Jade, warm and moist, has been a unique carrier of the Chinese national spirit and aesthetics since ancient times, carrying profound cultural connotations and philosophical thoughts. In the long history of China, jade is not only a precious gem, but also a symbol of culture, a moral sustenance, and a spiritual pursuit.

Jade and the Way of Gentlemen
“A modest gentleman is as gentle as jade.” This sentence succinctly summarizes the close relationship between jade and the morality of a gentleman. The ancients believed that jade has five virtues – benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, courage, and cleanliness, which are exactly in line with the virtues that a gentleman should possess. The benevolent love others, just like the gentleness of jade; the righteous keep the right, just like the steadfastness of jade; the wise discern, just like the clarity and transparency of jade; the brave are fearless, just like the toughness of jade that can be broken but not damaged; the clean are self-purifying, just like the purity and flawlessness of jade. Wearing jade is not only a decoration, but also a constant reminder to cultivate oneself and pursue the harmony and unity of the inner and the outer.

Jade and religious sacrifices
In ancient times, “serving gods with jade” was an important manifestation of jade culture. As a medium for communication between people and gods, jade articles are widely used in sacrificial activities. The jade dragon of Hongshan culture and the jade cong of Liangzhu culture are both material manifestations of the ancient people’s worship of heaven and earth. These jade articles are not only exquisitely crafted, but also contain the ancient people’s understanding of the order of the universe and their awe of mysterious power. They are a reflection of primitive religious beliefs and social structures.

Jade and social hierarchy
With the development of society, jade has gradually become a symbol of power and status. The Zhou Dynasty etiquette strictly stipulated the types and quantities of jade articles that nobles of different levels could wear, forming a strict hierarchy.

For example, the appearance of a group of jade pendants not only highlights the identity and status of the wearer, but its complicated design also plays a role in regulating manners and restraining behavior, reflecting the essence of etiquette culture.

Jade and the elegance of literati
After the Tang and Song Dynasties, with the rise of the literati class, jade culture has incorporated more literati sentiments and aesthetic pursuits. The antique jade of the Song Dynasty is not only a reproduction of ancient craftsmanship, but also embodies the literati’s yearning and admiration for ancient culture, reflecting the social trend of respecting the ancient and elegant. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, jade creation paid more attention to the meaning and symbolism. Each jade carving contained auspicious and beautiful meanings, such as bats (blessings), fish (surplus), lotus (surplus year after year), etc., which taught in beauty and expressed emotions in objects. Jade became a medium for conveying emotions and blessings.

Jade and ethnic integration
During the Liao, Jin and Yuan Dynasties, nomadic peoples entered the Central Plains, bringing new aesthetic and cultural elements. More ethnic characteristics and natural scenery were incorporated into the creation of jade, such as the Spring Water and Autumn Mountain Jade, which not only showed the hunting life of the northern grassland peoples, but also integrated the craftsmanship of the Central Plains. It is a model of ethnic cultural integration.

Conclusion
In summary, jade culture is a shining pearl in Chinese traditional culture. Its development trajectory is closely linked to the historical process of the Chinese nation. From religious sacrifices to social rituals, from literati’s elegance to ethnic integration, jade is not only a material treasure, but also a spiritual symbol. With its unique charm, it spans time and space, connects the past and the future, shows the wisdom and aesthetics of the Chinese nation, and conveys the good wishes and moral pursuits passed down from generation to generation.