Knowledge
1 catty is equal to 16 taels
1 catty is equal to 16 taels
| “1 catty is equal to 16 taels” is a common consensus among Hong Kong people. In fact, this came from ancient steelyard, which has 16 stars as measuring marking on its surface. Each star means a tael, so 1 catty is equal to 16 taels. Steelyard is not only for weighing, it is also a tool for measuring human’s honesty! | |
 In ancient times, it has been saying Mr. Luban used a leverage to invent the steelyard, there were only 13 taels on the steelyard. It has been told Mr. Luban the marking concept is from astronomy. 13 taels is equal to 1 catty; As the King Qin Shi Huang united China, he also standardized the measuring system and added 3 stars to the steelyard, which represent “fortune, prosperity and longevity”. From that time, 1 catty is equal to 16 taels. The three stars give guidelines to one who use the steelyard should be honest, fair and equitable. |
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| If people try to cheat with the steelyard, he will loss his hidden merits. Underweighting of first tael will be cursed to loss his fortune. Underweighting 2 taels will be cursed to loss of income. Underweighting 3 taels will be cursed to loss of long-life. It implies that running businesses have to be honest and cannot act against their conscience and being egotistic. |
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