The Auspicious Culture of Lingzhi Mushroom


Release date:

2023-06-18

Chinese people have always cherished auspicious omens, blessings, and harmonious signs. Natural phenomena that are believed to convey Heaven’s will and bring good fortune are referred to as “xiangrui.” This culture of auspiciousness permeates every aspect of our lives and exerts influence across all strata of society.
To this end, people have also identified specific signs that accompany the appearance of auspicious omens, giving rise to the “Twelve Auspicious Omens”:

The River brought forth the map, the Luo River delivered the book; the bright star appeared, and auspicious clouds manifested.
Sweet dew descends, rich rain falls, the phoenix gathers, and the qilin roams,
The pods burst open, the fragrant herbs spring forth, the sea is without waves, and the Yellow River runs clear.
      Illustration: The Twelve Auspicious Omens That Herald “The Peach Blossom Fan”

Before Emperor Wu of the Han, lingzhi was largely regarded as a “divine treasure”; though the Yellow Emperor greatly favored it, this was merely a personal passion. By contrast, Emperor Wu of the Han ushered in a new era for lingzhi culture.