Mandarin ducks are considered to be one of the most beautiful ducks, and they are commonly seen in pairs, not only in artwork and Asian themes but also in real life. They represent marital contentment and faithfulness, as well as good luck and joy in Chinese culture.
Mandarin ducks are known as “yuanyang” (鸳鸯) in China, where ‘yuan’ (鸳) and ‘yang’ (鸯) represent male and female mandarin ducks, respectively. Because the plumages of male and female Mandarin ducks differ greatly, the phrase “yuan-yang” is often used informally in Cantonese to refer to a “odd couple” or “unlikely pair”—a mixture of two dissimilar types of the same category.
Mandarin Ducks are frequently seen together in the wild, where they are known for their long-term relationships. They have become a symbol of love, dedication, affection, and fidelity in Chinese culture as a result of their peculiar behavior. Their rich, enticing colors further added to their allure as symbols. These ideas expanded to the Japanese, Koreans, and Vietnamese, who all utilize a pair of birds to symbolize a committed couple’s love.
In most civilizations, weddings are regarded as one of the most auspicious and pleasant occasions. The pair receives an infinite amount of auspicious qi (life force energy) on their wedding day, according to feng shui. On their wedding day, a new couple is traditionally given a pair of mandarin ducks to bring them happiness and help them get along.
It is such a common symbol of love that it is used as a metaphor in a Chinese proverb for couples in love: “Two mandarin ducks playing in water”
(鸳鸯戏水 – yuānyāng xì shuǐ)
Motif
A pair of mandarin ducks is a motif that can be seen in Asian artworks such as vases, textiles, screens, and sculptures. The ducks can be combined with other ornaments such as the lotus, which symbolizes serenity; the double happiness, which symbolizes joy; or other auspicious symbols.
Myth
Although “yuan yang” is a symbol of lifelong affection, its origin myth involves an unusual pairing: a gardener and the daughter of an official. Let’s look at this interesting origin myth, and in addition, we will deal with how we can use this auspicious symbol in feng shui.
What is the role of Mandarin Ducks in Chinese literature?
In poetry written 300 years after the 3rd century, mandarin ducks were originally used to symbolize a brotherly bond. However, during the Tang era (618–907), the association of mandarin ducks with romance became widespread. Lu Zhaolin, a poet from the 7th century, expressed in his poem “Changan Guyi” that lovers envied the happiness of a pair of mandarin ducks more than that of the immortals.
This line from Lu’s poetry became so renowned during the Tang dynasty, and beyond that, the connection between Mandarin ducks and inseparable couples in love became deeply rooted in the Chinese consciousness.
The Story of Ying Mei and Yuan Ge
The origin of this timeless symbol of love is the story of an unlikely couple. Yuan Ge, a gardener, was hired by Hong Fu, an official, to tend to his yard. Hong Fu’s daughter, Ying Mei, fell in love with Yuan Ge, but her father misunderstood his heroic act of saving her from drowning in the lotus pond as an attempt to take advantage of her.
Despite Ying Mei’s pleas, Yuan Ge was imprisoned and sentenced to death by drowning in the same pond. In a final act of love, Ying Mei joined him in the water, and they both transformed into Mandarin ducks with colorful feathers, forever united in love.
The Feng Shui Significance of Mandarin Ducks
In the practice of Feng Shui, the presence of a pair of mandarin ducks is believed to enhance the flow of love energy. Practitioners of Feng Shui strategically position these ducks in various areas of the home with the intention of attracting good fortune in matters of romance.
Mandarin ducks are renowned for their unwavering commitment to their chosen mate. Consequently, it is customary to arrange the duck figurines in close proximity to one another, symbolizing unity. Together, they emanate positive energy that nurtures love, marriage, and the formation of strong bonds.
The Feng Shui symbol serves as a solution for married couples to resolve conflicts, enhance their connections, and achieve marital happiness. Additionally, for single individuals, Feng Shui recommends the use of mandarin ducks to attract their desired life partner. To enhance your love fortune, position the pair in the central area of your dining room, living room, or bedroom.
In the case of individuals in a loving relationship who aspire to marry, it is advised to adorn the ducks’ necks with a red ribbon or string, symbolizing the union of marriage.
Feng Shui Placement for Mandarin Ducks
Consider the placement of a mandarin duck pair in accordance with the principles of feng shui, as their significance is well-known in this practice. Depending on the specific feng shui school you adhere to, there are various options available to you. Below are a few recommendations to guide your decision-making process.
How to Identify Mandarin Ducks in the Southwest Sector
In classical (traditional) feng shui, a pair of Mandarin ducks should be put in areas connected with marriage and love ties. If you wish to strengthen your marriage or a romantic relationship, place the couple at the southwest corner of your home.
In Feng Shui, we employ a tool known as the feng shui bagua map, which is an energy pattern that is placed over the floor plan of your property. Bagua’s map is organized into eight pieces that circle a central point. One of the most well-known regions is Kun, which means “love and partnerships” in Chinese. Pink, the yin earth element, and the feminine element are also associated with this area.
This region can be found by standing in your front entryway and looking inside. The partnership area is at the extreme back right corner of the floor plan. To improve the harmony and durability of your current relationship, activate this area with a pair of Mandarin ducks.
