Fu Lu Shou

As Cheng Li is based on a Chinese pirate in the early 19th century called Cheng I Sao, I thought you might be interested in knowing more about China's traditions. So I chatted to my Hubbie's Dad and Nai Nai (Nanny in mandarin) and they explained about Fū Lu Shou.

Fu Lu Shou (Three Stars of Blessings, Auspicious Trinity or the Three Gods) are much respected and revered in China. Almost every shop or household has at least one collection and they are usually displayed in the doorways. They represent wealth, wisdom and long life or blessings, prosperity and longevity. They enhance all the good things in life. Xing means star, which explains stars of blessings.

Fu Xing represents fortune and wealth. Nai Nai described him as the classic western version of the Mandarin, a very wealthy character. This character is associated with luck, good fortune and opportunity, 'may a lifetime of fortune stars watch over you'.

Lu Xing represents wisdom. Nai Nai described him as the scholar, as he is almost always carrying books which denote his wisdom. "This word originates from feudal China to symbolize 'success in government', where the highest post in life was considered an appointment as a government official. Learned men would study for ten years just to qualify for the post - the honour and sense of fulfillment that followed was considered the ultimate success. Although the literal translation of this character is 'government official', over the years it has come to represent satisfaction and happiness through achievement. Lu Xing will bring 'ultimate success and fulfillment'."

Shou Xing represents longevity or a long life. Nai Nai described him as the old gentleman which shows his long life. "According to Chinese folklore, Longevity is described as wise, knowledgeable and capable of ruling the world. During festivals, a Chinese family normally worships the symbols or pictures of Longevity to express gratitude for granting the elders in the family a long life.  Shou Xing will bring you a 'long and fruitful life'." "Shou Xing is perhaps the most popular of the three stars, and is often portrayed alone. Legend says that Shou Xing spent nine years in the womb, and born with an extraordinarily large forehead. His mother saw the star of the South Pole the night he was conceived; this star is said to determine the time of a person's death, so Shou Xing is often called 'The Old Deity of the South Pole.' Shou Xing is usually seen holding the Peach of Immortality, and carrying a peach wood staff. Legend says that the celestial peach was the Queen of Heaven’s favorite fruit, which blossomed once ever 3,000 years with it taking another 3,000 year for the peach tree to bear fruit. Thus a bite of the celestial peach could gain longevity. In typical illustrations of Shou Xing, a crane, a bat, a deer, or some combination of these may be near him, though they are sometimes associated with the other two stars ("deer" is a homophone of the character for Lu's name)."

The little dish is another way of attracting the blessings. It is read top to bottom then left to right. Chāng (long), mìng (life), gui (wealth) and fù (happiness).

Below is a picture of my Mothers nine (three times three) Shou Xing. She was diagnosed with kidney failure before I was born, and was expected to die when I was five but received a transplant just in time, which lasted an incredible sixteen years. I remember these nine characters being important to her and her explaining about them before my sister was born. Nai Nai showed me that several had peaches (long life) either on their clothes or in their hands. One is holding a crane (fertility), another holding a bat and two have wooden staffs.

For more information see www.phillychinatown.com/chinese_topic/fuloshou/fu_lu_shou.htm and www.chinaculture.org/gb/en_chinaway/2005-08/19/content_72038.htm