The Five Great Blessings

A Symbol of good life, happiness, blessings, longevity, and harmony.

The Five Great Blessings symbol is composed of the Chinese symbol for longevity, surrounded by five bats. The word bat in Chinese is similar to the word for happiness. Each of the bats represents one of the five blessings. The five blessings are wealth, health, long life, love of virtue, and peaceful death. Bats themselves also represent longevity as they were associated with immortals. This symbol dates back to around 1500 BC during the Han dynasty. The first mention of the five great blessings comes in The Book of Documents from China. This is a powerful symbol and is sometimes used in the architecture of homes to provide a blessing for the family living in the house. The symbol itself represents blessings and longevity.

The five-bat motif is found in many different Chinese symbols. Another design of the five blessings has the bats encircling a symbol of prosperity. This is a symbol representing prosperity from a virtuous life. There is also a symbol of the bats surrounding a round box, symbolizing harmony and blessings for a married couple. This is often found on wedding presents to newlyweds.

During the Chinese New Year, the bats are often portrayed on red paper banners in the hope that they will have good fortune in the New Year. The banners are often hung upside down to increase the possibility of good fortune. The family members hope they will be happy in the new year with prosperity in their jobs. They also hope that the five blessings will also bring new life to newlyweds and a long life to everyone in the home with a peaceful death.

This symbol is often found on royal robes, wind chimes, lanterns, vases, screens, and Chinese art. In modern times, the symbol is used for tattoos, belt buckles, jewelry, keychains, and more. Many household items, such as dishes, bowls, and snuff bottles bring good fortune and blessings into the homes.  Some Chinese charms depict the Five Great Blessings symbol.