The gourd, pronounced as “hulu” in Chinese, sounds like the words for “fortune” (福) and “prosperity” (禄), making it a symbol of good luck. In Chinese mythology, it also represents the vitality of life.
Legend has it that Fuxi and Nüwa, the ancestors of humanity, were born from a gourd mountain. With a long history of cultivation in China, the gourd’s name, which sounds like “fortune and prosperity,” along with its ability to produce many seeds, symbolizes the wish for numerous descendants and abundant blessings.
This is why people often regard it as a mascot, calling it the “auspicious gourd.” As the saying goes, “A gourd holds the mysteries of creation; the universe is contained within a single vessel.” Gourd culture embodies the vastness of heaven and earth as well as the essence of human life.
The carved gourds of Linxia are one of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritages in China and a globally renowned folk art. This craft involves using needles to etch lines on the surface of gourds, depicting traditional Chinese paintings of landscapes, flowers, birds, figures, and calligraphy. The lines are then filled with pine soot to make them stand out. Over generations, skilled folk artists have continuously developed and innovated this craft, giving it a unique style and turning it into a collectible art form.
It is said that this craft originated during the Wei and Jin dynasties and has been passed down and refined ever since. Linxia carved gourds primarily use intaglio techniques to depict traditional Chinese paintings of landscapes, flowers, birds, figures, and calligraphy. The level of detail is astonishing—a gourd the size of an egg can feature a procession of a hundred ceremonial guards, each with distinct expressions and postures. Some gourds are even carved with tens of thousands of characters from classic literary works, showcasing the skill and artistry involved. Through the dedication of generations of artists, this craft has been elevated to new heights through study, research, and innovation.
Of course, gourds also play a unique role in feng shui.
Gourds Can Ward Off Evil Energy in the Home
In feng shui, gourds are considered an effective tool for dispelling negative energy. For example, when the “Two Black” star, associated with illness, appears in a certain area of the home, hanging a gourd with its mouth facing outward can neutralize this harmful influence. This practice is believed to bring health and safety to the household.
Gourds Can Strengthen Family Bonds
The gourd also symbolizes marital harmony. When cut in half, the two halves are identical, but they cannot function as a whole unless reunited. This represents the idea that a couple must work together to build a happy life. Placing a gourd by the bed in the master bedroom is said to enhance the relationship between spouses, fostering a harmonious family life.
Gourds Can Attract Wealth and Good Fortune
The Chinese pronunciation of “gourd” (葫芦) sounds like “fortune and prosperity” (福禄), making it a symbol of blessings and abundance. Its shape resembles the number “8,” which in Cantonese sounds like “wealth” (发), further enhancing its association with attracting riches. Its plump shape is also seen as a container of wealth, and many believe that wearing or displaying a gourd can help concentrate financial luck.
Gourds Can Heal and Neutralize Negative Energy
In folk traditions, gourds are believed to ward off illness and promote longevity. Many people place gourds by their beds or carry them as talismans to pray for health and long life. Additionally, gourds are often used to neutralize negative energy, such as when hung under beams or facing sources of harmful influences. These practices reflect the deep respect and trust people have in the gourd’s mystical powers.
Gourds Have Medicinal Uses
Beyond their symbolic and feng shui applications, gourds also hold significance in traditional medicine. They are considered neutral in nature and sweet in taste, containing nutrients like protein, vitamin B2, niacin, vitamin C, and trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and iron. These components are believed to boost the immune system, lower blood sugar, and even have anti-cancer properties. In Chinese medicine, the gourd is highly valued as a medicinal ingredient, often associated with the phrase “saving the world with a gourd,” symbolizing the compassion and skill of healers.
