The typographic layout of a cat-raising contract in antique China
You don’t have to be able to read Chinese to enjoy the delightful layout of this cat-raising contract that takes us all the way back to China’s Song Dynasty.
The two images depict the cat-raising contract (納貓契) from China’s Song Dynasty, highlighting a fascinating intersection of culture and spirituality in pet ownership. According to this contract, acquiring a cat involves selecting an auspicious day for a ceremonial blessing, known as Kaiguang (開光). This ritual, traditionally performed by a Taoist priest, invites the presence of two significant deities in Taoism: the Queen Mother of the West and the Duke of the East.
Their descent during this ceremony symbolizes the moment when the emotional lives of both owner and cat begin to intertwine, bestowing divine blessings upon this new bond.The belief is that signing this contract ensures the cat’s safety and well-being, preventing it from becoming lost. This practice not only reflects the deep cultural significance of animals in Chinese society but also emphasizes the importance of spiritual rituals in fostering connections between humans and their pets. The integration of auspicious dates and divine witnesses illustrates how deeply intertwined daily life is with spiritual beliefs in traditional Chinese culture.
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