Sanxing (deities)
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The Sanxing (Template:Zh) are the gods of the three celestial bodies considered essential in Chinese astrology and mythology: Jupiter, Ursa Major, and Canopus. Fu, Lu, and Shou (Template:Zh), or Cai, Zi and Shou (Script error: No such module "Lang".) are also the embodiments of Fortune (Fu), presiding over the planet Jupiter, Prosperity (Lu), presiding over Mizar (ζ Ursae Majoris), and Longevity (Shou), presiding over Canopus. They have emerged from Chinese folk religion. Their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men dates back to the Ming dynasty,[1] when the gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. They are sometimes identified with other deities of the Chinese religion or of Taoism.
The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life. Statues of these three gods are found on the facades of folk religion's temples, ancestral shrines, in homes and many Chinese-owned shops, often on small altars with a glass of water, an orange or other auspicious offerings, especially during Chinese New Year. Traditionally, they are arranged right to left (Shou on the left of the viewer, Lu in the middle, and Fu on the far right), just as Chinese characters are traditionally written from right to left.
The three deities are particularly associated with feng shui,[2] and there are strict requirements that govern their placement in a room or building.[3][4][5]
Corresponding stars and attributes
Fuxing
The star of Fu (Script error: No such module "Lang".), or Fuxing (Template:Zhi), corresponds to the planet Jupiter. According to folkloric beliefs, the planet is believed to be auspicious and would bring prosperity to those who receive its light.[6]
Alternatively, according to a Ming dynasty Taoist myth, the star of fortune is associated with Yang Cheng (Template:Lang-zh),[7] a governor of Daozhou in the Tang dynasty. Yang Cheng risked his life attempting to convince the emperor to free court dwarfs kept as slaves. After his death, the people built a temple to commemorate him, and over time he came to be considered the personification of good fortune.
Fuxing is generally depicted in scholar's dress with golden trim, holding a scroll, on which is sometimes written the character "Fu" (Script error: No such module "Lang".). He may also be seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. He is sometimes conflated with Caishen, the chinese god of wealth.
Luxing
The star of Lu (Script error: No such module "Lang".), or Luxing (Template:Lang-zh), corresponds to Mizar (Script error: No such module "Lang". Ursae Majoris), or in traditional Chinese astronomy, the sixth star in the Wenchang constellation (Script error: No such module "Lang".). Like the star of Fortune, it also came to be personified, and is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty.[8][9] The character "Lu" specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the star of Lu is considered the deity of prosperity, rank, and influence. He is often depicted holding a Ruyi scepter.[10]
The star of Lu is also worshipped separately from the other two as the deity dictating one's success in the imperial examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. The star of Lu is usually depicted in the dress of a mandarin.
Shouxing
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The star of Shou, or Shouxing (Template:Lang-zh), corresponds to the star α Carinae (Canopus). Other names include Sau and Old Man of the South Pole. It is also called the "star of the south pole" in Chinese astronomy, and is believed to control the lifespans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered. He is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. The longevity god is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a calabash gourd filled with the elixir of life. He is sometimes conflated with Master Lao and immortals in Taoist theology.
Gallery
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See also
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- Fukurokuju, Japanese god derived from "Shou" deity of Sanxing
- He-He Er Xian (Script error: No such module "Lang".), Immortals of Harmony and Union, associated with happy marriages
- Seven Lucky Gods, similar group of Japanese auspicious deities
- Tai Sui (Script error: No such module "Lang".)—60 Heavenly Officials who will be in charge of each year during the Chinese sixty-year cycle
- Wufang Shangdi
- Xi (Script error: No such module "Lang".), a character sometimes added to form the set phrase: Fu Lu Shou Xi (Script error: No such module "Lang".)
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References
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- ↑ Template:In lang Script error: No such module "Lang". Template:Webarchive. British Taoist Association.
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- ↑ http://www.chinaknowledge.de/Literature/Religion/personssanxing.html, retrieved 11 Des 2017
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- Seow, Jeffrey. Fu Lu Shou: Gods of Blessings, Prosperity and Longevity, Singapore, 1999.