The character "禄" (lù) in Chinese carries rich cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. Its pronunciation is "lù," and it has a long history, with origins traceable back to the Oracle Bone Script of the Shang Dynasty. "禄" is a compound character that combines both phonetic and ideographic elements. The character is composed of “示” (shì) and “录” (lù), where "示" is often associated with rituals and deities, and "录" symbolizes recording or documenting. Together, they convey the idea of blessings and emoluments bestowed by heaven, recorded and granted.
In ancient society, "禄" was closely linked to official positions and social status, representing material wealth and the honor of high standing. Additionally, "禄" symbolized good fortune and auspiciousness, reflecting people's aspirations for a prosperous life. Therefore, the character "禄" holds a significant place in Chinese culture, representing luck, happiness, and success. It is widely used in literature, art, and naming, carrying people's hopes and wishes for a bright future.
what is lu in chinese character
The character "禄" (lù) in Chinese is a word rich in cultural connotations and symbolic meaning. Its pronunciation is "lù." From a structural perspective, "禄" is a compound character that combines both phonetic and ideographic elements, consisting of "示" (shì) and "录" (lù). The "示" component is often associated with rituals and deities, while "录" symbolizes recording or documenting. Together, they imbue the character "禄" with the meaning of blessings and emoluments granted by heaven and duly recorded.
In ancient society, "禄" was closely linked to official positions and social status, symbolizing wealth and the honor of high standing. It represented the material prosperity and respect associated with holding a prestigious office. Additionally, "禄" was a symbol of good fortune and luck, reflecting people's aspirations for a prosperous and fulfilling life. In literature, art, and other fields, the character "禄" was often used as a creative element and thematic expression, carrying people's hopes and wishes for a bright future.
In summary, the character "禄" is not just a Chinese character but a symbol of multiple meanings in Chinese culture, including blessings, emoluments, good fortune, and luck. It embodies people's desires and pursuits for a better life.
Lu character history
Origin and Early Forms
The character "禄" (lù) can be traced back to the Oracle Bone Script of the Shang Dynasty, with its prototype being "录" (lù). In Oracle Bone Script, the character "录" resembles a cloth bag filled with something wet, with water droplets seeping out, representing the action of drawing water. Some scholars believe that the upper part of the character resembles a pulley on a well frame used for drawing water, while the lower part depicts a bag filled with water and droplets falling from it. The overall shape symbolizes the act of drawing water for irrigation, ensuring a bountiful harvest. At this stage, "录" was not directly associated with "禄," but the imagery of drawing water to receive blessings laid the foundation for the later development of the character "禄," which came to symbolize fortune and blessings.
Evolution of Form and Expansion of Meaning
As the script evolved, the character "禄" gradually took shape during the Bronze Script (Jinwen) period and began to acquire the meaning of "fortune." In Bronze Script, the character "禄" sometimes included the "示" (shì) radical to distinguish it from similar characters, making the overall shape more robust. Although the "bag" at the bottom became smaller, it still retained the image of "water droplets" falling from the sides of the "bag," further reinforcing the character's association with blessings and grace. By the time of the Small Seal Script (Xiaozhuan) stage, the "示" radical had become a fixed component of the character, distinguishing it from other characters like "录" (record) and "渌" (clear water), and clarifying its meaning as specifically referring to blessings and official emoluments.
In the Shuowen Jiezi, an ancient Chinese dictionary, "禄" is explained as "福也" ("fortune"). It is derived from "示" (which refers to divine blessings) and "录" (which conveys the idea of drawing water to receive grace). Together, these elements create the unique cultural significance of the character "禄."
References in Historical Texts
The character "禄" frequently appears in historical texts, carrying rich meanings. For example, in the Book of Songs (Shijing), the phrase "百禄是何" refers to "禄" as blessings or good fortune. Similarly, in the Book of Rites (Liji), the phrase "位定然后禄之" means determining official emoluments based on rank, illustrating "禄" as a term for the salaries of ancient officials. Additionally, "禄" is often paired with "福" to form auspicious expressions such as "福禄双全" (both fortune and emolument) and "百禄是荷" (a hundredfold blessing), symbolizing the perfect union of happiness and official rewards.
lu character meaning
The character "禄" (lù) in Chinese carries rich connotations and symbolic meanings, which can be summarized in the following aspects:
Basic Meanings
- Salaries of Ancient Officials:
The most fundamental meaning of "禄" refers to the salaries or emoluments of ancient officials, specifically the income and rewards that government officers received. Terms like "俸禄" (stipend) and "禄米" (grain as salary) indicate the financial compensation or food provided as salary to officials. This meaning reflects the close relationship between "禄" and the bureaucratic system, as well as the socio-economic life of ancient China.
