Lingzhi as an Omen of Auspiciousness—Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty inaugurated the culture of lingzhi as a symbol of good fortune.

Release date:

2023-06-18

It is said that during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han, the imperial palace, having fallen into disrepair over the years, saw lingzhi mushrooms sprouting from its eaves. The court officials informed the emperor that this was due to his boundless virtue and meritorious deeds, for which Heaven had bestowed its blessing, causing the lingzhi to grow. Upon hearing this, Emperor Wu was greatly delighted; he issued a general amnesty throughout the realm and composed the “Song of the Lingzhi Chamber” (Book of Han, Annals of Emperor Wu: In the second year of the Yuanfeng era, in the sixth month, an edict was issued: “Within the Ganquan Palace, lingzhi have sprung forth—nine stems bearing leaves in close succession. The Supreme Deity has graciously descended, no different from gracing the lower chambers, bestowing upon me great blessings. Therefore, I decree a general amnesty throughout the empire and grant one hundred households in Yunyang County cattle and wine.” He then composed the “Song of the Lingzhi Chamber”: “In the Qi Palace, grasses have grown; nine stems bear leaves in unison. Palace boys imitate wondrous sights, their patterns like fluttering butterflies. The essence of mysterious qi returns to this land, spreading and flourishing day by day, until the lingzhi blooms as a sacred flower.”)
From then on, lingzhi officially entered the pantheon of auspicious symbols.
    Illustrative images: “The Book of Han,” Annals of Emperor Wu, Volume 6, “Song of the Zhi Fang” from the second year of the Yuanfeng era, lines 1–2; “The Book of Han,” Volume 22, Treatise on Rites and Music, “Songs for Sacrificial Rites,” “Qi Fang,” lines 13, verses 1–2.

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