Heron

A favourite heron related design during Ming period shows the heron in the lotus pond.  This is a design using homophones ie heron in chinese sound like lu (路）　meaning way or path and lotus for lian ke (莲科）　imperial examination.  The design conveys the meaning yi lu lian ke (一路莲科） ie one way leading directly to imperial examination success.  Hence, it is commonly used to wish a candidate success all the way in his imperial examinations.  In ancient time, passing the imperial examinations is the path to an official career, an indication of success in life , fulfilling ones ambition of serving the country and bringing pride/honour to the family.