Find out what your surprise Mahjong tile means!
Congrats on your surprise draw! All tiles are sure to bring you lots of good luck and prosperity as you carry it with you. Read the meaning behind your lucky tile.
發 : Prosperity or wealth (fā)
This character is a green tile in association to wealth and can be said to come from part of the saying, 發財 (fā cái) which means to "make a fortune” which comes from the phrase often used to greet each other in Chinese New Year, 恭喜發財 meaning “wishing you good wealth and prosperity.” It also represents an archer releasing his or her draw and the Confucian virtue of sincerity.
中 : Center or middle (zhōng)
Red is the luckiest color in Chinese culture and everyone is sure to want something red on them either clothing or an accessory during a Mahjong game to bring them the most luck! The Chinese character represents 紅中 (hóng zhōng), “red center” which connotes passing the imperial exam, a hit in archery, and the Confucian virtue of benevolence. Mahjong players often want to keep their "Red Center" tile for more good luck.
九萬 : 9 Ten Thousand (jiǔ wàn)
萬 means 10,000. 9 is an auspicious number in Chinese culture and this tile is often considered the most popular tile of the 9 tiles in this set. It will be sure to bring you lots of good luck such as your relationships, career, and all the good things in your life for a long time as the word is also the same sound as 久 (jiǔ) meaning longevity.
梅花: Plum Flower (méi huā)
The plum flower is the first of the 8 flower tiles that represent the 4 seasons and 4 Confucian plants (bamboo (竹 zhú), chrysanthemum (菊花 júhuā), orchid (蘭花 lánhuā), and plum (梅 méi). Drawing one or more tiles of flower during a Mahjong game brings good luck and counts for more points at the end of the game. The Plum Blossom blooms in midwinter in snowy, harsh weather instead of spring, symbolizing resilience, perseverance and peace in the face of hardship and bringing hope.
九條: 9 Bamboo (jiǔ tiáo)
Bamboo is a lucky symbol in Chinese culture to represent growth, flexibility, strength and virtue. 9 is an auspicious number in Chinese culture in symbolizing all good things to last a long time as it sounds the same as the word longevity, 久 (jiǔ). The bamboo sways with the wind and can withstand storms without breaking, representing its adaptability and the willingness to change and stay strong. Bamboo is often used to decorate a room or space to bring positive energy or feng shui, attract wealth and success, often seen to create a harmonious environment.
About the game 麻將 Mahjong
Mahjong was developed in the 19th century in China and different versions are played in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Southeast Asia. It is played by four players, a game consisting of tiles that needs part strategy, skill, and luck. Because of its element of needing good luck, every game and hand you receive is different and unique with countless variations. It is often played during Lunar New Year or as an activity with friends, family and relatives. Read more about the game and rules here.
My Personal Story
I love Mahjong as it reminds me of spending time with family and friends especially during a get together or around the holidays. Each game is so different no matter how many times you play and the time goes by so quickly. My parents would often say the seat we sit in also determines how luck flows and depending on if we’re losing or winning, it really makes you believe in luck in the air or the feng shui of the room. We often purposely wear red or have something red on us to get all the luck we can muster, often playing late into the night. I hope your Mahjong tile brings you lots of good luck and a reminder of a timeless tradition of fun wherever you go!