Reflections | How fortune-telling in ancient China decided vital affairs of state, from wars to farming
Predicting the future was serious business during China’s Shang dynasty, when ‘oracle bones’ helped kings make big calls
Fortune-telling bars with Chinese characteristics are one of the latest fads in China.
Instead of using tarot cards or crystal balls, establishments in Beijing use the traditional Chinese method of qiuqian (kau cim in Cantonese) to tell fortunes.
Seekers either pull one of many numbered bamboo sticks out of a cylinder, or gently shake the cylinder until a single stick gets dislodged and falls to the table or floor.
The number on the stick corresponds to a chit, on which a cryptic message is written. The psychic then interprets the message and tells their client things they desperately want to hear, or vague twaddle that could apply to anyone.
