Jurojin is a Japanese god of longevity, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is believed to have come to Japan from China. He is often depicted as sharing a body with his grandfather, Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Jurojin is associated with the Southern Polestar and long life, making him a popular figure in Japanese folklore.
The etymology of Jurojin’s name is derived from the Chinese characters for “long life” and “old man”. This reflects his role as a god of longevity who is often depicted as an elderly man with a long white beard. Jurojin is also associated with wisdom and is believed to have once lived on earth as a Chinese Taoist sage.
In Japanese mythology, Jurojin is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune or Shichifukujin, according to Taoist beliefs. He is the god of longevity and is often depicted with a deer, a symbol of long life, and a staff or scroll, representing wisdom. Jurojin’s family tree includes his grandfather Fukurokuju, who is also a god of longevity, and his fellow Seven Lucky Gods, who represent different aspects of good fortune.
Overview
Jurojin is a god of longevity in Japanese mythology and is one of the Seven Lucky Gods. He is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, holding a cane and a scroll. Jurojin is associated with the Southern Polestar and is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and a long life to those who worship him.
The name Jurojin is derived from the Chinese characters “Ju” meaning longevity, “Rou” meaning old age, and “Jin” meaning person. In Chinese mythology, he is known as “Shou Xing” and is one of the Three Star Gods. Jurojin is also associated with the Taoist Immortals, who are believed to have achieved immortality through the practice of alchemy and meditation.
Jurojin is often depicted alongside his grandfather, Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Fukurokuju is the god of wisdom and is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard and a staff. Together, Jurojin and Fukurokuju represent long life and wisdom, two important virtues in Japanese culture.
Jurojin is a popular deity in Japan and is often worshipped by those seeking good health, happiness, and longevity. He is associated with the animals deer, tortoise, crane, and stag, which are all symbols of longevity and good luck. Jurojin is also believed to bring wealth and prosperity to those who worship him.
Etymology
Jurojin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, is a god of longevity in Japanese mythology. The name Jurojin is derived from the Chinese character “Shou,” which means longevity. Jurojin is sometimes depicted as sharing a body with his grandfather Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
The Chinese characters that represent Jurojin’s name are often seen in Japanese art and are associated with good luck and long life. In Chinese mythology, Jurojin is known as “The Old Man of the South Pole” and is associated with the Southern Polestar.
Jurojin’s name is also sometimes spelled “Juroujin” or “Jurojinno.” In Japanese culture, he is often depicted holding a scroll or a cane, which symbolize wisdom and longevity. He is also sometimes shown riding a deer, which is a symbol of good luck and longevity in Japanese folklore.
Overall, Jurojin’s name and depictions in Japanese art reflect his association with longevity, wisdom, and good luck.
Attributes
Symbols
Jurojin is often depicted holding a staff with a scroll or a book, which symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. He is also associated with the crane, a symbol of longevity, and the deer, a symbol of good fortune.
Powers
As the god of longevity, Jurojin is believed to have the power to grant long life and good health to those who worship him. He is also associated with wisdom and knowledge, and is said to possess the ability to answer difficult questions and provide guidance to those seeking knowledge.
Depictions
Jurojin is typically depicted as an old man with a long white beard and a high forehead. He is often shown wearing a long robe and a tall hat, and carrying a staff or a fan. In some depictions, he is shown with his grandfather Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
Jurojin is a beloved figure in Japanese mythology, revered for his association with long life, wisdom, and good fortune. His symbols, powers, and depictions all contribute to his enduring popularity and influence in Japanese culture.
Family Tree
Ancestry
Jurojin is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology. He is often depicted as sharing a body with his grandfather Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods. Jurojin’s ancestry can be traced back to China, where he was first worshipped as one of the Taoist immortals. In Japan, Jurojin is considered to be a god of longevity, and is associated with the Southern Polestar.
Descendants
Jurojin is not known to have any direct descendants. However, as one of the Seven Lucky Gods, he is often depicted alongside other gods who are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. These gods include Daikoku, Ebisu, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Hotei, and Fukurokuju. Together, these gods are believed to bring happiness, wealth, and good luck to those who worship them.
In Japanese mythology, Jurojin is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard, holding a staff and a scroll. He is sometimes accompanied by a crane, which is a symbol of longevity in Japanese culture. Jurojin is also associated with the number nine, which is considered to be a lucky number in Japan.
Overall, Jurojin’s family tree is closely tied to the Seven Lucky Gods and other deities associated with good fortune and longevity. While he may not have any direct descendants, his influence can be seen in the many traditions and beliefs surrounding these gods.
Mythology
Origins
Jurojin is one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology who is associated with longevity and wisdom. He is believed to have originated from China and was introduced to Japan during the Tang Dynasty. Jurojin is often depicted as sharing a body with his grandfather Fukurokuju, who is also one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
Legends
According to legend, Jurojin was once a Chinese Taoist sage who achieved immortality through his practice of alchemy and meditation. He is said to have lived for over a thousand years and possessed great wisdom and knowledge. In Japan, Jurojin is often associated with the Southern Polestar and is believed to bring good health, longevity, and prosperity to those who worship him.
Worship
Jurojin is often depicted as an elderly man with a long white beard and a staff in his hand. He is sometimes accompanied by a crane, a tortoise, or a stag, which are all symbols of longevity in Japanese culture. Jurojin is worshipped by many Japanese people who believe in his ability to grant them good health and long life. His image can be found in many Japanese homes and businesses, and he is often depicted in Japanese art and literature as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.