Fu Lu Shou Explained: Fortune, Prosperity, and Longevity

Fu Lu Shou are the Three Star Gods in Chinese tradition. They are also called San Xing. Fu is the god of good luck. Lu brings wealth and high status. Shou stands for long life and good health. Many Chinese families put fu lu shou statues in homes or offices. They hope to bring luck and good fortune. These figures are important in Chinese celebrations. They show wishes for happiness, success, and a long life.

Key Takeaways

• Fu Lu Shou are three Chinese gods. They stand for good luck, wealth, and long life. Each god has special signs. Fu stands for luck and family peace. Lu stands for money and high rank. Shou stands for health and living long. People put Fu Lu Shou statues at home or work. They do this to get blessings and good energy. There is a right way to place them. Fu goes on the right. Lu goes in the middle. Shou goes on the left when you look at them. Fu Lu Shou signs are important at parties like Lunar New Year. They help bring luck and joy. Using all three together brings balance and peace. This joins wishes for winning, health, and joy. Feng Shui tells where to put Fu Lu Shou for best results. This helps their good effects in a room. Anyone can use Fu Lu Shou signs. It does not matter where they live or what culture they have.

Fu Lu Shou Meaning

Three Star Gods

Fu Lu Shou are called San Xing too. They are the Three Star Gods in Chinese tradition. Each god stands for something important. Fu means fortune. Lu means prosperity. Shou means longevity. People like to keep these gods together. When they are together, they bring balance and harmony. You can find their images in homes, temples, and businesses. This is true in China and in other places with Chinese people. Their pictures are strong symbols. They are believed to bring good luck and blessings.

These symbols remind people about happiness, success, and health. The table shows how each god’s symbol matches its meaning and role.

Cultural Symbol

Fu Lu Shou are strong signs in Chinese culture. People use their images to show hope for a good life. Fu’s symbol means luck and happiness. Lu’s symbol stands for wealth and high rank. Shou’s symbol means long life and good health. Many families put these symbols up during big events, like Lunar New Year, to bring blessings home.

Chinese tradition puts Fu in the southeast corner to bring luck. Lu goes in the east to help with jobs and money. Shou sits in the center to help with health and peace. These spots follow Feng Shui rules. Feng Shui tells people how to use symbols to make life better. Fu Lu Shou show how much people believe in harmony, success, and well-being.

Tip: If you put Fu Lu Shou together in the right places, you can make your space feel balanced and happy.

Celestial Origins

Fu Lu Shou come from Chinese astrology and old stories. Ancient books, like the Treatise on the Celestial Offices, connect these gods to certain stars. Experts like Sun Xiaochun and Jacob Kistemaker say these stars have big jobs in the sky and in the emperor’s court. The gods’ symbols are linked to the stars. This shows they have power over fortune, prosperity, and long life.

Today, people see the Sun, Moon, and Stars as important in Chinese books and Daoist writings. These bodies help shape what Fu Lu Shou mean. The Golden Star, which is Venus, is a sign of high rank and brightness. Daoist books talk about special palaces for the Sun, Moon, and Stars. This idea shows that Fu, Lu, and Shou each have their own place in the sky. This star meaning gives the Three Star Gods a strong place in Chinese ideas about the universe.

Fu Lu Shou Symbols

The fu lu shou symbols stand as some of the most recognized icons in Chinese culture. Each of the Three Star Gods carries unique symbols that show their special powers and blessings. People often display these symbols in homes and offices to invite good fortune, prosperity, and longevity.

Fu Symbol

The fu symbol represents good fortune and happiness. People see fu as a bringer of blessings and positive energy. The fu lu shou symbols often show fu wearing a red robe. Red stands for joy and luck in Chinese tradition. Fu sometimes holds a scroll or a child. The scroll means knowledge and success. The child stands for family harmony and the wish for many descendants.

Good Fortune

Fu’s main symbol is the bat. In Chinese, the word for bat sounds like the word for luck. This makes the bat a powerful symbol of luck and good fortune. People sometimes hang the fu character upside down on doors during Lunar New Year. This action means “fortune has arrived.” The fu lu shou symbols use these images to attract blessings and happiness.

