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Chinese/Inscription on a statue of a turtle who is a monk

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Expert: - 8/16/2011


Question
Inscription
Inscription
Hello sir, and thank you very much for being willing to answer questions. For my birthday two days ago, I received a small, wonderful and endearing plaster stature depicting a Buddhist monk (wearing what is recognizably a robe and a set of prayer beads) except that the monk is a turtle, or if you prefer it is a statue of a turtle who is a monk.

There are two characters inscribed on the turtle monk's shell. I am reasonably certain that they are in Chinese. Could you please tell me what they mean? I have a degree in Asian History, but because of my learning disability I cannot learn languages that do not have Roman alphabets. There is an organic fault in the storage of that type of information. I could tell you more, but I am sure that it does not interest you.

Once again, thank you very much for your help!

Answer
Creator Goddess Nuwa
Creator Goddess Nuwa
Hello, Julian,

First of all, a belated happy birthday and many happy returns!

The two chareacters on the image that you posted (長壽)are Traditional Chinese characters - meaning "longetivity". They are pronounced as "cháng sḥu".  

Turtles are frequently depicted in popular culture as easygoing, patient, and wise creatures. Due to their long lifespan, slow movement, sturdiness, and wrinkled appearance, they are an emblem of longevity and stability in many cultures around the world.

For the Chinese, the turtle is sacred and symbolizes longevity, power, and tenacity. It is said that the turtle helped Pangu (a Chinese God) create the world: the creator goddess Nuwa (see image attached) cuts the legs off a sea turtle and uses them to prop up the sky after Gong Gong destroys the mountain that had supported the sky. The flat plastron and domed carapace of a turtle parallel the ancient Chinese idea of a flat earth and domed sky.

I hope you'll find the above information helpful.

Thank you for your question.

Sir William

Sir William

Expertise

My mother-tongue is Chinese and I received formal Western education. I can help you with (English>Chinese; Chinese>English) translations for free. Please limit your question within 30 words. I will not assist in racially discriminatory, vulgar and lewd questions. Unless I am away from my base, the normal turnaround time is approximately 24 hours.

Experience

I am a professional hotelier with extensive senior managerial/training experience in China, Canada and Australia.

Organizations
Sir William & Associates

Education/Credentials
Master of Business Administration

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