The horseshoe gold mentioned here is not that kind of plant, but an ancient weighing currency, many of which were unearthed in the tomb of Haidi. Mianhou Tomb is a tomb where many gold products have been unearthed. Among them, the copper coins are only a dozen tons, which is more than all the copper coins unearthed in other Han tombs combined. There are more than ten horseshoes. What gold is this horseshoe gold? Why did many people like it in ancient times? What does it mean to have horseshoe gold?
In today's society, besides being made into various exquisite decorations, the most common form of gold is rectangle, which is what we usually call "gold bars". But in ancient times, there were many forms of gold, such as gold cakes and plates in the pre-Qin period, horseshoe gold and forest gold in the Han dynasty, golden caves in the Tang dynasty and gold ingots in the Song dynasty.
Among them, "horseshoe gold" is favored by the ancients. Ancient dignitaries not only loved horseshoe gold during their lifetime, but also preferred to take it to sleep after death. According to Meng Qian Bitan's records, as early as the Song Dynasty, someone excavated "horseshoe gold" from funeral supplies.
In 1970s, six "horseshoe gold" were unearthed from the North Stone Bridge in Anyuanzhai, Xi 'an. 20 15 12, a large number of horseshoe gold was also unearthed during the excavation of Houhaiyin tomb in Nanchang, Jiangxi, which shocked China and foreign countries. So why did the ancients like horseshoe gold so much? The author briefly summarizes and expounds the reasons for the popularity of horseshoe gold from the aspects of its origin, meaning and technology, so that everyone can better understand horseshoe gold.
First, the origin of "horseshoe gold"
"horseshoe gold" began in the period of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty. According to the records of Han Shu's five emperors, this seems to be March of the following year. Zhao Yue said, "There's a saying that the dead meet gods in the suburbs, and I'm going to West Dragon Head. Bai Lin was awarded the title of ancestral temple. Tianma comes out of the water, Taishan sees gold. Therefore, it is appropriate to change the old name. Today, more gold is our toes and hooves, which can help us become lucky. " So Emperor Wudi recast the shape of gold into a horseshoe shape.
Why is this? It turned out that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty once hunted a piece of white forest and gave him a good horse. On the way up the mountain, he saw the gold and Tianma on the top of the mountain in his dream. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty thought it was a rare auspicious symbol. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ordered the gold to be changed into a horseshoe shape. This is the origin of "horseshoe gold".
After casting, "horseshoe gold" became a gift from Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty. Therefore, once the "horseshoe gold" was born, its value would rise, becoming the goal pursued by thousands of people at that time. This was the unparalleled glory of the powerful people at that time, and the princes and princesses regarded horseshoe gold as a treasure.
It can be said that in the Western Han Dynasty, being able to have the "horseshoe gold" given by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty was a symbol of rights, status and status, and it was the glory of individuals and even the whole family. It is not difficult to understand why horseshoe gold is so popular.
Second, the meaning of "horseshoe gold"
As mentioned earlier, "horseshoe gold" was created by Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty who accidentally captured a piece of white forest and provided inspiration for a war horse. As we all know, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty made outstanding achievements, was brilliant and had a broad vision. However, in his later years, he could not get rid of the fear of death. He spent the whole day looking for immortality and immortal art.
For Bai Ling and his war horse born in 0, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty regarded it as an unprecedented auspicious symbol, and thought that "horseshoe gold" could bring them good luck and make them live longer. Since ancient times, in the ancient legends of China, Bai Lin has been endowed with excellent qualities, known as "benevolence" and a symbol of kindness and peace.
There is a saying: "Benevolence, sound, footwork, twists and turns, soil selection, equality, not for society, not for travel, not for literacy, just for learning." This is a truly auspicious animal. Gold has been a symbol of honor since ancient times. According to Shuo Yuan, "When gold enters the fire, it does not need to be refined, but it can last forever." Taking these two things to regulate your body can prevent you from dying of old age. '
What does this mean? In other words, in the eyes of the ancients, gold is edible like pearls and is an important "immortal" drug formula. Eating gold regularly can prolong life. Wei Boyang, a famous alchemist in the Eastern Han Dynasty, wrote in Bao Puzi that "gold is the treasure of all things and cannot be destroyed". This proves that gold itself was very popular in ancient times. Even for a long time, gold was regarded as the secret of longevity and health care.
Therefore, horseshoe gold is made of its own precious gold, and with the unique auspicious meaning of Kirin, "horseshoe gold" is regarded as a rare treasure by the ancients. People think that it can not only bring good luck and prolong life, but also keep horseshoe gold at home to ward off evil spirits, showing the stability of the family. After the death of dignitaries, "horseshoe gold" was taken to the grave as the first choice for funerary objects. It is not difficult to understand why the ancients were so keen on horseshoe gold.
Third, "horseshoe gold" technology.
"horseshoe gold" not only has a unique auspicious meaning, but also has excellent casting technology, which is rare. A horseshoe gold weighs about 250 grams, equivalent to one kilogram in the Western Han Dynasty. The horseshoe gold is oval in shape, with a concave bottom and a center in the middle. It is shaped like a horseshoe. It is made of gold. Not only that, there is a very fine pattern on the upper edge of the horseshoe.
Don't underestimate this tiny design. Drawing gold into extremely fine gold thread is a very precious "fine thread technology". According to the bending and rotation of ink thread, it is kneaded into patterns and made into various patterns. Finally, they are welded to the tool. This undoubtedly increases the artistic value of "horseshoe gold".
Moreover, the precious glass pieces of the Western Han Dynasty were embedded in the middle of horseshoe gold, which undoubtedly increased the value of horseshoe gold. Because of this exquisite and complicated technology and very precious and rare materials, "horseshoe gold" is undoubtedly more precious and rare. No wonder it has been deeply loved and loved by the ancients.
In a word, from the origin, meaning and technology of "horseshoe gold", horseshoe gold is an ancient treasure. It is not only deeply loved by the ancients, but also a historical treasure of the Chinese nation and a unique heritage of China culture.