Forbidden City Gates Follow Traditional Rules on Door Nails
The red gates of the Forbidden City in Beijing feature golden door nails arranged according to historical rules from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The number and color of the nails reflect traditional Chinese beliefs about hierarchy and symbolism.
South China Morning PostVisitors to the Forbidden City in Beijing encounter red gates fitted with golden door nails that follow centuries-old regulations. The nails line up in specific patterns and were once reserved for members of the imperial family.
In the Ming dynasty from 1368 to 1644 and the Qing dynasty from 1644 to 1912, door nails served as markers of rank. The number of nails must be odd because odd numbers represent yang, or light, in traditional Chinese culture, while even numbers represent yin, or darkness.
Nine is the largest odd number under ten and was therefore used only for the emperor to signify supreme power. The color of the nails also follows established guidelines tied to the same system of hierarchy.
Post reported that touching the gates is believed in some traditions to grant a son to women who make contact. The practice remains part of the site’s ongoing cultural presentation to visitors.
