THE
MANDARIN DUCK
The Chinese have always held in high-esteem the
mandarin duck. This wonderful bird has an extraordinary plumage that
everyone would stand in awe of. However, this is not the reason why
Chinese couples place mandarin duck symbols and figurines in their
homes.
The Mandarin Duck is a symbol of loyalty and strong,
long-lasting relationships. This is because, in nature, the Mandarin
ducks have only one mate. They remain with this mate for life, and if
circumstances separate them, they will pine for each other until they
die of loneliness. This is very rare in the Animal Kingdom. This strong
love and fidelity has caused mandarin ducks to be credited with
relationship healing properties.
The story of the Mandarin duck has been popularized by
folktales in China and Japan. One such folktale goes as follows. A rich
lord had caught a wild mandarin duck from the forest and brought it to
the city because of its beautiful plumage. However, separated from its
mate, the mandarin duck began to die of loneliness. Seeing this, the
lord’s servant and her lover resolved to reunite the two birds, despite
their master’s opposition. Angered by this disobedience, the lord put
the two lovers to death. Thus the legend of the mandarin duck was born.
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