The gate of the quadrangle is also exquisite. It is the facade of the owner and a symbol of family status. There used to be a saying among the people: "The higher the threshold, the harder it is to get in."
Therefore, the higher the gatehouse at the door, the more distinguished the status of the master. There are also door gods on the two gates to ward off evil spirits and guard the portal, which is also a symbol of happiness and auspiciousness.
In the design and decoration of quadrangles, odd numbers are unlucky, which is usually unacceptable to old Beijingers: buy a pair of boxes, two chairs, a pair of caps and so on.
However, there are also odd numbers, that is, the north house should be odd, three or five rooms. If there are four rooms, of course, it is necessary to build three large rooms, half rooms on each side, which is the so-called "four broken five"
As for the east wing and the west wing, three rooms are the most important. The intention is to build a central axis in the courtyard, which is like the human spine and the most important source of geomantic omen in the courtyard.
Because of this, even-numbered houses in Beijing are not popular. So there is a saying in Beijing that "four or six is not bad".
The flowers and trees planted in Beijing quadrangles also pay attention to geomantic omen. Even the best mulberries and refreshing pears will not be planted in the yard, because mulberries are homophonic with mourning and pears are homophonic with parting. This is the truth of the Beijing saying "Mulberry, pine, cypress, pear and locust don't enter the palace".
Most of the trees commonly used at home are spring peaches, jujube trees and locust trees. You can enjoy flowers in spring, enjoy the cool in summer and taste fresh fruits in autumn. It is most appropriate to use "Chunhua Qiushi" to summarize the trees in Beijing quadrangles.
The flowers often planted in quadrangles are lilac, Xifu begonia, elm leaf plum, mountain peach blossom, chrysanthemum, peony, peony, vine, jasmine, yellow flower and so on. Hosta can also be planted in the shade.
In addition to the flowers planted on the ground, there are many potted plants that can be moved and placed at will to decorate the courtyard. The most common potted flowers and trees are pomegranate, oleander, Jingui, Yin Gui, Rhododendron and Gardenia. Planting pomegranate is a sign of "many children".
As for the grass jasmine, impatiens, morning glory and flat bean curd in the garden before the hospital, it is the daily beauty of the courtyard. There is a saying in Qing Dynasty that describes life in quadrangles: "ceiling, fish tank, pomegranate tree, old man, young lady, fat girl", which can be said to be a typical portrayal of life in quadrangles.