Why Chinese people consider bat auspicious but spider inauspicious

[Cecil Lee]

[Cross posted from the conference: Chinese Culture (General}]
Although not all spiders are harmless, the Chinese consider it as one of the Five poisonous `animals'.
The five poisonous animals are: The spider, snake, scorpion, centipide and toad.
These animals symbolise plagues and drought.
In the past, a charm (please click on the picture attachment below).
Please note for viewing purposes the background of the charm is on yellow background. In fact, the background should instead be red.
This charm is displayed during the Dragon Boat festival which is on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Lunar calendar.
On the other hand, in western countries a bat is considered sinister and associated with evil.
For the Chinese, symbolism or phonetic sound of the name for bat in Mandarin is `Fu' or Luck. For this reason, the Chinese consider it lucky.
In many cases, you can see wood cravings on panels with Five bats. This symbol of five bats together signifies: health, long life, wealth, love of virtue and natural death.
Please see picture of the five bats.
Warmest Regards,
Cecil
P.S. Mailing list members will not be able to see these pictures unless one logs in to the website forum.

Quote

On 12/31/99 1:55:41 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
Why chinese people consider
bat auspicious but spider
inauspicious? Thanks