Deer, known for its endurance, grace, and long life, is a Chinese symbol for longevity. The word for deer in Chinese is lu which symbolizes income and status. Consequently, the combined meanings signify a wish for fame, recognition and a prosperous long life. The deer is also often accompanied by other symbols of good fortune, such as the Old Man of the South Pole (the Chinese deity of longevity), the pine tree, and the crane.
The Year of the Dog, or Chinese traditional lunar New Year of this year, starts from Feb. 16. According to Chinese culture, the dog symbolizes character traits such as loyalty, compatibility and kindness. Dogs value friendships; they’re loyal, honest, trustworthy and reliable and have strong morals.
We will introduce some great exhibitions related to these auspicious animals in Beijing, so make sure you fully explore the Chinese New Year.
Chinese Zodiac Cultural Exhibition
Location: Temple of Ancient Monarchs
Time: Feb. 2018
In celebration of the upcoming Chinese year of the Dog, an exhibition on Chinese Zodiac Dog will be held at the Temple of Ancient Monarchs. Through stories, idioms, allusions and cultural relics about dog, along with the characteristics of royal dogs during the Qing Dynasty, visitors will have a panoramic understanding of Chinese dog culture.
Address: No. 131 Fuchengmennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Chinese Xiaonian Festival Customs Cultural Exhibition
Location: Temple of Ancient Monarchs
Time: Feb. 2018
Xiaonian means “Preliminary Eve” in English, marking the start of the countdown to Spring Festival in China. It falls on the 23rd or 24th day of the 12th month of the Chinese traditional lunar calendar and sets off the beginning of festivities. The exhibition will showcase the origin and customs of Xiaonian.
Address: No. 131 Fuchengmennei Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Eternal Abundance from Heaven: Auspicious Deer Artifacts at the Palace Museum
Location: Palace of Eternal Longevity (Yongshou gong)
Time: Sep. 26, 2017 - Feb. 28, 2018
Instead of grouping its collection based on the type of material, such as displays featuring all paintings, jades or ceramics, they Palace Museum has introduced animals and plants related to the royal life to better promote its cultural relics and historic architecture.
The exhibition, Auspicious Deer Artifacts, is one of them, which allows visitors to compare works of art to the real thing. Nearly 70 pieces of deer related artworks are offered including a deer horn chair and a White Jade Statuette of an Immortal with a Ruyi (scepter) and a Deer. Nine sika deer- two males, five females and two cubs - accompanied by veterinarian from the Chengde Mountain Resort are on public display in the Forbidden City now.
Fascinating Antlers
Location: Beijing Museum of Natural History
Time: Nov. 29, 2017 - Apr. 19, 2018
The antler-themed exhibition at Beijing Museum of Natural History displays more than 200 specimens of antlers. With the use of ecological specimens and simulation models, it demonstrates the diversity and uniqueness of these antlers.
