Thought these photos looked quite cute together. They are my mom, an aunt, and grandma. We were having Sunday lunch at one simple Teochew restaurant in Queenstown. And we were waiting for the food. I think they looked like Fu Lu Shou 福祿壽. Hehehe.Fu Lu Shou are popular in the Chinese tradition as they signifies the concept of Good Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu), and Longevity (Shou). Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, the Fu Star, Lu Star and Shou Star were considered to be personified deities of these attributes respectively. The term is commonly used in Chinese culture to denote the three attributes of a good life.
Mom is Fu (Good Fortune) . Fu is generally depicted in a scholar's dress, holding a scroll, and often seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. My mom can be classified as being fortunat
e, having a blissful marriage with children and grandchildren in tow.
Aunt is Lu (Prosperity) . Lu is worshipped as the deity dictating one's success in the Imperial Examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. Hence he represents Wealth. My aunt is intelligent and rich.
Grandma is Shou (Longevity) - of course. 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 God of Longevity is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a gourd filled with Elixer of Life. My 85-year-old grandma is indeed a symbol of longevity!
Mom is Fu (Good Fortune) . Fu is generally depicted in a scholar's dress, holding a scroll, and often seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. My mom can be classified as being fortunat
e, having a blissful marriage with children and grandchildren in tow.Aunt is Lu (Prosperity) . Lu is worshipped as the deity dictating one's success in the Imperial Examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. Hence he represents Wealth. My aunt is intelligent and rich.
Grandma is Shou (Longevity) - of course. 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 God of Longevity is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a gourd filled with Elixer of Life. My 85-year-old grandma is indeed a symbol of longevity!
So I was with 福祿壽 that Sunday.
My bf's aunt said Fu Lu Shou is satanic (cos she is christian) and refuses to step into the house unless they are taken away... *roll eyes*
ReplyDeleteWah, really? Then I believe most things are considered satanic then.
ReplyDeleteJust my few cents' worth: the chinese' believes tend to "champo champo" (mix) here and there one.
ReplyDeleteFilial Piety and respect toward the elderly: Confucionism
Pray to Grand Duke (Tai Sui):Taoism
Vegetarianism and animal liberation: Buddhism.
we end up confusing ourselves what do we really believe in.