Lingzhi Literature

God of Longevity

Picture : God of Longevity with the spirit beast holding lingzhi in its mouth which symbolizes Fu, happiness; Lu, wealth; and Shou, longevity(from Wu Qiang County in Hebei Province)

ncient myths tell stories of a fairy known as the God of Longevity which is responsible for health and long life of the people. The god is in charge of people’s lifetime.

he fairy is always presented in different forms to symbolize wishing of good long life for the giver to receiver. It is often depicted in New Year pictures and paintings as well as boxwood carvings and other artistic figure. One common thing in this paintings and sculptures is the presence of Ganoderma together with the God of Longevity symbolizing happiness, wealth and longevity.

(New year painting of a deer holding lingzhi in its mouth (from Quanzhou, Fujian Province, late Qing Dynasty)Left (God of longevity holding lingzhi (boxwood carving)

To learn more about Ganoderma in the Philippines and its roots to Chinese Culture, please read References