What are the taboos and taboos of old Beijingers living in courtyard houses?
When courtyards were built in the old days, Beijingers tabooed the ground in the courtyard being lower than the ground in alleys and streets. The reason was that one had to "jump into a toad pit" as soon as one entered the house. When going out, one had to go from low to high, like climbing a mountain. This is unlucky, so when old Beijingers built courtyard houses, the foundations should be higher than the ground and the pillar bases should be strong.
The door of a courtyard house is also very particular. It is the face of the owner and a symbol of family status. There was a popular saying in the past: "The higher the threshold, the harder it is to enter."
Therefore, the higher the gatehouse at the door, the more noble the owner's status. On the two doors, there are also door gods, which are used to ward off evil and guard the door. They are also a symbol of happiness and good luck.
In the numbers for the design and decoration of courtyards, odd numbers are unlucky, and usually old Beijingers cannot accept them: buy a pair of boxes, two chairs, a pair of hat tubes, etc.
But there are also some that must have an odd number, that is, the north room must have an odd number, three or five rooms. If there are four rooms, of course, three large rooms must be built, and half a room on each side. It is well-known. It is said that "four breaks five".
As for the east and west wing rooms, there are usually three rooms. The purpose is to create a central axis in the courtyard building combination. This line is like the spine of the human body and is the most important source of Feng Shui in the courtyard.
Because of this, even numbers are not popular in building residences in Beijing. Therefore, there is a saying in Beijing, "Four or six will not make a difference."
The flowers, plants and trees planted in Beijing courtyards also pay attention to Feng Shui. Even the most delicious mulberries and refreshing pears will not be planted in the courtyard, because "mulberry" and "mourning", "Pear" and "Li" are homophonic. As the saying goes in Beijing, "mulberry, cypress, pear, and locust tree will not enter the prince's house." This is the truth.
Most of the tree species commonly used in residences are spring peach, jujube, and locust trees. You can enjoy flowers in spring, enjoy the cool weather in summer, and enjoy fresh fruits in autumn. The words "spring flowers and autumn fruits" are the most appropriate way to describe the trees in Beijing courtyards.
Flowers often planted in courtyards include lilac, Xifu crabapple, and so on. Plum blossoms, mountain peach blossoms, chrysanthemums, peonies, peonies, wisterias, jasmine, yellow flowers, etc. can also be planted in the shade.
In addition to flowers planted on the ground, there are also many potted plants. They can be moved and placed arbitrarily to decorate the courtyard. The most common potted flowers and trees are pomegranate trees, oleanders, golden osmanthus, silver osmanthus, rhododendrons, gardenias, etc. Planting pomegranates is a sign of "plentiful seeds".
As for the jasmine, impatiens, morning glories, and lentil flowers in the flowerbed in front of the steps, they are even more homely beauty of the courtyard. There is a saying in the Qing Dynasty that describes life in the courtyard: "ceiling, fish tank, pomegranate tree." , Master, Miss, Fat Girl" can be said to be a typical portrayal of courtyard life.