Jurōjin facts for kids
Jurōjin (寿老人) is a special god in Japan. He is one of the Seven Gods of Fortune, also known as Shichifukujin. People believe in him because he is the god of longevity, which means a long life.
Jurōjin comes from an old Chinese belief called Taoist teachings. He is linked to a Chinese god known as the Old Man of the South Pole. This god is also seen as the personification of the Southern Polar Star in the sky. Some stories say Jurōjin was a real person, an immortal from the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127).
People believe Jurōjin has lived for 1500 years. They respect him as the god of wisdom and long life. Many hope to gain safety and happiness by honoring him.
Jurōjin is often seen as very similar to Fukurokuju, another one of the Seven Gods of Fortune. Sometimes, people even say they share the same body. Because of this, it can be easy to confuse the two gods.
What Jurōjin Looks Like
Jurōjin is usually shown as an old man. He is quite small, traditionally less than 90 centimeters (about 3 feet) tall. He has a long white beard and often a very tall, bald head.
He carries a staff and a fan. A special scroll is tied to his staff. This scroll is said to hold the lifespan of all living things. Sometimes, it is thought to be a Buddhist sutra, which is a sacred text.
Jurōjin's Animal Friends
Jurōjin is often seen with certain animals. These animals are symbols of a long life.
- The deer is usually with him as a messenger.
- Other animals like the crane and the tortoise also appear with him. They are also known for living a very long time.
Jurōjin in Art
Jurōjin has been a popular subject in Japanese ink wash paintings for many years. Zen Buddhist painters first brought him into Japanese art. Artists have painted Jurōjin from the Muromachi period (1337–1573) all the way through the Edo period (1603–1868).
Famous artists who painted Jurōjin include:
- Sesshū (1420–1506)
- Sesson Shukei (1504–1589)
- Kanō Tan'yū (1602–1674)
- Maruyama Ōkyo (1733–1795)
See also
- Fu, Lu, and Shou
- Old Man of the South Pole
- Fukurokuju
