DIA150xH70mm, China
This is a hat for the new born baby, a blessing from the mother.
Three different fruits are embroidered on the top of the hat (click on the links for more stories about the symbolism);
Peach – symbolizes longevity,
Promegranate – symbolizes fertility,
Buddha’s Finger – symbolizes happiness.
Embroidered n the back flap are the symbols of;
the word “壽” – longevity,
卐 – “Swastika” – luck,
Double Bat – double blessing.
All the good thoughts from the mother to the child.
W200xL200mm, China
There are 2 lucky symbols on this glass bead mate; the Swastika signs at the corner and the longevity sign in the middle. The 卐 (Swastika) sign has been passed on to China along with ancient Indian Buddhism religion. In the 7th century, the Tang Empress Wu Ze Tian, ordered for its inclusion as a Chinese character, selected the right spinning version, to be pronounced as Wan with the meaning “the focal point of blessing from all direction”. Since then apart from its original Buddhism uses, 卐 was also used as a household blessing symbol from embroidery to pottery and architectural decorations, the symbol also become more graphic and elaborated. Longevity, has long been a symbol the Chinese adores for decoration. This symbol on the beaded mate is one generated from the typography of the word Shou (longevity).
Mountain Folkcraft 