Key钥匙

Keys have been used as a symbol of authority1 and power for ages in manysocieties and ceremonies around the world. The key is also a symbol of freedomand liberation2.

多年来，钥匙在世界各地的许多社会和仪式中都被用作权威和权力的象征。钥匙也是自由和解放的象征。

Key Superstitions3

关于钥匙的迷信

Earlier it was not uncommon in the Western world that the midwives4 wouldplace a key in the hand of a woman giving birth. The key was meant to“unlock”the baby and ensure a safe delivery5 of the baby.

In Eastern Europe there was a superstition that the key had the power toprevent all bad dreams. To make this work， a key was hung upside down on thewall over the bed.

In Ionia， located in present day Turkey， there was a tradition to bury the deadwith an iron key. It was important the dead could unlock the door to the underworld.

早些时候，在西方世界，助产士把钥匙放在正在分娩的妇女手中的情况并不罕见。这把钥匙是为了“解锁”婴儿，确保婴儿安全降生。

在东欧有一种迷信，认为钥匙有防止所有噩梦的力量。为了达成这一点，人们把一把钥匙倒挂在床头的墙上。

在爱奥尼亚（位于今天的土耳其），有用铁钥匙陪葬的传统。死者能够打开通往阴间的大门是很重要的。

Janus-Ancient Roman God of the Gates and Doors

雅努斯——古罗马的门神

Janus was the two-faced Roman god of gates. He could look in both directionsat the same time. He could see the past as well as the future. Janus was thebeginning and the end. He could grant success and new opportunities. He issometimes shown carrying keys in his left hand and his staff in his right hand. Januswas the god of new beginnings. The month of January is named after him.

雅努斯是罗马的双面门神。他可以同时注视两个方向。他既能看到过去，也能看到未来。雅努斯是开始，也是结束。他可以赐予成功和新的机会。他有时以左手拿着钥匙，右手拿着长杖的形象出现。雅努斯是新开端之神。一月是以他的名字命名的。

The Ceremony of the Keys

锁闸仪式

The Ceremony of the Keys is quite famous. It takesplace in the Tower of London every single night. It is a gateclosing ritual6 performed by Yeoman Warders7. Thisceremony is a very old tradition. It has been performed everysingle night at 21：52 for the past 700 years. Earlier it wasmore about protecting members of the royal family and otherimportant people staying at the Tower of London. Today it ismostly about protecting the crown8 jewels. This ceremony isvery popular. It is possible to attend， but they do not allow any pictures to be taken.

锁闸仪式很有名。它每晚都会在伦敦塔上演。这是一种由塔楼守卫执行的锁门仪式。这个仪式是一个非常古老的传统。在过去的700 年里，它在每晚的21：52上演。早些时候，它更多的是为了保护王室成员和其他入住伦敦塔的重要人物。如今，它主要是为了保护王冠上的珠宝。这个仪式非常受欢迎。你可以参加，但拍照是不允许的。

Key Charm9 and Necklace

钥匙挂饰和项链

A key charm or a key necklace is a popular gift to give on importantbirthdays as the 16th， 18th and 21st birthday. It symbolizes opening doors for abrighter future.

Many may wear a key charm or necklace when looking for a job or a changeof work place. It is believed to be an amulet10 that will help the wearer to finddoors of opportunity.

Some people will buy a key charm for themselves when they move into anew home. This will ensure a happy home.

In Japan it is not uncommon to find charms made up of three keys joinedtogether. The three keys are said to unlock the secrets to wisdom， life and love.

钥匙挂饰或钥匙项链是在16 岁、18 岁和21 岁等重要生日时最受欢迎的礼物。它象征着为更光明的未来敞开大门。

许多人在找工作或换工作地点时可能会戴上一个钥匙挂饰或项链。它被认为是一个护身符，可以帮助佩戴者找到机会之门。

有些人搬进新家后会给自己买一个钥匙挂饰。这将保佑他们有一个幸福的家。

在日本，由三把钥匙连在一起组成的小饰品并不少见。据说这三把钥匙可以解开智慧、生命和爱情的秘密。

（英语原文选自：goodlucksymbols.com）