Sanxing (deities)

Lore & Background

The three gods originate in ancient Chinese star worship, each being the personification of a named celestial body. The star of Shou (Shòuxīng, 壽星, 'Star of Longevity') corresponds to Canopus (α Carinae), known in Chinese astronomy as Nanji Laoren (南極老人, 'Old Man of the South Pole'). Sima Qian recorded it in the Shiji as the longevity star of the south polar region, noting that its appearance over China was held to herald a time of peace. Because Canopus transits very low across the southern horizon and is rarely visible from northern China, its sighting was regarded as a propitious and unusual event.

The star of Fu (Fúxīng, 福星, 'Star of Fortune') corresponds to the planet Jupiter, known in classical Chinese astronomy as the 'Year Star' (歲星, Suìxīng) because its sidereal period is approximately twelve years, matching the twelve-year cycle of the Earthly Branches. Jupiter was regarded as an auspicious planet whose position in the sky determined the fortunate direction for activities. The star of Lu (Lùxīng, 祿星, 'Star of Prosperity') corresponds to Mizar (ζ Ursae Majoris), the sixth star in the Wenchang asterism (文昌六) in traditional Chinese astronomy, associated with official rank and literary success.

Their iconic representation as three old, bearded, wise men dates back to the Ming dynasty, when the gods of the three stars were represented in human form for the first time. They are sometimes identified with other deities of Chinese religion or of Taoism. According to a Ming dynasty Taoist myth, the star of fortune is associated with Yang Cheng, a governor of Daozhou in the Tang dynasty, who risked his life attempting to convince the emperor to free court dwarfs kept as slaves. 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 star of Lu is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty.

Reader's Guide

The Sanxing are widely associated with feng shui and are considered auspicious presences in the home. 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. 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, and is sometimes conflated with Caishen, the Chinese god of wealth. Luxing is usually depicted in the dress of a mandarin, often holding a ruyi sceptre, and is worshipped separately as the deity dictating one's success in imperial examinations. Shouxing is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach he carries as a symbol of immortality; he is usually shown smiling and friendly, sometimes carrying a calabash gourd filled with the elixir of life, and is conflated with Master Lao and immortals in Taoist theology. The term 'Sanxing' is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life.

Did You Know?

• The star of Shou corresponds to Canopus, which is rarely visible from northern China, making its sighting a propitious event.
• The star of Fu corresponds to Jupiter, whose sidereal period of approximately twelve years matches the twelve-year cycle of the Earthly Branches.
• The star of Lu corresponds to Mizar, the sixth star in the Wenchang asterism, associated with official rank and literary success.
• The iconic representation of the three gods as old, bearded, wise men dates back to the Ming dynasty.