In traditional Chinese culture, the “Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity”—Fuxing (福), Luxing (禄), and Shouxing (寿)—embody humanity’s timeless aspirations. These deities, deeply woven into folklore and art, symbolize happiness, career success, and a long, fulfilling life, making them beloved figures in Chinese heritage.
1. Fuxing (God of Fortune): The Benevolent Bestower of Blessings
Fuxing, often called the “God of Happiness” or “Heavenly Official,” is typically portrayed as a kindly official holding a ruyi scepter or scroll, representing the auspicious phrase Tianguan Cifu (“Blessings Bestowed by the Heavenly Official”). Rooted in Taoist beliefs and ancient celestial worship, Fuxing’s origins are linked to Jupiter, the “Year Star,” believed to bring good fortune.
Legends depict Fuxing as a compassionate deity who intervenes in mortal affairs. During the Tang Dynasty, an upright official named Yang Cheng earned widespread esteem for his integrity and kindness. After his death, the people revered him as Fuxing, convinced his spirit had become a guiding star. This story merges divine myth with human virtue, emphasizing Fuxing’s role as a symbol of moral excellence and benevolent protection.
2. Luxing (God of Prosperity): The Patron of Scholarly Achievement and Career Success
Luxing, the “God of Prosperity,” is closely associated with education, career advancement, and material wealth. Often depicted as a robed scholar clutching a hùbǎn (ceremonial tablet) and accompanied by a deer or the Four Treasures of the Study (brush, ink, paper, and inkstone), Luxing embodies wisdom and success.
Myths about Luxing frequently center on academic and professional attainment. A well-known tale tells of a Song Dynasty scholar who, after years of failed imperial exams, encountered a wise old man with a white beard. The man gifted him a magical writing brush, predicting he would achieve great success. The scholar heeded the advice and eventually became the top imperial scholar, later realizing his benefactor was Luxing. This legend reflects the deep reverence for education in Chinese culture and the hope for upward mobility.
3. Shouxing (God of Longevity): The Wise Guardian of Eternal Life
Shouxing, or the “Old Man of the South Pole,” is the most iconic of the trio. Recognizable by his high, bald forehead, flowing white beard, and staff topped with a peach, he is often seen alongside a crane or white deer, symbols of longevity and grace.
Shouxing’s myths blend wisdom with whimsy. In Journey to the West, his mischievous mount, a white deer, escapes to Earth and terrorizes the Kingdom of Bichu by kidnapping children to create immortality elixirs. When Sun Wukong exposes the plot, Shouxing intervenes to reclaim his errant pet, showcasing both his divine authority and a playful sense of humor. Elsewhere, legends describe Shouxing obtaining peaches of immortality from Xiwangmu (Queen Mother of the West) and distributing them to virtuous individuals, solidifying his role as the guardian of long life.
Conclusion
The Three Star Gods of Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity are more than mythical figures; they are cultural pillars that reflect Chinese values of happiness, ambition, and respect for life. Through their stories—filled with moral lessons, fantastical adventures, and timeless wisdom—these deities continue to inspire and resonate, offering a window into the heart of Chinese culture for audiences worldwide.