Artistic cipher, representing the character Shou 壽, Longevity
Chinese superstitions
Artistic cipher, representing the character Shou 壽, Longevity.
The character Shou 壽 Longevity, is sometimes very artistically delineated on a large scroll or panel, suspended in the guest-hall, and occupying the principal place of honour above the native divan.
In such cases, it is worshipped, as if it were some kind of a God; incense is burnt before it, and bowings are made towards the ground; even prayers are addressed to it to obtain long life; in a word, it is the object of real superstitious worship.
When this character Shou delineated in gilt paper, is sent as a congratulatory present to persons, who attain their sixtieth year, it expresses much more than a wish, and superstitious ideas and fancies are generally involved in the present.
The three most important goals in life in Chinese traditional thought are the blessings of happiness (Fu 福), professional success or prosperity (Lu 祿) and longevity (Shou 壽).
They are visually represented by three ‘star gods’ with the same names (Fu, Lu, Shou), which are usually depicted as three male figures (each wearing special clothes and holding an object that allows them to be distinguished), or as the characters themselves.
Shou is instantly recognisable. ‘He holds a large peach in his hand, and a pumpkin and a scroll are attached to his long staff. A deer and a bat indicate happiness. The peach, pumpkin and scroll are symbols of longevity.’ His most striking characteristic is his large and high forehead, which has earned him the title ‘Star of Longevity.
Source: Researches into Chinese superstitions by Henri Doré. Translated from the French with Notes, Historical and Explanatory by M. Kennelly. Shanghai: T’Usewei Printing Press, 1914 – 1926.
