魌 (qī) - A mythical mask used in ancient Chinese exorcism & a type of ceremonial mask worn by performers

魌Tone 1

qī ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

魌 · qī

A mythical mask used in ancient Chinese exorcism rituals;

a type of ceremonial mask worn by performers to drive away evil spirits.

A mythical mask used in ancient Chinese exorcisma type of ceremonial mask worn by performers

Usage highlights

Ceremonial maskMasked exorcistNuo opera maskGhost maskRitual maskMask dance

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The shaman wore a ceremonial mask (魌头) during the ritual.
  • Ancient exorcism performances featured masked dancers (方相氏戴魌).
  • Museum exhibits show traditional Nuo opera masks (傩戏魌面).

Collocations

  • Ceremonial mask(魌头)
  • Masked exorcist(戴魌方相)
  • Nuo opera mask(傩魌)
  • Ghost mask(鬼魌)
  • Ritual mask(祭魌)
  • Mask dance(魌舞)

Idioms

  • Golden-eyed four-eyed mask(黄金四目魌)
  • Fangxiangshi wearing the mask(方相氏蒙魌)
  • Mask to drive away pestilence(驱疫之魌)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originated from ancient Chinese exorcism rituals, particularly in the Nuo tradition.
  • Associated with Fangxiangshi - the official exorcist in Zhou dynasty ceremonies.
  • Used in rituals to drive away pestilence and evil spirits during seasonal changes.
  • Represents an important artifact in the study of ancient Chinese shamanistic practices.

FAQ