Eight Immortals

The Eight Immortals are a group of legendary Taoist immortals in Chinese mythology.

There were different versions of the Eight Immortals’ names before the Ming Dynasty, when Wu Yuantai wrote The Eight Immortals Depart and Travel to the East, in which the names were made certain as Iron Crutch Li (Tieguai Li), Han Zhongli (Zhongli Quan), Lü Dongbin, Elder Zhangguo (Zhang Guo Lao), Imperial Uncle Cao (Cao Guojiu), Philosopher Hanxiang (Han Xiang Zi), Lan Caihe and Immortal Woman He (He Xiangu).

The Eight Immortals are not born immortals. They were originally from the mortal world, where they were general, imperial family member, beggar and Taoist priest etc. There’s a fantastic story behind each of them in their successful Taoism practicing and immortality attainment.   In the legend, the Eight Immortals respectively represent men and women, young and old, rich and noble, and poor and humble. Taoist Temples of the Eight Immortals are scattered all over China and the images of the Immortals are an inseparable part of the idolatrous processions. The instruments the Eight Immortals hold – hardwood clapper, fan, crutch, flute, sword, bottle gourd, Taoist whisk and flower basket, are called “eight treasures”, representing the Eight Immortals. The most well-known pieces on the Eight Immortals in literary and artistic works include The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, The Eight Immortals Offering Birthday Peaches and Toasts and The Eight Drunken Immortals etc. In addition, the Eight Immortals are usually featured in New Year paintings, embroideries, porcelain ware, festive lanterns and operas etc. And the phrase “Baxianguohai, gexianshentong” (meaning “the Eight Immortals cross the sea, each one showing his or her special prowess”) is one of the most widely used idioms in China.