Horse, Pig, Rabbit 

Monkey

• YEARS: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
• STRENGTHS: confident, charming, humorous, exuberant, and popular
• WEAKNESSES: distrustful, arrogant, opportunistic, erratic, manipulative, and dishonest
• COMPATIBILITY: Rat, Snake, Dragon

Rooster

• YEARS: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
• STRENGTHS: charming, witty, honest, blunt, capable, talented, brave, and self-reliant
• WEAKNESSES: controlling, insensitive, narrow-minded, selfish, and reckless
• COMPATIBILITY: Ox, Dragon, Snake

Learn even more about the Year of the Rooster.

Dog

• YEARS:  1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
• STRENGTHS: animated, likable, witty, sincere, cooperative, protective, helpful
• WEAKNESSES: pessimistic, cynical, paranoid, overly aggressive, stubborn
• COMPATIBILITY: Horse, Rabbit, Tiger

Learn even more about the Year of the Dog.

Pig

• YEARS:  1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
• STRENGTHS: intelligent, thoughtful, creative, responsible, curious, and noble
• WEAKNESSES: gullible, materialistic, insecure, and hot-tempered
• COMPATIBILITY: Tiger, Rabbit, Goat

Learn even more about the Year of the Pig.

These objects are conducive to promoting good feng shui in any space, and are auspicious in general.

Chi Lin or Qilin

Also called the dragon horse or Chinese unicorn, the qilin brings strong, protective feng shui energy with blessings of good health and prosperity. It's also very loyal to its owner and is believed to protect the home from evil spirits. 

Chimes

Help attract new energy, stimulate opportunities, and blow away obstacles in your life. The sound is the most potent aspect of this powerful object: it’s thought to clear away stagnant energy while bringing new, positive energy to space.

Dragons 

Very different from the evil, winged, fire-breathing reptiles of Western lore, Chinese dragons are exuberant, playful, and beneficent creatures that live on both land and in the air. They are associated with spring rains and water, and are symbols of abundant life, strength, fertility, and prosperity.

They are great for areas in your life that require strength, courage, protection, enthusiasm, and prosperity. Learn even more about dragons in Chinese culture. 

Elephant 

Symbol of strength, wisdom, good luck, and careful reasoning. As one of the oldest and most revered of the animal symbols, the elephant achieves great wisdom, strength, and power as it grows to an old age. 

You can embrace the elephant’s wisdom, strength, and protection by placing a one or two at your front door facing inward. Keep in mind that a lifted trunk means good luck while a lowered trunk represents determination.

Learn even more about elephants in Asian cultures.

Fish 

A powerful symbol of patience, commitment, and success against all challenges. They can also promote harmony and are generally good luck. In Chinese culture, they symbolize strength and perseverance. In Japanese culture, they are associated with love and beauty. Learn even more about fish in Asian cultures.

Fu Lions or Fu Dogs

A symbol of protection. Under his right paw, the male Fu Lion holds a globe, which signifies control over his domain and protection of his home. The female Fu Lion holds a cub under her left paw, signifying strong protective and maternal instincts.

To balance the energy of your home and maximize harmony and good fortune, be sure to arrange the Fu Lions properly. Place them on either side of a door or entryway looking outward. Facing the entrance, the male should be on the right and the female on the left. If they are small statuettes or bookends, you should keep them in one room on the same table.

Ganesh 

Elephant-headed Hindu god of wisdom and learning as well as the remover of obstacles. Learn even more about Ganesh and elephants in Asian cultures. 

Golden Pig 

Symbol of abundance, fertility, reliability, and honesty. The words on the piggy bank, "Chao Chai Jin Bao," translate as “Bringing Wealth.” Learn even more about pigs in Asian cultures.

Gongs

Used to make resonant tones to signal the beginning and end of meditation sessions. The gong's energetic resonance and vibrations create a sound that is said to chase away evil spirits, clear stale chi, promote the positive flow of energy, and keep the home peaceful and safe.

Gourds or Wu Lou

Associated with good fortune and fertility in Taoism and Buddhism due to the winding vines and huge seeds, as well as healing and longevity in feng shui. A good omen, the gourd is believed to magnify good fortune. 

Guan Gong 

The embodiment of honesty and integrity, Guan Gong is often displayed by businesses as a sign of trustworthiness and defender of their good name. 

Ingots 

Resembling an ancient form of Chinese currency, ingots are believed to promote harmony, peace, and wealth, and to attract happiness and prosperity.

Money Toad or Jin Chan

Helps attract and protect wealth, and guards against bad luck. For full effectiveness:

• Don’t put the toad on the floor
• Don’t put it in the bathroom or bedroom
• Place it near your front door facing into your home
• Put a lucky coin in its mouth (if it doesn’t already have one)

Monkey King

Represents strength and loyalty. He is a warrior who can expel ghosts and safeguard people. Displaying him at home or the office is thought to ward off evil energy.

Owls

Widely regarded as a symbol of wisdom and protector against evil. Owls are popular among those in the education or research industries since they're closely associated with the attributes of knowledge, intelligence and wisdom.

Pixiu 

Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered a powerful protector. It’s said to have a voracious appetite for gold, silver, and jewels. The male Pixiu is called Tian Lu and has one antler. He is in charge of wealth. Bixie is female with two antlers. She wards off evil spirits.

Turtles 

Used to attract safety, wealth, and good fortune. A large turtle with two small turtles stacked on its back represent three healthy generations and is a potent longevity symbol. Tuck a tiny turtle under your bed for more restful sleep and to help cure insomnia.

Also called a "goal doll," the daruma was modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. Legend claims that he sat facing a wall in meditation for nine years without moving, which caused his legs and arms to fall off from atrophy.

Here's how the daruma works:

• When purchased the figure's eyes are both blank. Select a goal or wish and paint in one of the eyes.
• To motivate the daruma to grant your wish, promise to give him full sight once the goal is accomplished. You can do this by filling in the second eye once your goal is achieved.

The daruma symbolizes never giving up on your dream and the ability to overcome and recover from any hardships you may encounter on your mission to reach your goal.

Color meanings:

Red: Good luck and good fortune. Recommended for: General wishes.

Yellow or Gold: Wealth and financial success. Recommended for: Anything related to money.

White: Purity and peace. Recommended for: Wellness: mental, spiritual, physical, etc.

Purple: Self-improvement and enlightenment. Recommended for: Building up a new personality or trait.

Blue: Performance and career success. Recommended for: New jobs or business ventures.

Pink: Love and romance. Recommended for: All things heart.

Green: Health and wellness. Recommended for: Being in prime physical condition.

Orange: Study and learning success. Recommended for: Better mind, better concentration, and results.

Yellow: Protection and support. Recommended for: Friendship and honor in relationships.

Black: Prevention and bodyguard. Recommended for: Warding off all evil.

Silver: Sophistication and social status. Recommended for: Showcasing a personal or professional transformation.

Learn even more about darumas. Check out our daruma collection.