- Fu Lu Shou
Fu Lu Shou (zh-tsp|t=福祿壽|s=福禄寿|p=Fú Lù Shòu) refers to the concept of Good Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu), and Longevity (Shou). This
Taoist concept is thought to date back to theMing Dynasty [zh icon [http://www.gb.taoism.org.hk/taoist-immortal/pg3-6-2.htm 福禄寿星 ] ] , when the Fu Star, Lu Star and Shou Star were considered deities of these attributes respectively. The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life.The Fu star refers to the planet Jupiter. According to legend, the Fu Star is associated with Yang Cheng a governor of Daozhou. Yang Cheng risked his life by writing a memorial to the emperor to save the people from suffering. After his death, the people built a temple to commemorate him, and over time he came to be considered the personification of good fortune.
The Lu star is the sixth star in the Wen chang cluster, and like the Fu star came to be personified. The Lu star is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty. Zhang Xian could not only give high office and wealth , but also bestow children.
The Shou star is the star of the South Pole, and is believed to control the life spans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten year before being born, and was already an old man when delivered.
References
Seow, Jeffrey: Fu Lu Shou: Gods of Blessings, Prosperity and Longevity, Singapore, 1999.
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