Symbolic Icons Used by Han Chinese and Tibetan People Appearing in Sandplay Scenes Their Religious/ Cultural Symbolism

This study analyzed the meanings of diverse symbols that appeared in sandtrays made by Han Chinese and Zang (Tibetan) people. A total of three sessions of sandplay therapy at a rate of one per week were implemented with each Chinese and Tibetan participant between June 27 and August 19, 2012. The counseling cases of sixty-four participants in the study (34 Chinese, 30 Tibetan) and a total of 184 sandtrays (104 Chinese, 80 Tibetan) were collected. The data was classified by age and ethnicity and the symbolic icons used by the participants were classified into five categories by comparing quotations and photos of the sandtrays from the therapy sessions. Through this data, the cultural and religious differences between Chinese and Tibetans that appeared in sandplay scenes were examined. According to the results, preferred symbolic icons varied according to age and cultural background.