Chinese Coin Swords

Coin swords are popular among Taoism and Feng Shui practitioners. The swords are made up of old Chinese bronze 'cash' coins with a square hole. They are threaded together with red strings and hung above a baby's crib to protect babies from the Thou-Tzu Kuei, the spirits of women who had died without children and try to steal infants.

Astrologers and other horoscope specialists were able to forewarn of especially dangerous days and periods in the life of the young child, when protection against demonic attack was particularly necessary. Should such precautions fail, Taoist exorcists would perform rituals to expel the spirits and exorcise the child.

For those who aren't worried about evil spirits, the sword can be used as a unique focal point on any wall. We have also seen people these swords apart and use the coins to make earrings and other jewelry or tie them together with red strings for good wishes and fortune.