|
The names in Tai Chi. Written by Lars Bo Christensen translated by Knud Erik Andersen |
|
|
The different Tai Chi forms, that we have today, mostly originates from the same root. Today there are so many different forms, because each master has changed the movements according to what, they once learned. Thus have the names in Tai Chi gone through a change, too. The names in Tai Chi can sound strange and poetic for the spectators. Names like "Lazily Tieing The Coat" or "High Pat On Horse", will mystify most people. Likewise most people would think, that "Fair Lady At The Shuttle" is a very pretty name for an fighting application. But the names, have to been looked at in the context, that once the have been very describing. If You read in old writings, whether they are English or Chinese, You will think that the language is quiet tortuous. But that was the way they spoke then, they made an effort in making themselves understood and in expressing themselves elegantly. The names in Tai Chi have to be describing, but a movement can contain so many details, that it's impossible to describe it in a few words. The old names in Tai Chi are, if You put Your-self in the way of thinking, extremely describing. Here are an explanation for some of the names, that are used in the Yang Style. Embracing The Peacocks Tail
The movements could give one the feeling of embracing a peacocks tail, but the name is actually an misunderstanding. Originally it was called "Tie Up The Coat", which means to prepare Your-self before beginning. But "Lan Chiao Wei", can in an other dialect mean "Embracing The Peacocks Tail". Single Whip
"Dan Bien" means single whip, in contrast to one with more than one. For an Chinese in the old days, this would be a distinct description of an long arm with a bent wrist and the fingertips closed together. For example in Chinese Opera, such a hand is used, to describe You are riding a horse. White Crane Spreads Its Wings
The crane has for millennium been one of the Chinese favorite symbols for immortality. The legend says, that a crane is a thousand years old, when it becomes white. That's why so many has imitated its movements, and this movement reminds very much of a crane, spreading its wings. Playing The PiPa
In this movement the arms are held like if You were playing an guitar or the Chinese lute: PiPa.
Retreat and Seal
When You are doing this movement, You get the feeling of closing something with Your hands or "Sealing".
Repulse The Monkey
Monkey can be a condescending name for an opponent, which press forward toward You, and run straight into You hand. |
Needle At Seabottom
This is very describing for most people. The hand have to be pointed like a needle, and "be pointed to the bottom of the sea". It can be added, that the needle at the seabottom is a acupuncture point, too. Cloudhands
In this movement the hands are passing by Your face, just like the clouds drifting away in the sky.
High Pat On Horse
Imagine Your are holding the rein in Your left hand, and clapping the muzzle with the right.
Fair Lady At The Shuttle
A Fair Lady is for a Chinese a very pretty, fine woman. She's lifting the warp with one hand, and pushing the shuttle with the other. The movement is also called "Four Corners", because it's done four times to the four corners.
White Snake Striking Its Tongue
Once again, a white snake is something spiritual or immortal and a hand which are pointed and coming flat forward, are called a snakehand. Preparation
Many of the names only has a physical describing function, but many gives You an idea of the feeling and the overall impression. This applies especially in the first movement "Preparation", where You just stands as usual. Apparently nothing is happening, but inside You become calm and brilliant, before commencing Tai Chi.
©1998 Knud Erik Andersen
|
