When learning languages, I like to learn idioms. They often reflect the uniqueness of a language, told through the lens of the cultural values and perspectives of those who speak it. In Chinese, idioms often take the form of concise four-character sentences called chengyu (成語). Although not exactly a chengyuthe English expression “long time no see” is probably a literal translation from Chinese hao jiu mei jian（好久没见).
The artist duo Mountain river jump!composed of Foshan-based artists Huang He and Huang Shan, produced a set of 49 Chinese Animal Idioms Cards, and this reviewer finally got his hands on a game after regularly finding them sold out online. The images were originally developed in 2017, and they were shown at Asia Society Museum in 2021 for the Asia Society Triennial.
The cards come in a two-tiered black box, with instructions for divination on top and the cards themselves in a slide-out drawer. On one side are the phases of the moon and on the other are bright neon illustrations of Huang and Huang. This arrangement creates a sense of sacredness and spirit, as if opening an oracular treasury.
“Divine cards are common in human culture while tarot cards are the most popular,” the deck notes. “Mountain River Jump! Use Cards of Chinese Animal Idioms to see what will come out when Eastern cultural genes mingle with divination in the context of the contemporary world.
Useful, each card contains both English and Chinese, with a short guide to explain the meanings in more detail. I sat down with the cards and did a general reading for Hyperallergic readers, to guide you through the next season in this first full year since the end of pandemic restrictions.
As we sit in the shadow of the solar eclipse and a retrograde cycle of Mercury, I hope the wisdom of Chinese animal idioms will guide our way.
Past: The cuckoo is crying with blood. 杜鹃啼血 (dùjuāntíxuè)
This image is reminiscent of what it feels like to run out of tears – all that’s left to do is cry with your blood. You may be emerging from a deep sadness, a sense of incredible loss and pain. Spot on, Chinese animal idiom cards. Spot on. *bursts into tears again*
Present: A wild horse 脱缰之马 (tuōjiāngzhīmǎ)
Another way to translate this is “A horse that lets go of its reins”, which sounds so much like this post-lockdown world. It can feel like things are out of control, which can be liberating but also scary. “What’s even going on?” could be the phrase of the moment.
Future: A golden cicada leaves its exuviae 金蝉脱壳 (jīnchántuōqiào)
“Exuviae” is a funny word – I might have chosen “shell” as a translation. It’s a great escape, which could be an escape or an evolution. But it’s time for you to get moving, dear reader, and let the golden cicada fly free.
So far, animal idioms are coming to me, as perhaps to you. My only criticism is that they’re a little too on the nose, but it’s not the artists fault that we live in a seemingly endless time of crisis.
Divination instructions suggest another card for “An Important Clue”. I pull it out with some trepidation and learn:
An important clue: a clever bird chooses a good tree 良禽择木 (liángqínzémù)
With all the birds and flight in this spread, it makes sense that the clue would come in the form of a good tree. The advice for you, and for all of us really, is to remember what brings us to earth. We can fly free, yes, and we should, but ultimately we need a place to land. Choose wisely.
Chinese Animal Idioms Cards is printed by Jiazazhi and is widely available online.
