Message #29217

[Bianca]

                                                        



Xiang Yi Fu.
(The Study of Celestial Phenomena).
Beijing: ca. 1580.
Manuscript.
Chinese Rare Book Collection,
Asian Division (97.1)
 
Scholars in ancient China studied the natural phenomena of the sky to determine their effects on human destiny. The illustration on the right depicts an eclipse, indicating bloodshed and fighting in the country and the future overthrow of the top official (emperor). In contrast, the illustration on the left, showing a rabbit in the moon (rather than a man, as in European folklore), is a good omen. A bright moon indicates that prosperity is at hand.


http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/world/heavens.html