Jade Culture: Its History and Significance in the Chinese Civilizations

Jade or Yu in Chinese is by far the most revered stone for the lives of the Chinese people. It is considered as the most beautiful stone and most precious gems for them. Its rich history can be trace back in the Neolithic age where it is said that jade flourishes and made a distinct mark for us to remember beyond years. About 7,000 years ago, this greenish yet lustrous gemstone made a huge impact for the Chinese. Who would have thought that because of the powerful and creative minds of ancient China, valuable and fascinating ornaments and delicate jewelries will be created? No one on that time and age thought that this piece of stone will have a great significance in the history and Chinese tradition.

It is said that its imposing and rich history dates back to the Neolithic age. Archeologists have discovered jade artifacts in the Hemudu culture near Zhejian Province dating 7,000 years back. This endearing stones is composed of two distinct and most likely similar minerals: the Jadeite and the Nephrite. The Chinese only have the softer jadeite which is the nephrite. So it is called as the traditional jade for them. The high quality jadeite is imported from Burma and is called as Feicu in Chinese where it is considered as a valuable gemstone. The importing of jadeite from Burma started during the reigns of Qing Dynasty.

Fact is, there are so many purposes it gives to the Chinese people. In ancient times, fine jade carvings are made into fragile, delicate carvings, grave furnishing for the imperial family as well as outstanding cult figures or statues. Jade is not just love by Chinese for its obvious aesthetic reasons alone. It has so many therapeutic benefits and it stands for virtues for the wise. It has so many contributions in the Chinese culture and tradition.

Therapeutic benefit wise, it aids in the physical and spiritual sense of a person. It signifies not just beauty but also longevity, warmth and love. It implies and embodies the Confucian virtues. It is highly regarded as a stone that represents purity and justice for the wise people. Jade therefore, is exceptional in terms of value and meaning it symbolizes.

It is also called as the Stone of Heaven for the Chinese people. As the old Chinese saying goes “Gold has a value but jade is invaluable.” This means that when you have gold in hand, you can actually weigh it to get the precise price or value of it. Jade on the other hand, needs to be closely appraised and peruse for it to become valuable. Several factors must be look over to really appraise the value of jade. It is truly beyond compare in the eyes of the Chinese people.

Jade culture truly symbolizes the fascinating and amazing Chinese culture and civilizations. Without a doubt, it is very important for them. Through the advent of modern times, it still continues to affect their tradition and culture. To sum up with, this is just a prelude, a brief chronicle of the rich history of jade in China. Irreplaceable. Incomparable. That is jade: a symbol of beauty and virtues.