The term "Shan Gui" originates from Qu Yuan's Chu Ci (Songs of Chu), specifically the Shan Gui (Mountain Spirit) section of Nine Songs. The tradition of "hua qian" (decorative coins) dates back to the Han Dynasty or even earlier. These coins were not used as currency but were rather exchanged as gifts with auspicious wishes such as longevity, wealth, and prosperity, similar to the modern-day Wu Di coins. There are many types of hua qian, including those for opening furnaces, guarding treasuries, gifts, blessings, play, accessories, and zodiac symbols, all designed for specific purposes like warding off evil, bringing good luck, or serving as commemorative items.
Ancient hollowed-out hua qian (decorative coins) can be categorized into four types: official coins, religious coins, blessing coins, and story coins.
Official hua qian were minted by the imperial court. Often, when the court minted circulating currency, they would first produce a batch of commemorative and auspicious coins. These coins were used for divination, rituals, and offerings to the heavens and earth, making them official hua qian.
Chongning Zhongbao (Northern Song Dynasty)
Religious hua qian were a type of coin deeply rooted in the culture of the times, often associated with deities and spirits. In ancient China, people feared ghosts and spirits, believing that these coins could ward off evil and protect them from harm. As a result, nearly every wealthy household would keep a collection of religious coins for prayers and protection, which elders and children would wear when they went out.
Blessing hua qian were used for celebratory occasions. For instance, during weddings, birthday banquets, the birth of a child, or the opening of a new business, people would give a blessing coin to bring good fortune and express their best wishes.
The "Lotus Child" (莲生贵子) and "Harmonious Union" (和合如意) coins are examples of story coins, a type of "flower coin" that depicted popular stories and served as a medium for cultural expression, rich with the spirit of common folk traditions.
The term "Shangui Huāqián" (山鬼花钱) originates from religious coins, a subset of ancient Chinese "flower coins" known as "Yasheng Coins" (厌胜钱), which were used in Taoist rituals.
The practice of Yansheng (厌胜), an ancient technique in Chinese history, has deep roots. The character "厌" here is pronounced "yā" and is interchangeable with "压" (to suppress). The concept of Yansheng first appeared in the Book of the Later Han (《后汉书》), specifically in the Biography of King Qing of Qinghe (清河孝王庆传), which states: "Due to a sorcerer's words, he intended to create a Gu curse and use the hare as a Yansheng technique." Yansheng refers to a method of suppressing or counteracting harmful influences, originally a form of witchcraft but later adopted into Han Chinese folk beliefs to control taboo matters.
Now, let's take a look at ancient Yansheng coins:
Because the characters on the right side of the Yansheng coin resemble the words "山鬼" (Mountain Ghost), it is commonly misinterpreted as "Mountain Ghost" in popular usage, thus the term "Mountain Ghost Coin" (山鬼花钱).
Upon closer examination, the three small circles beneath the mountain typically represent stars or thunder in Taoism. The character "山" (mountain) originally symbolizes "flame," combined with the idea of thunderfire. Therefore, the Yansheng coin’s "Mountain Ghost" should be interpreted as "Thunderfire to Exorcise Ghosts," rather than the mountain deity mentioned in Qu Yuan's Chu Ci (《楚辞·九歌》). This interpretation aligns with that of Qi Geng, a collector of Beijing folk coins, who suggests that the character "杀鬼" (kill ghosts) was misread as "山鬼" (Mountain Ghost), leading to the term "Mountain Ghost Coin."
Thus, the name "Mountain Ghost Coin" originated from this misinterpretation.
Mountain Ghost Coin, also known as the Five Thunder Eight Trigrams Coin, originated in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties but became most popular during the Qing Dynasty. It was widely used in folk practices as a tool for Taoist priests to subdue demons and drive away evil spirits. After being consecrated by a Taoist priest, it was commonly hung in homes or carried by individuals for protection and safety.
Analysis of the Mountain Ghost Coin Design
Front Side: The front of the Mountain Ghost Coin features the Eight Trigrams (Bagua). There are two types of Eight Trigrams: the Pre-Heaven (Xiantian) and the Post-Heaven (Houtian) sequences. The Pre-Heaven sequence is based on the principles of Yin and Yang, with arrangements like Qian-Kun and Kan-Li. In contrast, the Mountain Ghost Coin uses the Post-Heaven Eight Trigrams, derived from the River Map (Hetu) and the Luo Book (Luoshu), featuring arrangements such as Kan-Li, Qian-Xun, Zhen-Dui, and Kun-Geng.
Back Side: The back of the Mountain Ghost Coin displays a series of incantations: "雷霆⺀，杀鬼降精，斩妖辟邪，永保神清奉太上老君急⺀如律令敕。" The meaning is: "Thunder obeys the command of the Supreme Lord to protect your safety."
Significance of the Mountain Ghost Coin
- Exorcism and Protection: Effectively drives away malevolent spirits and ensures peace.
- Enhances Aura: The Mountain Ghost symbol can significantly boost personal energy.
- Wealth Attraction: As a type of currency, it aids in enhancing financial prospects.
- Overcomes Obstacles: The Eight Trigrams on the back help mitigate various difficulties caused by adverse years.
- Prevents Mischief: The Mountain Ghost is a righteous force that deters scheming individuals.
- Safety Assurance: Ideal for travelers, it neutralizes negative influences and ensures safety.
Mount Ghost Coin Usage Precautions
- Avoid contact with chemical detergents and bloodstains.
- Can be placed under the pillow while sleeping.
- When not in use, wrap it in red cloth for storage.
- One coin per owner; do not lend or allow others to touch it.
- Keep it hidden when entering dirty or impure places.