Era: Qing Dynasty
Region: Beijing
Dimensions: Diameter 7 cm
Weight: 118 g
The characters "Fortune" (福) and "Longevity" (寿) in Chinese culture are more than just words; they are symbols deeply imbued with auspicious meanings, embedded like two radiant jewels within the vast river of Chinese history and civilization. In traditional beliefs and customs, the notion that "among the Five Blessings, longevity is supreme" has deeply resonated with the people. This idea is vividly expressed in many festivals and celebrations, forming an indispensable part of national culture.
Tracing back to the Zhou Dynasty, we find inscriptions on ancient bronze vessels that reveal the ancients' profound reverence and longing for longevity. Characters with meanings similar to "Longevity," such as "Qí" (耆, referring to old age), "Xiào" (孝, the virtue of respecting elders), and "Kǎo" (考, a respectful term for the elderly), frequently appear in various texts and artifacts. These not only recorded the desire for a longer life but also reflected society's respect and care for the elderly. The Book of Songs (Shijing), China's oldest collection of poetry, also preserves humanity's wishes for longevity. In Xiaoya ("The Minor Odes of the Kingdom"), the verses, "As lasting as the Southern Mountains, unchanging and unwavering," liken the blessing of long life to the steadfastness of mountains, vividly capturing the Zhou people's profound hope for longevity and wellness. These ancient folk songs, traversing the barriers of time, still allow us to feel that deep-seated respect and reverence for the essence of life.
Daoist philosophy further enriched this concept of longevity by providing a profound theoretical foundation. In Daoism, human existence itself holds the highest value, as encapsulated in the view that "where there is life, all else can thrive." This focus on the present and appreciation for life contrasts sharply with the "afterlife" perspectives found in Christianity or Buddhism. Daoism emphasizes harmonious coexistence with nature, pursuing physical and spiritual balance, and believes that by cultivating the mind and body and following natural laws, one can attain longevity. This philosophical outlook deeply influenced Chinese attitudes toward life and values, making the pursuit of longevity an important goal in everyday life.
Against this cultural background, the Chinese people partly transformed the concept of "fortune" into a longing for longevity, artfully merging their wishes for fortune and longevity into the phrase "福寿" (fortune and longevity). This unique cultural expression can be seen throughout traditional art, from paintings and sculptures to literature and folk crafts, all rich with fortune-and-longevity themes. For example, motifs like peaches of longevity, Shouxing (the God of Longevity), and the cranes and pines representing longevity, signify good fortune and longevity; similarly, poetry, couplets, and inscriptions on longevity are means to express blessings and respect for elders. These cultural elements not only enrich the spiritual lives of the people but also uphold traditional virtues of respecting the elderly and cherishing life.
Festivals such as Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Double Ninth Festival have become important occasions for expressing wishes for fortune and longevity. During these celebrations, homes are decorated, and various festivities are held, not only to honor ancestors and pray for the future but also to express respect and blessings for the elderly. The Double Ninth Festival, directly referred to as "Elder’s Day," involves activities like mountain climbing, chrysanthemum viewing, and wine drinking, symbolizing progress and health, reflecting the community's care and respect for the elderly.
In conclusion, the characters "福" (fortune) and "寿" (longevity) are not only auspicious symbols in Chinese culture but also an embodiment of the Chinese philosophy of life. They carry the people's longing for a fulfilling life, highlighting the cultural traits of cherishing life, valuing the present, and respecting humanity. Even in today’s fast-paced society, this traditional concept remains powerful, inspiring people to pursue physical and mental well-being, family harmony, and social unity as they work toward building a better world.
