Amulets: Guarding Symbols Wandering Between Faith and Reality

In the long river of human civilization, amulets have always existed in a special way. They do not carry heavy historical narratives like bronze ware, nor do they amaze time with the beauty of art like calligraphy and painting. However, they penetrate into the life texture of different regions and eras with a light posture, becoming a cultural code that spans thousands of years.​

Tracing back to the origin of amulets, it is as if we can touch the pulse of early human civilization. On the papyrus amulets of ancient Egypt, mysterious hieroglyphs were engraved, which were worn close to the body by the pharaoh’s subjects, hoping for the blessing of the Nile god; the ancestors of Mesopotamia buried clay tablet amulets engraved with cuneiform characters into the foundation of walls, trying to block evil spirits from invading their homes; and on the land of China, perforated animal teeth and jade have appeared in Neolithic tombs. The smooth edges of those polished objects may have already engraved the ancestors’ initial prayers for peace. These objects scattered in the dust of time, although different in material and pattern, have a common mission – to build an invisible barrier for the wearer in the unknown world.​

The forms of amulets have never been single. In the Taoist symbol system, a qualified amulet needs to go through a series of rituals such as the Taoist priest cleaning his hands, burning incense, and concentrating. The tip of the pen dips not only cinnabar, but also is considered to be the “qi” between heaven and earth. Those twisted and tangled lines are not drawn at will, but correspond to specific star positions and the names of gods. Behind the words such as “order of thunder” and “protecting the house” is a complete view of the universe. On the snow – covered plateau, the amulets made of prayer flags are wrapped with handwritten six – character mantras. The colors of the cloth correspond to the five elements. Every time the wind blows, it is regarded as a prayer.​

People’s belief in amulets among the people is often closely linked to specific life scenes. Before ancient soldiers went to war, they would sew the amulets begged by their mothers into their close – fitting armors. The rough touch of the hemp paper was the temperature of their hometown and the last psychological support when facing swords and shadows; when fishermen went to sea, the peach wood amulets hanging at the bow of the boat, in the sound of the waves beating, were endowed with the imagination of calming the waves and dispelling water monsters; even in the swaddling clothes of children, elders would quietly put a silver lock engraved with “long life and hundred years” in the hope that this small metal object could block diseases and disasters. These seemingly simple objects are actually a way for people to externalize their sense of security.​

With the changes of the times, the carriers of amulets are also quietly changing. Now in the cultural and creative stores in ancient towns, you can see canvas bags printed with traditional amulet patterns; in young people’s jewelry boxes, there may be a titanium steel pendant engraved with scriptures. They have lost some of their mystery, but still carry people’s yearning for peace and prosperity. In the comment area of disaster news, netizens often leave messages like “may the peace amulet protect you”. This seemingly simple sentence is actually another form of amulets in the digital age – it no longer needs a physical carrier, but still is a medium for people to convey kindness and hope.​

In the final analysis, amulets have never really “protected the body”. What they guard is always the fragility and tenacity of human beings in the face of impermanence. From the hunting amulets on cave murals to the lucky amulets in mobile phone cases today, what changes is the form, and what remains unchanged is people’s persistent pursuit of a better life. This is perhaps the most profound significance of amulets: it is a mirror, reflecting that human beings have never extinguished their yearning for light and peace in the long years.