The Sanxing are the gods of the three celestial bodies considered essential in Chinese astrology and mythology: Jupiter, Ursa Major, and Canopus. Fu, Lu, and Shou, or Cai, Zi and Shou (Chinese: 財子壽) are also the embodiments of Fortune (Fu), presiding over the planet Jupiter, Prosperity (Lu), presiding over Mizar, and Longevity (Shou), presiding over Canopus. They have emerged from Chinese folk religion. Their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men dates back to the Ming dynasty,[1] when the gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. They are sometimes identified with other deities of the Chinese religion or of Taoism.
The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life. Statues of these three gods are found on the facades of folk religion's temples, ancestral shrines, in homes and many Chinese-owned shops, often on small altars with a glass of water, an orange or other auspicious offerings, especially during Chinese New Year. Traditionally, they are arranged right to left (Shou on the left of the viewer, Lu in the middle, and Fu on the far right), just as Chinese characters are traditionally written from right to left.
The star of Fu (福), or Fuxing (Chinese: s=福星|p=fúxīng|l=Star of fortune), corresponds to the planet Jupiter. According to folkloric beliefs, the planet is believed to be auspicious and would bring prosperity to those who receive its light.[2]
Alternatively, according to a Ming dynasty Taoist myth, the star of fortune is associated with Yang Cheng (Chinese: t=楊成),[3] a governor of Daozhou in the Tang dynasty. Yang Cheng risked his life by writing a memorial to the emperor to save the people from presenting dwarf slaves as the special tribute to the imperial court. After his death, the people built a temple to commemorate him, and over time he came to be considered the personification of good fortune.
Fuxing is generally depicted in scholar's dress with golden trim, holding a scroll, on which is sometimes written the character "Fu" (福). He may also be seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. He is sometimes conflated with Caishen, the chinese god of wealth.
The star of Lu (祿), or Luxing (Chinese: t=祿星|p=lùxīng), corresponds to Mizar (ζ Ursa Majoris), or in traditional Chinese astronomy, the sixth star in the Wenchang constellation (文昌六). Like the star of Fortune, it also came to be personified, and is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty.[4] [5] The character "Lu" specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the star of Lu is considered the deity of prosperity, rank, and influence. He is often depicted holding a Ruyi scepter.[6]
The star of Lu is also worshipped separately from the other two as the deity dictating one's success in the imperial examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. The star of Lu is usually depicted in the dress of a mandarin.
See main article: Old Man of the South Pole.
The star of Shou, or Shouxing (Chinese: t=壽星|p=Shòuxing|l=Star of longevity), corresponds to the star α Carinae (Canopus). It is also called the "star of the south pole" in Chinese astronomy, and is believed to control the lifespans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered. He is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. The longevity god is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a calabash gourd filled with the elixir of life. He is sometimes conflated with Master Lao and immortals in Taoist theology.