Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, representing good fortune and long life. His name is derived from the Japanese words “fuku,” meaning happiness; “roku,” meaning wealth; and “ju,” meaning longevity. Fukurokuju is often depicted as an old man with a long beard, holding a cane and a scroll, and accompanied by a crane or a tortoise.
The etymology of Fukurokuju’s name reflects his attributes as a deity of good fortune, wealth, and longevity. In Japanese mythology, Fukurokuju is one of the Shichi-fuku-jin, or Seven Gods of Luck, and is associated with wisdom and knowledge. He is sometimes confused with Jurōjin, another of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is also said to have lived on earth as a Chinese Taoist sage.
Fukurokuju’s family tree is not clearly defined in Japanese mythology, but he is often depicted as a companion to the other Seven Lucky Gods, including Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Hotei, Benzaiten, and Jurōjin. Together, these deities are believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and longevity to the people of Japan.
Overview
Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. He is a god of good fortune, wisdom, and longevity. Fukurokuju’s name is derived from the Japanese words “fuku” meaning happiness, “roku” meaning wealth, and “ju” meaning longevity.
Fukurokuju is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, a high forehead, and a bald head. He is sometimes shown holding a cane, a scroll, or a peach. In some depictions, he is accompanied by a crane, a turtle, or a deer, all of which are animals associated with longevity in Japanese culture.
Fukurokuju’s origins can be traced back to Chinese mythology, where he was known as Jurōjin. In Japan, he is often associated with the Taoist concept of the Three Treasures, which are compassion, frugality, and humility.
In Japanese folklore, Fukurokuju is said to have once lived on earth as a Chinese Taoist sage. He is also believed to be one of the deities who travel throughout Japan blessing believers with good fortune and longevity.
Etymology
Origin of the Name
Fukurokuju is one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan, and his name is derived from three Japanese words – “fuku” meaning happiness, “roku” meaning wealth, and “ju” meaning longevity. He is also known as Jurōjin, which is believed to be derived from the Chinese Taoist hermit sage who was renowned for performing miracles during the Northern Song period.
Linguistic Roots
The name Fukurokuju has its roots in the Chinese language, where it is believed to have originated from an old Chinese tale about a mythical Chinese Taoist hermit sage. In China, this hermit was thought to embody the celestial powers of the south polar star. The name Jurōjin is also of Chinese origin, and is believed to be derived from the Chinese word “Juru”, which means “old age”.
The linguistic origins of Fukurokuju and Jurōjin reflect their attributes as gods of longevity, wealth, and wisdom. These attributes are highly valued in Japanese culture, and the names of these gods are often invoked by those seeking good fortune and prosperity.
Attributes
Fukurokuju is a popular deity of wealth, happiness, and longevity in Japanese mythology. This section will explore his attributes, including his iconography, symbolism, and powers.
Iconography
Fukurokuju is often depicted as an old man with a prominent forehead and a long white beard. He is usually shown wearing traditional Japanese robes and carrying a staff or cane. He is also sometimes depicted with a turtle, which is a symbol of longevity in Japanese culture.
Symbolism
Fukurokuju is associated with the Southern Pole Star, which is believed to be the center of the universe in Japanese mythology. He is also associated with the crane, which is a symbol of longevity, and the pine tree, which is a symbol of strength and resilience. Fukurokuju’s name is derived from the Chinese characters for “happiness,” “wealth,” and “longevity,” which are the qualities he is believed to bring to those who worship him.
Powers
Fukurokuju is believed to possess the power to grant his followers good fortune, wealth, and long life. He is also said to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect his followers from harm. In addition to these powers, Fukurokuju is also associated with wisdom and knowledge. He is often depicted holding a scroll or book, which represents his wisdom and knowledge.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Fukurokuju is a member of the Seven Lucky Gods, a group of deities in Japanese mythology. He is believed to have originated from an old Chinese tale about a mythical Chinese Taoist hermit sage renowned for performing miracles in the Northern Song period (960-1127). In China, this hermit (also known as Jurōjin) was thought to embody the celestial powers of the south polar star.
Descendants
As one of the Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju does not have any direct descendants. However, he is often depicted alongside other members of the group, including Bishamonten, Daikokuten, Ebisu, Hotei, Jurojin, and Benzaiten. These deities are considered to be the guardians of the Buddhist faith and are believed to bring good luck and fortune to those who worship them.
In addition to his association with the Seven Lucky Gods, Fukurokuju is also sometimes depicted alongside other deities in Japanese mythology, including the goddess of the sun, Amaterasu, and the god of thunder and lightning, Raijin. Despite his connections to other deities, Fukurokuju remains a distinct and important figure in Japanese mythology, representing wisdom, longevity, and good fortune.
Mythology
Legends
Fukurokuju is a popular deity in Japanese mythology and is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. According to legends, he is said to have lived on earth as a Chinese Taoist sage. He is often depicted as an old man with a long beard and is associated with longevity and wisdom. Fukurokuju is also known to be a god of good fortune and is believed to bring luck and prosperity to those who worship him.
In one of the legends, Fukurokuju is said to have lived for over a thousand years and was able to perform miracles. It is believed that he possessed the power to bring the dead back to life and was able to control the elements. In another legend, he is said to have saved a village from a terrible famine by providing them with an endless supply of rice.
Cultural Significance
Fukurokuju has a significant cultural presence in Japan and is often associated with the New Year’s celebrations. He is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who worship him during the New Year. Fukurokuju is also often depicted with a crane, which is a symbol of longevity in Japanese culture.
In addition to his cultural significance, Fukurokuju is also a popular figure in Japanese art and literature. He has been featured in many paintings and sculptures, and his image has been used in various forms of media, including anime and manga.
Overall, Fukurokuju is an important figure in Japanese mythology and culture. He is associated with longevity, wisdom, and good fortune, and is considered to be one of the most beloved deities in Japan.