User:Msong22/Ten symbols of longevity

Chimney in the Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace with the Ten Symbols of Longevity

The Ten Symbols of Longevity (十長生) means the ten symbols that were commonly associated with long life. These symbols were the sun, mountains, water, clouds (or the moon), pine trees, fungi, tortoises, cranes, deer, or bamboo. People of old expressed their desire to live "long and happy" in natural objects that they considered to live long or unchanged. The things that make up the Ten Symbols of Longevity actually live long, except for deer that have an average lifespan of about 10 years. The sun and moon have existed for billions of years, and bamboo, cranes, and turtles live for more than 80 to 100 years depending on the type and situation, so they live quite long even by human standards. They are said to have originated from folk beliefs, and since the living beings such as the likes of bamboo, cranes, and turtles have a long lifespan, they are usually the objects of nature worship. They have existed in the literary works, paintings, and sculptures in Korean history and even dates back to the Three Kingdoms Age since they exist in the Murals of Goguryeo Ancient Tombs. People looked upon the Ten Symbols of Longevity and wished for long life.

Cultural Significance

The Ten Symbols of Longevity have been used in art, literature, and folklore for centuries in China and Korea. They are often depicted in paintings, sculptures, and carvings, and they are also found in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine. In addition, the symbols are often used in calligraphy, poetry, and proverbs.

The Ten Symbols of Longevity continue to be popular today, and they are often displayed in homes, businesses, and public spaces as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. They are also popular as gifts, especially for birthdays and holidays.

See Also

• Sagunja (Four Gentelmen)

Related Artifacts

• Chimney in the Jagyeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgun (Treasure No. 810)
• Shipjangsaengdo (Seoul Tangible Cultural Property No. 137)

References

[[Category:Taoism]]