Feng shui amulets and protection pendants: meanings and how to wear one
People have carried small protective symbols for as long as there have been journeys to make. In Chinese culture these range from paper charms folded from a temple visit to carved jade and silver pendants. Here is what the most common symbols traditionally stand for, and how to wear one.
The most common Chinese protection symbols
- The tiger: courage and protection. Its 王 forehead mark is why the Yunnan wamao is really a tiger in a cat's shape.
- Pixiu: a winged lion associated with keeping wealth in.
- The gourd (hulu): health and blessings, traditionally hung to “absorb” bad energy.
- Peace charms (ping'an fu): folded paper talismans given at temples, often kept in a wallet or car.
- Five-element colours: some people wear the colour of an element they feel they lack. See our five elements guide.
The wamao as a pendant
On a Yunnan roof the wamao guards a whole household. As a pendant it becomes a guardian for one person. Each of our three silver guardians carries its own meaning:
- Cangyan (Fire), the horned one: a clear, quiet space.
- Shouxin (Earth), holding its orb: a settled mind.
- Jinxi (Metal), with a gilt ingot in its mouth: good fortune gathered in.
How to wear a protection pendant
- Face it outward, the way the roof original faces the street.
- Wear it at the chest, on a cord or chain long enough to sit at the sternum.
- Take it off for swimming, showers and sport, and store it in its pouch.
- Choose by meaning, or simply by the face you like best. There is no wrong guardian.
An amulet is a cultural symbol and a personal reminder, not a promise. Many people wear one because it marks a new start or was a gift from someone who cares.
Guardians in this guide
Questions
Is it bad luck to buy an amulet for yourself?
No. In Chinese custom amulets are both bought for oneself and given as gifts.
Which way should a pendant face?
Outward, the same way a roof guardian faces the street.
Is your pendant real silver?
Yes. S925 sterling silver, stamped inside the bail. Jinxi's ingot is gilt copper.
Is the pendant consecrated?
No. We sell handmade objects in the Yunnan tradition and do not offer ritual consecration.