shòuxing: 寿星 - Birthday Person, God of Longevity

Keywords: shouxing, shòuxing, 寿星, God of Longevity, Chinese birthday person, person celebrating a birthday, Canopus, Chinese mythology, longevity god, birthday boy, birthday girl in Chinese, Chinese birthday traditions.

Summary: In Chinese culture, 寿星 (shòuxing) is a special term for the person whose birthday is being celebrated, similar to “birthday boy” or “birthday girl,” but with a deeper cultural meaning. It literally translates to “Longevity Star” and is also the name of the Chinese God of Longevity, a beloved deity often depicted as a smiling old man with a large forehead. Calling someone a `shòuxing` on their birthday is not just a description; it's a powerful blessing, wishing them a long, healthy, and fortunate life, making it a cornerstone of Chinese birthday traditions, especially for elders.

Pinyin (with tone marks): shòu xīng

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: N/A

Concise Definition: The person whose birthday is being celebrated; the God of Longevity.

In a Nutshell: `寿星 (shòuxing)` is the title of honor for someone on their birthday. While it can be used for people of any age, it carries the most weight and respect when referring to an older person. The term connects the individual to the mythological “Longevity Star” (the god Shouxing), transforming a simple birthday celebration into a moment of cultural reverence and a collective wish for a long and happy life.

寿 (shòu): This character means “longevity,” “long life,” or “lifespan.” It is one of the most auspicious characters in Chinese culture and is frequently seen in calligraphy, art, and decorations for birthday celebrations for the elderly.

星 (xīng): This character means “star” or “celestial body.”

Combined Meaning: Together, `寿星 (shòuxing)` literally means “Longevity Star.” This name originates from ancient Chinese astronomy, referring to Canopus, the “Star of the South Pole.” Daoist philosophy later personified this star as the deity who controlled human lifespans, the God of Longevity. When you call someone a `shòuxing`, you are metaphorically calling them this auspicious star for the day.

In Chinese tradition, `寿星 (shòuxing)` is one of the three star gods known as `福禄寿 (Fú Lù Shòu)`, who represent Fortune (Fu), Prosperity (Lu), and Longevity (Shou). Shouxing is arguably the most famous and is easily recognizable in Chinese art. He is depicted as a kind, smiling old man with a noticeably large, domed forehead, a long white beard, and often carrying a peach of immortality and a dragon-headed staff.

This imagery is deeply embedded in the culture. Calling a grandfather or grandmother the `shòuxing` on their 80th birthday is a profound act of respect and love. It elevates them from just being “the person with the birthday” to being the living embodiment of the cultural wish for a long, venerable life.

Comparison to Western Culture: In American culture, you might call someone the “birthday boy” or “birthday girl.” These terms are playful and celebratory but are largely secular and age-neutral. `寿星 (shòuxing)` is different because it is imbued with mythology, respect, and a specific cultural value: the deep reverence for longevity. While you can call a 20-year-old a `shòuxing`, the term's cultural power and significance amplify dramatically with the person's age. It's a wish, a blessing, and a title of honor all in one.