Koreans interpreted natural phenomena to find certain symbolisms
and used them in making traditional patterns. They imbued these natural objects
with special meaning and shaped them into symbolic patterns in the hope of achieving
their earthly wishes.
For instance, birds, butterflies, and insects always appeared in pairs. This
reflected the cosmic principle of eum (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 noble plants" motif.
The natural properties of apricot, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo were considered
to embody the cardinal principles of a virtuous life.
Other motifs like water and rock were no exception. Korean ancestors observed
not only the pellucid quality of water but also the perpetuity of its flowing.
They also perceived rocks as being immortal.
Another important thought behind such traditional patterns is the philosophy
of resigning 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 Silla 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.
Taegeuk, which was regarded as the essential entity of the cosmos, was
represented by interlocking eum and yang as comma-shaped elements.
It can be seen on the Korean national flag. Taegeuk connotes the harmonious
balance of eum (female, negative) and yang (male, positive) elements.
Another favorite pattern associated with cosmology was palgwae, or hexagram.
Palgwae stands for the eight primary elements in nature: heaven, earth,
metal, fire, earthquake, wind, water, and mountain. The palgwae was a
tool for divining the affairs of the world, praying for happiness and preventing
bad luck. |