Chinese netizens on popular micro-blogging site Sina Weibo recently discovered images of what they are calling "cat worship," hidden in the intricate anti-counterfeit designs on the 100 Reminbi (RMB) note.
A representative of China Construction Bank told Chinese news site iFeng.com that the RMB's design is "a serious matter," adding that while some of the note's features may contain hidden significances, the patterns are mostly designed for aesthetics and anti-counterfeit measures.
One Weibo commenter, 眉间尺Samul-帝麦创意, noted that cat, or 猫 （mao, 1st tone) in Chinese is a homonym for the Chairman's last name, 毛 (mao, 2nd tone).
这是哪个平面设计师这么牛逼，舍命把"mao崇拜"印到钱上去啦？民族英雄啊...... (Translation: What amazing designer risked his life to print "Mao worship" on this money? A national hero...)
Other commenters noted that the design is likely a coincidence.
The mysterious animal on the 100 yuan note is clearly horned. Personally, I think it looks more like Le Yangyang, mascot of the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games (Pictured above).
We want to hear what you think about this article. Submit a letter to the editor or write to letters@theatlantic.com.