Colorful God of Longevity

Sau is one of the most popular and well-known deities in Chinese history, legend and literature.

Chinese mythology defines Longevity as having the ability to rule the word, be very wise, and posses a unique sense of knowledge. Sau is an embodiment of all these qualities, and his figurines and paintings often worshipped during festivals and special occasions during the year by faithful Chinese families. They do so for their own wellbeing, and also in hopes that the elders of the household will not encounter any health problems in their lives.

Paintings of God of Longevity (Sau Sing Kong, Shou Xing Gong or just Sau) are a common birthday gift, and one can also see his image drawn on many birthday cakes – both of these gestures are done for the birthdays of elder people, in efforts to wish them a long, peaceful and eventful life. It is also hoping that the individual lives a life as long as the mythical mountains of the South, as well as granting the gift of good fortune. For this reason, it is recommended in Feng Shui to give the God of Longevity as gifts to our grandparents and parents – this can be done on many occasions, such as anniversaries or birthdays.

Sau is one of the three Star Deities Fuk Luk Sau. He is one of the most popular and well-known deities in Chinese history, legend and literature. Originally, he was known as the “Star of Longevity” (Shou Xing) or the “Star of the South Pole". Shou Xing occupied a very important position in star worshipping. This star was highly revered in ancient China because it is seen as a powerful might, and people always looked to it for guidance and support. It was believed that this star could control the length of a human’s life span, as well as the destiny of the nation. After centuries, Shou Xing is believed to became endowed with characteristics of a mortal, and his name changed to “Old Man on the South Pole”, “Nan-ji Xian-weng” in Chinese, which is the God of Longevity as we know today.

Physically, his head is very high, prominent and bald, and his beard is extremely long, indicating wisdom. This beautifully colored statue depicts him carrying a bunch of peach fruits (symbol of immortality) and adorned with gold ingots (symbol of wealth). He is accompanied by a deer (also a symbol of longevity) and a little girl carrying a gold ingot to signify a happy and long life blessed with good fortune and filial descendants.

In Feng Shui, the Chinese God of Longevity can be placed in many ways to bring us his abundant blessings:

1. To bring health luck to all family members, display Sau in the East sector of the dining room or living room. The East is the universal health and family sector based on Feng Shui Bagua formula.
2. To protect the family elders or of the patriarch from unnatural death, placing Sau in their personal Tien Yi directions based on their Feng Shui Kua number is said to help.
3. It's said that to keep the elders in the home living long, healthy and happy, you should display a figurine of Sau in their bedrooms.
4. Sau makes a great gift on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day or on their birthdays, in addition to various events involving friends and relatives alike.

*Note* Although Sau is not prayed to at the altar, he is still a highly appreciated and revered deity. To show the respect he deserves, never display him in the bathroom or kitchen.

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