Ancient Chinese Art
Wishes for marriage are symbolized in many ways. The Chinese word xi means �happiness�, and when doubled, is a marriage wish. Happiness and harmony go hand in hand, and so the character for �harmony� is hehe. Since the words for box and for lotus are also pronounced this way, they become rebuses for marital accord. The hehe erxian are the twin genii of mirth and harmony, derived from the Buddhist gods Hanshan and Shide, who are shown wearing grins and carrying a fan and a broom. Their continued popularity and transformation tell us the importance of a sense of humor in marital harmony.
Twin Genii of Harmony and Mirth, Jade, height 6.3 cm. Qing dynasty, 18th century. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.