imperial canopy; ancient star; luck
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
canopy (over ancient emperor's carriage)
archaicRefers to a specific ceremonial umbrella-like structure used in imperial processions. This is a historical term.
When the Han Dynasty emperors traveled, their carriages often had magnificent canopies.
This mural depicts the emperor riding in a carriage with a canopy.
noun
Hua Gai (ancient asterism); metaphorical luck (often bad)
literaryIn traditional Chinese astrology/fortune-telling, the Hua Gai star is associated with a complex fate—often considered bad luck for ordinary people but auspicious for monks.
He's had bad luck lately and joked that he's under the influence of Hua Gai.
Fortune-tellers of old said that people born under Hua Gai are often solitary or have an affinity for Buddhism/Taoism.
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Lu Xun once wrote a poem titled 'Self-Mockery,' which contains the famous line, 'Under Hua Gai's influence, what more can I seek?'