Goats played an important role in ancient Chinese culture. The Goat’s Step may not seem connected at first glance. However, considering the goat’s symbolism might change your perspective.
The Goat’s Step is a cliff. Its name connects it to the agility of goats. Now consider the historical importance of goats in China. In ancient times goats had a close relationship with people. Their influence spanned Chinese characters, food, morals, rituals, and even aesthetics.
Legend says “the Five Goats Bringing the Grains” started in the Zhou Dynasty. Animal husbandry solved hunger with tamed goats. People changed eating habits from fish to goat. Mutton became vital. The goat became very important to the ancient Chinese people.
The traditional Chinese character for “health preserving” includes the radical for “goat”. Also, a character meaning “eating mutton” uses the “goat” radical. China was known for etiquette and ceremonies. The character for “etiquette” also contains the “goat” radical. Goats were offered to gods. They were sacrificed in important ceremonies. Emperors even used goats of uniform color for sacrifices. The goat was thought to have made sacrifices for the progress of the Chinese nation.
Goats symbolized pureness. The character for “beauty” includes the radical for “goat”. It means “the big goat is beautiful”. From the view of ancient people, the Goat symbolizes goodness.
In ancient times, the character for “goat” meant “good luck”. Goat heads were hung on doors during the Spring Festival. Goats were given as gifts. They were even part of wedding dowries.
The character for “freshness” combines fish and goat. It means newly cooked fish and mutton are very fresh. People described delicious food as “fresh and tasteful to the mouth”. Ancient Chinese people seasoned mutton soup perfectly. Therefore, delicious food and soup are connected to the goat.
The Goat’s Step reminds us of the goat’s importance. Chinese goats originated from the Fertile Crescent. Ancient DNA shows their genetic continuity. Chinese goats evolved to suit different climates. Northern goats have dense coats for the cold. This adaptation shows environmental adaptation through domestication. So, as you stand here at the Goat’s Step remember this animal. It is an animal that has been so very important to China.