The three numbered suits represent the fundamental pillars of agrarian society.
, filial piety, or freedom from corruption. ThoughtCo +6 3. Bonus Tiles (The Four Gentlemen) Seasons and Flowers are used differently depending on regional rules, but they always carry seasonal and ethical symbolism. Facebook +1 Tile Season "Gentleman" Plant Virtue/Symbolism 1 Spring Plum Blossom Humble resilience; new beginnings 2 Summer Orchid Modesty, humbleness, and refinement 3 Autumn Chrysanthemum Strength and beauty in adversity 4 Winter Bamboo Integrity, open-mindedness, and persistence 4. Modern Additions Jokers: Found primarily in American Mah Jongg (NMJL), these act as wild cards and were not part of the traditional set. Colors: Red symbolizes joy and luck; Green stands for growth; White represents clarity and wisdom. Facebook +2 Would you like to explore meaning of mahjong tiles
The Characters suit combines the numeral (1-9) with the character 萬 (wàn, “ten thousand”). This directly invokes the state and bureaucracy . To count in “ten-thousands” reflects the vastness of imperial tax records and census. The stark, blocky calligraphy of these tiles contrasts with the organic Dots and Bamboos, representing the written law and scholarly governance. A hand rich in Characters was historically seen as an aspiration for officialdom—the ultimate social mobility. The three numbered suits represent the fundamental pillars
Strings that hold 100 copper coins together. What to look for: These tiles depict bamboo sticks in various configurations. The Meaning: This suit represents the common merchant class and the concept of growth. The tiles are usually color-coded in green, blue, and red. Bonus Tiles (The Four Gentlemen) Seasons and Flowers