Family Harmony

Fu also stands for family unity. The fu lu shou symbols often show fu with children or surrounded by family. This image means a wish for peace and joy at home. Many families place the fu symbol in living rooms to bring harmony and good luck to everyone in the house.

Lu Symbol

The lu symbol stands for prosperity and high status. Lu appears as a noble figure dressed in green or blue robes. He often holds a ru yi scepter. The ru yi is a curved staff that means power and authority. The lu lu shou symbols sometimes show lu with a deer. The deer is a symbol of long life and career success.

Prosperity

Lu’s main message is prosperity. The fu lu shou symbols use lu to show the hope for wealth and growth. People believe that placing the lu symbol in the office or business area can help attract money and new chances. The ru yi scepter in lu’s hand means that wishes for success will come true.

Status

Lu also means high rank and respect. The lu lu shou symbols show lu with official hats or badges. These items stand for honor and social standing. Many people use the lu symbol to wish for promotions and better jobs. The deer next to lu is another sign of prosperity and a long, successful life.

Shou Symbol

The shou symbol stands for longevity and health. Shou appears as an old man with a high, round forehead. He often holds a peach, which is a symbol of immortality. The shou lu shou symbols sometimes show shou with a staff and a gourd. The staff means wisdom. The gourd holds medicine for health and long life.

Longevity

Shou’s main symbol is the peach. In Chinese stories, peaches give immortality. The fu lu shou symbols use the peach to show the wish for a long and healthy life. The round “shou” character is another common symbol. People put this character on birthday cakes and gifts for elders. It means a wish for longevity and health.

Health

Shou also brings blessings for health. The shou lu shou symbols show shou with a gourd or staff. These items mean protection from sickness and a strong body. Many families place the shou symbol in the center of the home. This spot helps bring peace, health, and long life to everyone.

Note: The fu lu shou symbols often appear together. When displayed as a set, they combine the powers of good fortune, prosperity, and longevity and health. This trio acts as a good luck symbol for families and businesses.

Common Auspicious Symbols Table

The fu lu shou symbols use these images to share their blessings. People believe that these symbols bring harmony, wealth, and long life to those who honor them.

Fu Lu Shou in Life

Home Display

Many families choose to display fu lu shou statues in their homes. People believe that displaying fu lu shou in the right place can bring good luck and harmony. The best spot for these figures is often the living room. Placing them on a clean, high shelf helps show respect. Each figure has a special position. Fu stands on the right, Lu in the center, and Shou on the left (from the viewer’s perspective). This order follows traditional Chinese customs.

A table can help show the best locations:

Tip: Never place fu lu shou in the bathroom or kitchen. These areas do not show respect and may reduce their positive energy.

Office Placement

Many business owners incorporate fu lu shou into their offices. They hope to attract good luck and success at work. The best place for these statues is behind the desk or in a meeting room. This spot helps boost confidence and brings positive energy to the workplace. Lu, the god of prosperity, often sits in the center to focus on career growth.

Some people use small fu lu shou symbols on their desks. These can be keychains, paperweights, or small figurines. They remind workers to stay positive and work hard. Offices that display fu lu shou often feel more welcoming and balanced.

Celebrations

During Chinese New Year, fu lu shou symbols appear everywhere. Families decorate doors and windows with their images. Many people hang the fu character upside down to show that fortune has arrived. The new year is a time to wish for happiness, wealth, and long life.

Chinese New Year celebrations often include special foods and gifts. People give peaches, cakes with the shou character, and red envelopes for luck. Fu lu shou statues may receive a gentle cleaning before the new year starts. This act shows respect and welcomes fresh blessings.

Note: Displaying fu lu shou during the new year helps set a positive tone for the months ahead. Many believe these symbols can bring good luck and protect the family all year.

Fu lu shou play a big role in Chinese life. People use them to celebrate, decorate, and invite blessings into their homes and workplaces.

