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Koreans interpreted natural phenomena in a way that became
expressed in their traditional patterns. They imbued these natural objects with
special symbolism and shaped them into symbolic patterns in hopes of achieving
their earthly wishes.
For instance, birds, butterflies, and insects always appeared
in pairs. This reflected the cosmic principle of um (yin)
and yang, or the harmony between the male and female elements, at the
same time expressing the desire for everlasting conjugality. Fruits with many
seeds such as pomegranates, grapes, or watermelons symbolized fertility. Pine
trees and cranes stood for longevity and creeping vines for perpetuity, while
depictions of tigers were often used for warding off evil spirits. The
attributes of natural objects were all deeply involved with people's lives. A
good example is the "four gentlemen" motif-the apricot, orchid,
chrysanthemum, and bamboo. These items' natural properties were considered to
embody the cardinal principles of a virtuous life.
Other motifs like water and rock were no exception. Korea's
ancestors observed not only the pellucid quality of water but also the
perpetuity of its flowing. They also they also perceived rocks as being
immortal.
Another important thought behind such traditional patterns is
the philosophy of resigning oneself to one's fate. In ancient Korean society,
people interpreted natural phenomena as precursory signs or the agency of Heaven
governing present and future human affairs. The geometrical petroglyphs and
rock-cut graffiti are deeply involved with their reverence for natural phenomena
and immutable cosmic laws.
Reification of the cosmic order in ornaments is seen in the
crown decorations of the Three Kingdoms era and of the Unified Shilla period. A
bird feather symbolized heaven; a deer antler, earth; and a tree, the link
between heaven and earth. From these elements, we can glimpse ancient cosmic
principles which divided the world into three separate strata.
T'aeguk, which was regarded
as the essential entity of the cosmos, was represented by interlocking um
and yang as comma-shaped elements. It can be seen on the Korean national
flag. T'aeguk connotes the harmonious balance
of um (female, negative) and yang
(male, positive) elements.
Another favorite pattern associated with cosmology was p'algwae,
or hexagram. P'algwae stands for the eight primary elements in nature:
heaven, earth, metal, fire, earthquake, wind, water, and mountain. The p'algwae
was a fool for divining the affairs of the world, praying for happiness and
preventing bad luck.
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