Jane Hartley Fine Art
Auspicious Beginnings
Auspicious Beginings
Auspicious Beginnings is about the birth of a child and all the hope that comes with it.
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul
than the way in which it treats its children."
- Nelson Mandela
Children have been in the news a lot lately - shouldering the effects of shut down classrooms and stunted future plans to perilous and tragic travels. This painting makes me think about what most of us want for our children instead of the plight they are being exposed to these days.
It is why kids need tigers...not coyotes!
SYMBOLISM
In many cultures, the objects chosen for this still life are symbolic of the birth of a child, joy, abundant luck, and protection against evil.
The tiger is considered the king of all animals possessing pride, bravery and fierceness. It is believed that it will protect children from evil. Its animal spirit is thought to offer protection and guidance through life. The image of a tiger is often incorporated into the baby's clothing, especially hats and shoes.
Red eggs are symbolic traditional gifts presented at a celebration for the birth of a baby in the Chinese culture - and odd number representing a baby boy - an even number for a girl. Eggs symbolize fertility and the renewal of life, and dyed red they symbolize joy and abundant luck..
The color red is considered lucky, protecting the child from infections and other evils.
The orchid, a symbol of fertility and perfection, is often a popular flower at weddings and baby showers. As a symbol of fertility, it is believed to encourage the likelihood of producing multiple offspring.
And for over two thousand years, incense has been used to provide fragrance, communicate with the gods, and drive out evil spirits. Feng shui burns incense to cleanse and remove negative energies.
THE LEGEND - of Three Mornings & Red Eggs
According to Chinese custom, the rites of birth consisted of a series of ceremonies which included "three mornings", "the thirtieth day", the first "one hundred days", and "one full year" of a baby's life.
"Three mornings" refers to a ceremony of birth held on the third morning after a baby is born. The baby receives a ceremonial first bath presided over by the midwife who assisted at the birth. The family members and close friends bring the new mother gifts of food such as red hard boiled eggs which symbolize joy and abundant luck. Other symbolic items are placed on the bathing table to ward off evil spirits and keep the baby safe.
"The thirtieth day" after the arrival of the baby is cause for celebration. Because infant mortality rates in China used to be quite high, a month-old baby was more likely to survive. A newborn was traditionally not named or formally accepted into the family until this time. A party was planned, and the mother made her first public appearance. Guests returned home with small gifts and customary red eggs and ginger that are still a part of this celebration.
"The one hundredth day" marks another celebration with friends and relatives bringing gifts.
Historically,"the first birthday" celebration for baby boys was an auspicious occasion for parents who had aspirations for their son achieving civil rank. Various objects were placed in front of the baby, and the object the baby reached for was an indication of the baby's future path. It was also the last individual birthday celebrated until the boy reached sixty.
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