- Symbol of Fortune and Blessing:
"禄" also extends to symbolize good fortune and blessings. In ancient literature, "禄" is often mentioned alongside "福" (happiness), as in phrases like "福禄双全" (both fortune and emolument) and "百禄是荷" (a hundredfold blessing). These phrases signify the perfect combination of happiness and official rewards, embodying people's aspirations for a prosperous life.
Cultural Symbolism
- Symbol of High Rank and Prestige:
In ancient society, "禄" was closely associated with official positions and social status. The pursuit of "高官厚禄" (high rank and ample emoluments) was a common goal, as it represented not only material wealth but also the elevation of social status and the possession of power. Therefore, "禄" often described a person's rank and status within society.
- Symbol of Auspiciousness and Happiness:
In everyday life, "禄" is commonly used in names or as part of auspicious phrases, symbolizing abundant blessings and continuous good luck. For example, the "禄" star in the trio of "福禄寿" (Happiness, Emolument, Longevity) represents wealth and good fortune. Additionally, many parents choose the character "禄" when naming their children, hoping that they will lead happy and prosperous lives.
Other Connotations
- Surname:
"禄" is also a Chinese surname, though less common than others, it has its own unique heritage and history throughout time.
- Symbol of Selflessness and Dedication:
In certain cultural contexts, "禄" symbolizes the spirit of selflessness and dedication. This is reflected in the loyalty to public service and contributions to society, embodying the idea of working for the benefit of the nation and the people without seeking personal gain.
In conclusion, the character "禄" in Chinese embodies a wealth of cultural meanings and symbolism. It represents the emoluments of ancient officials and is a symbol of fortune and blessings. It marks official rank and social status, serves as an emblem of auspiciousness and happiness, and even functions as a surname and a symbol of selflessness and dedication. In various contexts, "禄" displays different facets of charm and value, making it a shining gem in the treasure trove of Chinese culture.
lu character story
The Meaning of the Deity of Fortune (禄神):
In the vast and profound field of Bazi (Eight Characters) astrology, the "Deity of Fortune" (禄神) carries rich and far-reaching connotations and symbolic significance. It is not merely a simple astrological concept, but also a symbol of good fortune that encompasses multiple dimensions of life. The primary meaning of the Deity of Fortune is that it represents a person’s luck or blessings. These blessings include not only material wealth and comfort but also spiritual fulfillment and joy. The Deity of Fortune symbolizes the ability to enjoy the various beauties of life, whether it be the warmth of family, success in career, good health, or a peaceful mind—all of which are believed to be under the protection of this deity.
Moreover, the Deity of Fortune represents rank and emoluments (爵禄与食禄), which were particularly important in ancient Chinese society. It signifies an elevation in social status and a stable source of income, which were highly coveted states of life. The Deity of Fortune is also closely connected to wealth and prosperity, implying the accumulation and growth of riches, enabling an individual to be financially independent and free from worries.
On a deeper level, the Deity of Fortune symbolizes a person’s physical health and longevity, reflecting the ancient reverence for the value of life. Under the protection of this deity, people believe they can attain a healthy body and a long life, allowing them to better enjoy each stage of their existence.
In summary, the meaning and symbolism of the Deity of Fortune are multi-layered and comprehensive. It is not confined to material satisfaction, such as wealth, benefits, or official emoluments, but extends to the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment and happiness. The Deity of Fortune represents an overall well-being in life, embodying the deep human desire for a prosperous and fulfilling existence. With the Deity of Fortune’s guidance, people believe that through their own efforts and the favor of destiny, they can achieve both material and spiritual abundance, leading to a life that is both rich and meaningful, healthy and joyful. Therefore, the Deity of Fortune is considered an extremely auspicious symbol in Bazi astrology, embodying the beautiful hopes and deep aspirations people have for their future.
