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Old Man of the South Pole | |||||||
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![]() Old Man of the South Pole on painted ceramic | |||||||
Traditional Chinese | 南極老人 | ||||||
Simplified Chinese | 南极老人 | ||||||
Literal meaning | Old Man of the South Pole | ||||||
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The Old Man of the South Pole (Chinese: 南極老人, Japanese: 南極老人), also called the Old Immortal of the South Pole (Chinese: 南極仙翁), Xian of Longevity (Chinese: 寿仙), or Star of Longevity (Chinese: 寿星; pinyin: shòuxīng), is the Taoist deification of Canopus, the brightest star of the constellation Carina. He is typically portrayed with long white hair and beard, a protruding forehead and a healthy pink complexion. His right hand often holds a peach and left hand a walking staff with a calabash gourd, which is said to contain the elixir of life. He can also be portrayed as riding a crane or a deer, often accompanied by disciples.[1]
He is one of the symbols of happiness and longevity in Far Eastern culture.