of nature and should therefore follow natural laws, which dominates the symbolism adorning Qingyang sachets. In addition, many symbols retain Buddhist ideals also circulated in the region, such as the golden fish and swastika. Sachets typically consist of one of four patterns: shape-oriented, meaning-oriented, homophone-oriented, and heterogeneous patterns. Shared-oriented patterns include patterns that have shared-shapes (shapes intertwined or side-by-side), shape(s)-inside-shape(s) (an image within an image), and combined-shapes (two images melded together, typically an animal and a human). Shape-oriented patterns use easily recognizable images from local traditions to convey a story or idea. Meaning-oriented patterns convey a specific meaning and thus a specific purpose, such as praying for one's sons. Homophone-oriented patterns display various images, which represent words that share similar pronunciations as homophones. This allows for word play. Heterogeneous patterns consist of varying images and symbols versus a limited set of only few, as seen in the other three patterns. Researchers and sachet artisans have compiled a various symbols and patterns common to Qingyang sachets, many of which are cataloged below. Bagua: This image derives from Taoist cosmology, consisting of combinations of three whole or broken lines. "Boy-fish": This pattern is one of combined-shapes, featuring the head of boy melded with the body of fish. The use of animals to express human desires and aspirations most likely derives from totem worship in ancient China. The boy-fish represents the ancient Chinese worship of the abilities of fish, including prolificacy and swimming. Improving oneself with the abilities of other animals is in line with the Confucian ideal of "being good at making use of materials," and the combination of fish and human represents the Confucian value of "harmony between man and nature." Cranes under pine trees: This pattern symbolizes longevity, a Taoist ideal. Dragon and phoenix: This auspicious pattern depicts both dragons and phoenixes, representing prosperity and good luck. Fish: The totem of the Pre Zhou dynasty, originating from North Bin. A single fish can also represent a penis while double fish may represent vulvae, thus also signifying the worship of Nüwa, the Chinese goddess of creation. Fish may also represent maternity and ancient fertility worship. "Fish-lotus-boy": A typical image used to express love, the fish-lotus-boy depicts procreation with a fish swimming through a lotus flower. The fish represents the male while the lotus represents the female, with a depiction of a boy who has been created through this process. This image