09.08.2013 Views

CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

CHINESE SUPERSTITIONS - University of Oregon

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

— 323 —<br />

As a tutelary deity, Wei-t'o jpr [)£ generally accompanies the<br />

Goddess <strong>of</strong> Mercy, Kwan-yin f|| ^ (1). In pictures <strong>of</strong> the latter,<br />

Wei-t'o >jt [)'£ is found in the upper corner, and may be recognized<br />

by his military armour, and sword placed crosswise on the breast.<br />

When the sword is absent, his hands are devoutly joined in an<br />

attitude <strong>of</strong> prayer.<br />

The birthday <strong>of</strong> Wei-t'o ^l !>£<br />

is celebrated on the third day<br />

<strong>of</strong> the 6 th lunar month. In former times, it was assigned<br />

13 th<br />

(2).<br />

APPENDIX.<br />

A legend relates that Wei-t'o ^ |>£<br />

to the<br />

unearthed a statue <strong>of</strong><br />

Buddha, the world-illuminating king, P'u-chao-wang ^ Ug 3£, and<br />

had a temple erected in his honour. The Author, when travelling<br />

between Ji'i-kao -ftp Jjl and T'ai-lising ^ Ji., in North Kiangsu yX<br />

i||, noticed in the market-town <strong>of</strong> Kia-Jih jjfl i]<br />

a convent where a<br />

,<br />

picture <strong>of</strong> Buddha, the world-illuminating king, P'u-chao-wang 3^-<br />

M 3i! i s found beside that <strong>of</strong> K'ia-lan jjj\\ |£, taking Wei-t'o's place.<br />

It is on account <strong>of</strong> these two deities that the town and its<br />

convent are so named. The expression Kia-lih jf/p -f] means to<br />

render assistance, to help another, and this is what Buddha, the<br />

world-illuminating king, P'u-cliao-wang ^ Bi3 3E (3\<br />

does for Wei-<br />

t'o Ip; |?£. To thank him for having unearthed his image, and<br />

erected a temple in his honour, he helps him in his <strong>of</strong>fice <strong>of</strong> guardian<br />

and protector <strong>of</strong> monasteries. Kia-lih j}\] -fj, the name <strong>of</strong> this<br />

market-town, thus means the place where Buddha, the world illu-<br />

minating king, P'u-chao-wang -^ \ltf 3E> helps Wei-t'o >f\ |?£.<br />

(1) See Chinese Superstitions. Vol. I. Illustration n° 1, and n° 2: Vol.<br />

VI. Illustration. n° 40.<br />

(2) His birthday is celebrated on the third day <strong>of</strong> the sixth month, but<br />

according to others on the 13'' 1 . Kdkins.<br />

Superstitions. Vol. V. p. 589 (Birthday <strong>of</strong> Wei-t'o).<br />

Chinese Buddhism, p. 207.— Chinese<br />

(3) P'u g-, universal, pervading. Chcto 08, to shine on, to illuminate.<br />

Wang 3:, a king, a ruler. The "world illuminating king" is a title given to<br />

Buddha. Williams. Dictionary <strong>of</strong> the Chinese Language.<br />

12

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!