壽

Originally written as 𦓋 (⿱⿰老老⿰老老) – four instances of 老 (old) combined, symbolizing “living to old age.”

Later simplified into 壽, a more compact character.

The modern form 壽 is considered phono-semantic in origin, but its parts (士, 工, 口, 寸, etc.) are not meaningful individually in this case; the form is mostly conventionalized.

In contrast, the simplified/modern Japanese form 寿 is a reduced variant.

壽 is a ubiquitous symbol in East Asia, appearing on calligraphy scrolls, birthday decorations, porcelain, textiles, and even pastries, symbolizing a wish for long life.

壽命 (수명) — lifespan, life span

壽福 (수복) — longevity and happiness

長壽 (장수) — long life, longevity

壽宴 (수연) — birthday banquet for elders

壽星 (수성) — the Star of Longevity (personification of Shouxing in Chinese tradition)

In Korean, 壽 is pronounced 수 and was once extremely common in male given names (e.g., 영수 永壽, 철수 哲壽). It carried auspicious connotations of long life. In modern generations, its use in names has declined, replaced by other “수” characters (秀, 洙, 守, etc.).

In Chinese, 壽 (shòu) is widely used in auspicious expressions such as 福如東海 壽比南山 (“May your fortune be like the East Sea and your life as long as the Southern Mountain”).

In Japanese, 壽 is the traditional form, while 寿 is the shinjitai (simplified form) still in use today, meaning “longevity, congratulations.”

Compared with 命 (life, fate), 壽 emphasizes long-lasting life rather than simply “life” itself.

Religious / philosophical notes:

Daoism: 壽 is closely tied to the Daoist Shòuxīng (壽星), the deity of longevity, often depicted with a high forehead and carrying a peach of immortality. Expressions like 福祿壽 (복록수) — fortune, prosperity, and longevity — embody Daoist ideals of a well-rounded life.

Confucianism: Longevity (壽) is one of the Five Blessings (五福) listed in the Shujing (서경, 書經): longevity, wealth, health/peace, virtue, and a natural death. Thus, 壽 represents one of the most important human aspirations in classical Confucian thought.

Buddhism: 壽 can denote “lifespan” in Buddhist texts, often in discussions of the Buddha’s infinite or extended life (e.g., in the Lotus Sutra). It is also linked to merit, since a virtuous life is said to increase one’s 壽.