A Guide to Mandarin Ducks in Your Bedroom
Bedrooms have a more regular shape and are your most private space in the house. You would proceed in the same manner. Look into the room from the master bedroom’s entryway. Your partnership area is located in the room’s far right-back corner.
Activate this partnership area with a pair of mandarin ducks to promote harmony and longevity in your current marriage or partnership.
- It is preferable if the ducks exchange glances.
- The strong energies from the mandarin ducks keep married couples together and increase their love for each other.
- The figurines must be put on the husband’s side of the bed in a married couple.
- Singles should put the ducks on the side table.
Alternative Places to Keep Mandarin Ducks
If you don’t want to put the pair of mandarin ducks in your bedroom or the southwest corner of your house, you might put them in your living room or home office. Either of these locations will give your marital or romantic relationship a much-needed boost.
What Are the Best Feng Shui Rules for Mandarin Ducks?
Once the location of your Mandarin Ducks has been determined, there are certain regulations regarding their display and upkeep that must be adhered to.
- You only need one pair of ducks. People think it’s better to have a lot of ducks, but Feng Shui is all about having a few.
- You can use illustrations, drawings, or photos of a couple, but only two Mandarin ducks—male and female—should be shown.
- Don’t use two works with different ducks, because that means they’re separated.
- Some Feng Shui experts say that two Mandarin ducks should fly, stand, or walk together to symbolize togetherness. This shows that the couple has the same values, goals, and dreams, and that their relationship is strong and unbreakable.
- A pair facing each other could mean they’re on opposite sides of the house or have different ideas.
- A painting of two ducks floating apart or in opposite directions shows a lack of unity and a desire to live the same life as each other.
- The red ribbon around the neck adds a bit of excitement and symbolizes loyalty and connection.
- A Mandarin Duck wearing a lotus or lotus leaf is happy because it can ward off bad luck and bring good fortune, peace, and luck.
- Never keep a broken duck; replace it with a new one.
- Feng Shui ducks need to be cleaned and dusted regularly, which both partners should do if they want to strengthen their bond.
- Put your Mandarin Ducks in a clean, well-lit spot.
- Don’t keep them at work, on your desk, or in your bathroom.
- Your attitude should reflect the love you have for each other, and you should be ready and willing to show and receive that love.
Feng Shui Mandarin Duck Varieties
If you’re looking to make a Mandarin duck, you can get them made from a bunch of different materials, like wood, crystal, and jade, as well as metal and rose quartz. Most Feng Shui experts suggest avoiding synthetic materials like plastic and resin, since they don’t have a connection to nature.
Mandarin Duck in Rose Quartz
If you’re looking for a way to show off your Mandarin ducks, rose quartz sculptures are a great option. Rose quartz, also known as the “love stone,” is a powerful love charm that’s associated with love and marriage. It’s perfect for miniatures of mandarin ducks, and it’s especially popular in the southwest since the earth element is so prevalent. Plus, in Feng Shui, crystals and stones are seen as symbols of the earth. You can use any type of ceramic figure, like porcelain or glass, if you want. Rose quartz is a pink color that symbolizes love and affection.
Mandarin Ducks in Crystal
If you’re looking for a way to show your love, crystal Mandarin ducks are a great way to do it. They’re used to help lovers and couples come back together, and they symbolize the joy of marriage.
If you’re looking for something special, why not get a pair carved out of a red stone, like jasper or cornelian? Red is a color that symbolizes passion and love, so it’s a great choice for the partnership area. Plus, red is a fire element, so it’s great for helping the earth.
Mandarin Ducks in Jade
Jade is said to be the “stone of heaven” by the Chinese, and it’s said to have powerful healing powers. Mandarin ducks are said to be a good luck charm that can help you stay calm, have fun, and be independent. They can also be used to make love stronger in bad relationships.
Mandarin Ducks in Wood
Wood is important in Feng Shui because it symbolizes growth and strong family connections. If you have a Mandarin duck in your home, it can bring a lot of love and peace. But if you’re a true believer, you won’t want to get a wooden statue of a duck because it won’t help you get the element of earth you need.
Mandarin Ducks in Brass
Metal is known to help you stay focused, and it can also help you stay healthy, make more money, and be more in love. Plus, brass mandarin ducks are said to make your marriage happier and more fulfilling, and they can also help create a nurturing atmosphere.
Mandarin Duck Paintings
In addition to mandarin duck dolls, you could hang a picture of two ducks in your bedroom’s southwest corner. If you’re thinking of starting a family, you might want to consider getting two pairs of ducks with ducklings. Don’t use ducks in paintings where they’re swimming in opposite directions or away from one another, as it implies a lack of unity and connection.
Summary
Basically, Mandarin Ducks are a big deal in Asian culture and have become a powerful symbol of love, commitment, and marriage. They represent long-term love and are said to bring luck and happiness to couples.
During the Tang Dynasty, the relationship between ducks and romance spread, and they were seen as an inseparable pair in Chinese society. When it comes to Feng Shui, Mandarin ducks are used to create love energy and a harmonious relationship. The southwest sector of the house or bedroom is the best spot for these birds.
Showing a pair of ducks together and keeping them in good shape will increase their symbolic power. Mandarin ducks are made from a range of materials, like rose quartz, crystal, and jade, as well as wood and brass.
They’re a great way to show love and togetherness, and they can be used as a wedding gift or to help with love-related issues.
