It is said of the wild goose that it calls to its comrades whenever it finds food; this is the symbol of peace and concord in good fortune. A man does not want to keep his luck for himself only, but is ready to share it with others. -- I Ching [Wilhelm/Baynes]
The goose is in China a symbol of married bliss. So a goose makes a very suitable engagement present. This is a very old custom, varied on occasion by an exchange -- the bridegroom's family sends a gander, the bride's family reciprocates by sending back a goose. Neither of these ever end up on the table. -- A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols [Eberhard/Campbell]
The path rises high toward heaven, like the flight of wild geese when they have left the earth far behind. There they fly. . . . And if their feathers fall, they can serve as ornaments in the sacred dance pantomimes performed in the temples. -- I Ching [Wilhelm/Baynes]
Wild geese are represented as flying in pairs, and so a picture of wild geese makes a good wedding present. -- A Dictionary of Chinese Symbols [Eberhard/Campbell]
I wonder how goose symbolism fits into the honkless goose story in ZZ... maybe I'll take a look at it later and give my impressions on it.
ReplyDelete