Prosperity and Status

Lu Xing

Lu Xing stands as the star god who brings prosperity and status. Many people recognize him by his elegant robes and the ru yi scepter in his hand. This scepter shows his power to grant wishes for prosperity. Lu Xing often appears with a deer, which also means prosperity and a long career. People believe that Lu Xing can help families and businesses grow. He represents the hope for a better life and higher social standing.

Lu Xing’s image appears in many homes and offices. People place his statue in the center when displaying the Three Star Gods. This position helps focus the energy of prosperity in the space. Lu Xing’s presence reminds everyone to work hard and aim for success. He inspires people to seek new chances and reach higher goals.

Career Success

Prosperity does not only mean money. It also means success in one’s job or business. Many people look to Lu Xing for help with their careers. They believe that his blessings can lead to promotions, raises, and respect at work. Lu Xing’s symbols, like the ru yi and the deer, encourage people to stay positive and keep learning.

People often use these tips to invite prosperity into their work life:

• Place a Lu Xing statue behind the desk.

• Keep the workspace clean and organized.

• Use green plants to attract growth and prosperity.

• Display the ru yi scepter as a reminder of career goals.

Tip: A positive attitude and hard work help bring prosperity, but Lu Xing’s blessings can give an extra boost.

A table can show how Lu Xing’s symbols connect to career success:

Wealth Symbol

Lu Xing also stands as a symbol of wealth. His image brings hope for financial growth and security. Many families and business owners see him as a guide to prosperity. They believe that his blessings can help them save money, make wise choices, and avoid loss.

The symbol of wealth often appears with Lu Xing’s statue. People sometimes place coins or gold ingots near his image. These items stand for prosperity and a strong future. Lu Xing’s presence in a home or office shows a wish for lasting wealth and success.

Prosperity, career success, and wealth all connect through Lu Xing. He teaches that hard work, respect, and wise choices lead to a better life. People honor him to invite prosperity into every part of their lives.

Longevity and Health

Shou Xing

Shou Xing is the god of longevity in Chinese culture. People know him by his tall, bald head and big smile. He holds a peach in one hand and a staff in the other. The peach means a wish for a long life. The staff stands for wisdom and support. Shou Xing sometimes has a deer with him. The deer also means a long and healthy life. Many families put his statue in their homes for health and long life.

Older family members feel comfort when they see Shou Xing’s image. They think he keeps them safe from sickness. Children learn about Shou Xing when they are young. They see him as a kind god who brings health and happiness. Shou Xing’s story teaches people to respect elders and listen to their advice.

Longevity Symbol

The longevity symbol is seen in many places in Chinese life. People find it on birthday cakes, banners, and jewelry. The most common form is the round “shou” character. This character means a wish for a long and healthy life. Artists use gold or red colors to make it stand out. These colors mean luck and joy.

A table shows where people often see the longevity symbol:

People think showing the longevity symbol helps protect family members. It reminds everyone to care for their health and live well. The symbol is also used at big events, like birthdays and New Year.

Tip: Put the longevity symbol in the center of your home. This can help bring good health and harmony to your family.

Birthday Traditions

Chinese birthday traditions focus on long life and health. When elders have a birthday, families make special foods. Longevity noodles are a favorite dish. These noodles are long and not cut, showing the wish for a long life. Peaches, real or made from sweet dough, are also at birthday parties. People give these foods to elders to show respect.

Children and grandchildren give gifts with the longevity symbol. They may give wall scrolls, jewelry, or cakes with the “shou” character. Everyone comes together to wish the elder happiness, health, and more years. Friends may also join the party.

A typical elder’s birthday includes:

• Eating longevity noodles and peaches

• Giving gifts with the longevity symbol

• Sharing wishes for health and happiness

• Decorating with red and gold colors

These traditions help families show love and respect for elders. They remind everyone that longevity and health are important in life.

