Texts>Ancient Pagan Symbols

The characters which stand for the "five blessings" and also the "five eternal ideals" are the most popular symbols in China, and of these the most used of all are the characters 'longevity' and 'blessing.' They appear on decanters, on the bottom of teacups, on buckles, pins, furniture, textiles and robes. Five Bats symbolise the 'five blessings.'

The Bat alone is a symbol of happiness.

"Blessing is called ju in Chinese, which is the exact homophone ofju meaning bat, and so the five blessings wu ju are frequently represented by five bats."¹

The popularity of the word "longevity" (sheu or shou) meaning years, a long and prosperous life, birthday, old age, to endure forever, and also suggesting immortality exceeds that of any other word, and the character is represented in innumerable ways. Regarded as the highest blessing, the symbols and animals that typify 'longevity' are constantly appearing in Chinese art.

The Peach Tree, Pine Tree, Tortoise, Crane, Stork, Dove, Stag, Bamboo are- all symbols of 'longevity' and appear singly or in various groupings.

The Crane ranks next in importance to the Phrenix, and was believed to transport to heaven those who had attained immortality. It is often represented standing on the back of a tortoise. Candlesticks are made in this form.

¹ ChineseThought, Paul Carus, p. 17.

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