ABSTRACT
The Chinese profess to stand in great fear of evil spirits and unpropitious influences. For the purpose of preserving themselves from such spirits and influences they have devised numerous spells and charms, which they believe very efficacious. Ancient coins are in frequent use as charms, suspended by a red string, and worn about the body, or hung up on the outside of a bed-curtain. On the erection of some large temples to the honour of popular objects of worship, as the goddess of sailors, or Confucius, &c. it is customary to have some brass charms cast, to be used while the ridge-pole is being put up and fastened in its place. Concerning omens, the magpie is regarded as a bird of good omen. The Chinese also speak of omens derived from the sudden changes which occur sometimes in the appearance of certain flowers.