Fu Lu Shou Together

Combined Symbolism

People like to put fu lu shou together as a group. This is because their meanings bring many blessings. Each of the Three Star Gods stands for a special wish. Fu means good fortune. Lu means prosperity. Shou means longevity. When you place them as a set, they make a strong team. This team can bring luck and happiness into a room. The fu lu shou symbols work together to balance important wishes in life. Families think that having all three gods brings health, success, and harmony.

The fu lu shou symbols show unity. Each god has different symbols. But together, they stand for a full and happy life. People see this group as a way to bring luck and protect loved ones. The combined meaning reminds everyone to value happiness, prosperity, and long life.

Note: Many Chinese families think fu lu shou should stay together. If you separate them, they may not bring as much luck.

Feng Shui Benefits

In Feng Shui, where you put fu lu shou is important. The right spot helps shape the energy in a home or office. Experts say to put the trio in the living room or main hall. They should face the entrance. This helps bring luck and good energy. The fu lu shou symbols should sit on a high shelf or table. This shows respect.

A simple table shows the Feng Shui benefits:

People use these symbols to make their space feel balanced. The fu lu shou symbols help families and workers feel safe and hopeful. Many believe these symbols can bring luck and keep away bad energy.

Modern Relevance

Today, fu lu shou symbols are still popular in homes and businesses. Many people use them as part of modern style. You can see the symbols on paintings, jewelry, and digital art. Young families display the trio to honor tradition and bring luck. Offices use fu lu shou to inspire teamwork and prosperity.

Chinese celebrations, like Lunar New Year, often show these symbols. People give gifts with fu lu shou images to wish happiness, prosperity, and longevity. The symbols connect old customs with new ways of life. They remind everyone that good fortune, prosperity, and long life are always important.

Tip: Anyone can use fu lu shou symbols to bring luck and good energy into their life, no matter where they live.

Fu Lu Shou mean fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Their symbols help families remember to care about happiness, success, and health. People put these figures in living rooms or offices to bring blessings. For the best results, Fu goes on the right, Lu in the middle, and Shou on the left.

Fu Lu Shou give more than just luck. They help people feel close to tradition and give hope for a good future. Anyone can bring these blessings into their daily life.

FAQ

What does Fu Lu Shou mean?

Fu Lu Shou stands for fortune, prosperity, and longevity. These three gods represent the main wishes in Chinese culture: good luck, wealth, and a long life. People display their images to invite these blessings into their homes and lives.

How should people display Fu Lu Shou statues at home?

People place Fu on the right, Lu in the center, and Shou on the left (from the viewer’s perspective). The best spot is a high shelf in the living room, facing the entrance. This arrangement shows respect and helps attract positive energy.

Can Fu Lu Shou symbols go in the office?

Yes, many people put Fu Lu Shou in offices to bring luck and success. The trio often sits behind the desk or in a meeting room. Small figurines or images on desks can also remind workers to stay positive and focused.

What do the symbols held by each god mean?

• Fu: Holds a scroll or child, meaning blessings and family harmony.

• Lu: Holds a ru yi scepter, showing power and prosperity.

• Shou: Holds a peach and staff, symbols of health and long life.

Why do people hang the Fu character upside down during Lunar New Year?

People hang the Fu character upside down because the word for “upside down” sounds like “arrive” in Chinese. This action means “fortune has arrived.” It is a popular way to welcome good luck for the new year.

Are Fu Lu Shou only for Chinese families?

No, anyone can use Fu Lu Shou symbols. People from many cultures display them to invite luck, prosperity, and health. The meanings are universal, so these symbols fit in homes and offices around the world.

What is the best time to clean or move Fu Lu Shou statues?

People usually clean or move Fu Lu Shou statues before major celebrations, like Lunar New Year. This act shows respect and helps refresh the blessings for the coming year. Always use a clean cloth and gentle hands.

Do Fu Lu Shou have a special meaning for birthdays?

Yes, Shou, the god of longevity, plays a big role in birthday celebrations, especially for elders. People give gifts with the “shou” character and serve peaches or longevity noodles to wish for a long, healthy life.