Pahkwa

Pah-kwa

a Chinese charm, consisting of eight diagrams arranged in a circular form; it is in most common use in China. The figure is thus formed. The eight diagrams are described by Mr. Cuthbertson, an American missionary to the Chinese, as follows: "They are triplets of lines, whole and broken, the various combinations of which produce eight sets of triplets, each having its peculiar properties. These. by further combinations, produce sixty-four figures, which also possess their peculiar powers. The first set are representative respectively of heaven, vapor, fire, thunder, winds, water, mountains, earth. These mysterious figures embody in some inscrutable manner the elements of all change, the destinies of all ages, the first principles of all morals, the foundation of all actions. They, of course, furnish important elements for the subtle calculations of the diviner. From such a system of calculation the results obtained must depend wholly upon the ingenuity of the practitioner. The figure of the eight diagrams is seen everywhere. It is often worn on the person. It is seen, too, posted in conspicuous positions about houses, chiefly over the door, to prevent the ingress of evil influences." See Doolittle, China and the Chinese (N. Y. 1866, 2: vols. 12mo); Nevins, China and the Chinese (N. Y. 1869 12mo).