A peace buckle (平安扣, ping an kou) is a round disc with a hole in the center, usually carved from jade. Its name means "peace and safety," and in Chinese culture it is worn as a charm for a safe, untroubled life. Parents give peace buckles to children, couples exchange them, and travelers wear them on the road.
Where the shape comes from
The peace buckle descends from the bi, a flat jade disc with a central hole made in China since the Neolithic period. In early Chinese ritual, round bi discs were offered to Heaven. The modern peace buckle is a smaller, thicker version made to be worn.
Its roundness stands for completeness and harmony, a circle with no break.
Why jade?
Jade has been the most valued stone in China for thousands of years. Confucius compared its qualities to those of a good person: warm, smooth and steady. A Chinese saying holds that gold has a price but jade is priceless. Jewelers use "jade" for two different minerals, nephrite and jadeite. Hetian jade is a well-known nephrite, and Burmese jade is jadeite. Peace buckles are also made in other green and white stones such as aventurine and chalcedony. Read more about jade in Chinese culture.
How to wear a peace buckle
- On a red cord, as a necklace or bracelet. Red adds luck and protection; read about the meaning of red string.
- As a gift. Peace buckles are a traditional present for a new baby, a birthday, a wedding or someone about to travel.
- With other symbols. Carvings of dragons and phoenixes, koi fish or flowers add their own blessings to the disc.
Peace buckles at Buddha.store
- Red Rope Peace Buckle Bracelet with Jade Charm
- Green Jadeite Dragon Phoenix Peace Buckle Necklace
- Sterling Silver Koi Fish Necklace with White Chalcedony Peace Buckle
- Green Aventurine Peace Buckle Pendant Necklace
See more in our necklaces and pendants.
