Bat

The chinese word for bat, fu () is a homophone for blessings/good fortune (福). It is found mainly in Qing Dynasty decorative art form. Commonly 5 bats are depicted, symbolising the 5 blessings: a long life, riches, health, love of virtue and natural death.  Another favourite shows 5 bats with a shou (longevity) character/or peach at the centre.  It is also used together with coin, qian ( ) which also sounds like 'in front' (). Hence, design with bats and coin means fortune/blessings right in front.  For more on meaning of bat motif, please read below:

Hong fu Qi Tian

Shou Shan fu Hai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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