1. The Historical Origin of Mountain Ghost Copper Coins
Mountain Ghost Copper Coins have profound historical origins. Mountain ghosts, that is, mountain gods, in ancient culture, although they have not been officially canonized by the Emperor of Heaven to the list of righteous gods, they have always existed in the image of justice and tallness. The original name of mountain ghost copper coins is “kill ghost money”. According to the interpretation of Mr. Qi Geng, a collector of folk coins in Beijing, people misread the rune “kill ghost” on the right side as “mountain ghost”. Over time, the name mountain ghost copper coins came to be. Law.
Mountain Ghost Copper Coins were first minted in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. In the Qing Dynasty, the casting industry flourished and were widely used among the people. In the Qing Dynasty, it was a carrier used by Taoist priests to cast spells to subdue demons and exorcise ghosts. It was also called a magic weapon. After being consecrated by the Taoist priest, people are asked to hang it at home or carry it with them for safety. During that period, many people wore mountain ghost copper coins on their hats and belts. On the one hand, they were used as accessories to show their beautiful image; on the other hand, they met the psychological needs of exorcising ghosts and warding off evil spirits. The text in the center of the back of the mountain ghost copper coin is the Taoist mantra “Thunder and thunder, kill ghosts and subdue spirits, slay demons and eliminate evil spirits, and keep the gods forever, in accordance with the orders of the Supreme Lord”; on the left and right are the four-character text, and on the left is “Thunder” “Ling”, the right is “killing ghosts”, together they are interpreted as “thundering orders kill ghosts”.
From the perspective of historical development, Mountain Ghost Copper Coins carry people’s yearning for a better life and prayers for peace. After years of baptism, they have become a unique cultural symbol. It not only witnesses ancient religious beliefs and folk customs, but also provides precious physical information for our study of history and culture.
2. Characteristics and meaning of mountain ghost copper coins
1. Unique appearance and material
The diameter of Mountain Ghost Copper Coins is usually about 4 cm, and some are even larger. Its main materials are brass, bronze, etc., which are carefully cast and have a hard texture. The design of Mountain Ghost Copper Coins, which is round outside and square inside, contains the traditional concept of the round sky and square earth. This design not only gives people a sense of harmony and stability visually, but also reflects the ancient people’s understanding and pursuit of the order of the universe. The outer circle symbolizes the sky, representing vastness and infinite possibilities; the inner square symbolizes the earth, implying stability, solidity and order. This unique design feature makes Mountain Ghost Copper Coins unique among many ancient coins.
(2) Rich moral connotations
Mountain ghost copper coins have many profound meanings. First of all, warding off evil spirits and transforming evil spirits is one of its important functions. In ancient times, people believed that mountain ghost copper coins could effectively drive away evil spirits and protect a place’s peace. The Bagua pattern on the back is considered to have powerful mystical power, capable of dispelling evil spirits and bringing peace to the wearer. Secondly, mountain ghost copper coins are believed to enhance the aura. It combines the strong energy of copper and the power of mountain ghost talisman, which can significantly enhance the personal aura and make people more confident and determined when facing various challenges. Furthermore, attracting wealth and bringing good luck is also one of the meanings of mountain ghost copper coins. As a coin, it naturally has the function of attracting wealth and luck. In business activities, wearing mountain ghost copper coins is believed to bring good luck and wealth. In addition, mountain ghost copper coins can also resolve troubles. The Bagua pattern on the back is not only a decoration, but also symbolizes the energy of the universe, which can resolve various difficulties and make life smoother. At the same time, as a symbol of justice and strength, it can effectively prevent villains in the dark and protect the wearer from malicious attacks. Finally, for those who travel or drive frequently, mountain ghost copper coins can protect peace and ensure a safe journey. In short, the rich connotations of mountain ghost copper coins make it a mascot in people’s hearts, carrying people’s yearning and expectation for a better life.
4. The value of Mountain Ghost Copper Coins
As a historical and cultural heritage, Mountain Ghost Copper Coins are of extremely high value. It integrates Taoist culture, from the incantations on copper coins such as “thunder and thunder, kill ghosts and subjugate spirits, kill demons and eliminate evil spirits, keep the spirit pure forever, and serve the Supreme Laojun as urgent as a law”, as well as the “Thunder Order” and “Kill Demons” ” and other runes can be seen, which fully embody the mysterious power and belief pursuit of ancient Taoism. At the same time, the Bagua pattern on the back was first seen in the “Book of Changes”, which reflects the ancients’ understanding and application of the Yin-Yang and Five-Element theories and is an important part of traditional Chinese culture. In addition, Mountain Ghost Copper Coins also carry the artistic charm of traditional decorations. They are exquisitely made, with legible text and unique shapes. The design of the Mountain Ghost Copper Coins, which is round on the outside and square on the inside, not only contains the traditional concept of a round sky and a square place, but also reflects the ancients’ understanding and pursuit of the order of the universe. Together, these elements endow Mountain Ghost Copper Coins with rich historical and cultural connotations, making them valuable physical materials for studying ancient Taoist culture, folk customs and traditional decorations.
