Olympic Games and Jade Culture

By: Born Williams
Submitted: 2008-06-17 14:43:04
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For the first time in Olympic history, jade was inlaid into the medals, replacing the single metal material composition of the Olympic medals of the past. The new design, in line with IOC regulations, displays the noble quality of jade and an aspect of traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing the perfect pairing of metal with jade and expressing the Chinese people's appreciation of the Olympic spirit and their great respect for the Olympic athletes.

The medals are designed with inspiration from "bi", China's ancient jade piece inscribed with dragon pattern. The medals, made of gold and jade, symbolize nobility and virtue and are embodiment of traditional Chinese values of ethics and honor.

The color of jade varies with the medal, including: white jade for the gold medal, gray-white jade for the silver medal, and gray jade for the bronze medal. Today, too, this gem is regarded as a symbol of the good, the beautiful and the precious. It embodies the Confucian virtues of wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty and courage.

Chinese began to know and use jade in the early Neolithic Age according to archeologists and archeological findings. Many jade wares dating back to 4,000 to 6,000 years ago have been excavated in different places. It was not only used for decorative purpose but also others. Until the Shang and Zhou dynasties, jade wares had been developed into tools, weapons, daily utensils, accessories and ritual utensils. As commodity exchange boomed, jade was bestowed with currency function. For thousands of years till now, jade was and is a symbol of love and virtue as well as a status symbol. (In the ancient time, only aristocrats could own jade.)

In Chinese, jade is pronounced as 'Yu', and most words related to moral include this word such as 'Unpolished jade never shines,' indicating that one cannot be a useful person if he is not educated. Jade also implied honor and conviction. Many girls in ancient times were also named with jade to reflect the love of their parents.

Jade has influenced all walks of life. In ancient times, people expressed abstract notions with concrete patterns of Chinese character, which were influenced by Taoism and Buddhism. Jade craftworks were among the most precious and luxurious ones; people wore and decorated rooms to indicate loyalty, elegance, beauty, and eternity.

More information on jade welcome to http://www.cn-0.com

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