64 NOTES ON THE SYMBOLISM OF THE 



consecration to, that Ho *ff or Harmony 1 that co-ordination of 

 thought and action which brings peace and happiness to the 

 world. 



The gorgeous colouring of the buildings is symbolical. 

 The walls are red — symbol of the south, the Yang principle — 

 the sun — happiness; while the roofs which cover the resi- 

 dence of the Sovereigns on Earth are of the bright yellow 

 which is the symbol of "earth," the Yin principle. 



The approach to the enclosure designated as "Forbidden" 

 is through the T'ien An Men ^c :& PI Gate of Heaven's 

 Peace, this is flanked by two beautifully decorated marble 

 columns known as Hua P'iao '0$k Glory of Virtue Sign- 

 posts, 2 to guide the Emperor upon the "Way" he should 

 tread. These are a survival of the Fei Pang Mu p |g ;fc 

 Boards of Criticism and Detraction, instituted by Yao §& and 

 placed by him and his successors outside the Palace gates 

 in order that all who wished to do so might write upon them 

 their opinion as to the acts of the Euler, and their sugges- 

 tions for improvment in the government. The Hua P'iao is 

 also a symbol of the glory which should shine from the 

 Emperor's virtue. 



A paved road leads to the pink walls of the Purple 

 Forbidden City which are pierced by four gates, one facing 

 each of the cardinal points. Civil Officials enter by the Tung 

 Hua Men 31 ^ PI Eastern Glory of Virtue Gate, Millitary 

 Officials by the Hsi Hua Men B9 3$ P^ Western Glory of 

 Virtue Gate (in all Court ceremonies and processions they 

 keep these positions, Civil to the east, Military to the west^ 

 while the Emperor only is borne through the opening in the 

 southern face known as the Wu Men *f* PI Gate of the ' ' Sun 

 at Its Zenith." Upon the solemn occasions when it is 

 opened a bell is struck as the Son of Heaven passes under 



1 *n 89 -til * m * m -tit (ME a & m 



Ho is to be in accord with, to harmonize together ; it is not hard 

 not soft, not unyielding not yielding. {K'ang Hsi Dictionary). 



Ho was originally written with the character for the flute or 

 "panpies" beside the figure for growing grain. It would be 

 hard to find figures which would better express perfect peace 

 and harmony. Full ears, promise of a plenteous harvest, and 

 sweet sounds perfectly blended floating through the air. 



2 mm &»Sfi$;2:*4£l 1 * -tH ;*; Sfr & ffi $ M M 



The Ancient and Modern Commentary of the Chin dynasty 

 says : Yao instituted the Fei Pan Mu, now Hua P'iao Mu. 

 They were placed at the crossings of the great roads, may 

 be called sign-posts. 



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The light of the virtue and learning of the Superior Man. 

 A Sign-post. 



