Conch Shell.—A Chinese Buddhist symbol.
Cone, Fir, see Pear.
Cornucopia.—Represented by a ram's horn filled with flowers and fruit. It symbolizes peace and prosperity.
Crab.—A border design having the appearance of a series of crabs with their claws extended. Very common in the Caucasian fabrics, especially the Kazaks. (See doubletone at p. [186].)
Crane.—In India the crane is symbolic of a rogue, a cheat, a false prophet, a religious hypocrite. Crane-like (bakavrata) means hypocrisy. A poet addressing a crane said, "You stand on one leg like a devotee performing austerities, but you can only cheat senseless fishes. Your hypocrisy is well known to the learned; they are aware of it."
Crescent.—In China the crescent is symbolic of coming events. In India it signifies descent in the lunar line of kings of the warrior race (Kehatriya) or it indicates Mohammedan faith. When used as a tattoo mark it is associated with a little star below it and it means the devoted love of Rohini (Venus) to the moon (who is masculine in Indian mythology).
Crocodile.—In Indian mythology, when drawn with a female figure seated on it, it signifies the Goddess Ganga (personification of the river Ganges); when drawn as holding an elephant in its tremendous jaws, it shows distress and tenacity.
Cross, Greek (sometimes called the Square Cross).—A plain cross with four equal arms. Most of the Eastern churches are built in the form of this cross. The cross is never found in rugs that are woven by the orthodox Mohammedans.