Five-Fold Happiness

These tiny tokens charm my heart. The artist, Judy Vilmain, captured these symbols of the Chinese concept of five-fold happiness with perfect balance. I love the weight of them in my palm of my hand, the jingly sound they make when they jumble together, and the good tidings they represent. Such great pleasure from things so small:

• a coin for WEALTH; the circle signifies heaven, and the internal square represents earth
• a gourd for GOOD LUCK, to ward off evil spirits.
• a monkey for PROSPERITY, especially success in one's chosen career.
• a pair of Mandarin ducks for DOUBLE HAPPINESS in love, because they mate for life.
• a pine branch for LONG LIFE, from the hardiest of trees.

Here's wishing all of you all of this in the year to come...