Complete Collection of Chinese Auspicious Decorative Patterns: Auspicious Characters

Author: Qian Zhengkun, Qian Zhengsheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: The pursuit of Fu (fortune), Lu (wealth), and Shou (longevity) is one of the main traditional auspicious beliefs in Chinese folk culture. Fu signifies "five blessings descending upon the door"; Lu implies high-ranking officials and abundant wealth; Shou represents a long life. The Chinese people often use the Three Stars of Fu, Lu, and Shou as symbols of happiness, good fortune, and longevity in social interactions and daily life. As the god of happiness in folklore, the Fu deity is deeply loved and revered by people. The Fu deity, like the Shou star, originated from ancient star worship. People devoutly worshipped it, hoping to bring blessings to their homes and ensure lasting good fortune, which led to the emergence of the Fu deity. The so-called Fu star refers to the Jupiter, also known as the Year Star. Astrologers claimed that when Jupiter appeared, it would bring blessings to the people. Later, the Fu star gradually became personified as the Fu deity. Who exactly is the Fu deity? There are two major theories: one suggests that the Fu deity is the Heavenly Official, while the other claims it is Yangcheng. Zhang Ling founded Taoism, which had a significant influence. After Zhang Ling's death, his son Zhang Heng continued to spread the teachings and strongly promoted the belief in the "Three Officials." The Three Officials are the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official. Whenever believers fell ill, Zhang Heng and others advised them not to seek medical help or take medicine but to pray to the Three Officials instead. They claimed that the Heavenly Official bestows blessings, the Earthly Official forgives sins, and the Water Official relieves troubles. This belief has been passed down through the ages, with the phrase "The Heavenly Official bestows blessings" being particularly popular among people. As a result, the Heavenly Official came to be worshipped as the Fu deity who brings blessings. The theme of "The Heavenly Official bestows blessings" became one of the important subjects in folk New Year paintings through the generations. The Heavenly Official is also known as the Fu Star or the Fu Judge. His typical image depicts him in the attire of a court official, wearing a red robe adorned with dragon embroidery and jade belts, holding a large golden hook in his hand, and wearing court boots. He has a benevolent and joyful expression, with five long beards flowing over his chest, exuding an air of happiness, elegance, and nobility.
P1 Lu Deity The Lu deity has been revered since ancient times as the god of success, wealth, and social status. The Lu star is the sixth star of the Wen Chang official, responsible for overseeing wealth. Over time, the Lu star evolved into the Lu deity and was associated with Zhang Xian. This Zhang Xian is said to be Zhang Yuanxiao from Meishan, Sichuan, who achieved enlightenment on Qingcheng Mountain during the Five Dynasties period and received an arrow from an old man with four eyes, which could dispel disasters from people's homes. Another account describes him as "Zhang Xian, the child-giver," who is often depicted holding or leading a child in traditional paintings of Fu, Lu, and Shou. The primary duty of the Lu deity is to grant promotions and wealth to people, making him the god of those who seek success and status. However, for ordinary people, the Lu deity is also a auspicious god, as he, along with the Fu and Shou deities, brings endless happiness to the world and is widely revered by the folk. In folk auspicious paintings, the deer is often used to represent Lu.
P5 Shou Deity The Shou deity represents health and life, and people worship him, praying for health, happiness, and longevity. The Shou deity originally referred to the first two of the seven stars in the Eastern Azure Dragon of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions—Jiao and Kong. The Eastern Azure Dragon in the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions consists of Jiao, Kong, Shi, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji, forming the shape of a dragon. Among these, Jiao has two stars that resemble horns, resembling the dragon's horns in the Eastern Azure Dragon. Kong has four stars that rise high and straight, resembling the dragon's head in the Eastern Azure Dragon. Jiao and Kong are the first two of the seven stars, listed among all the mansions.