Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 寿 (shòu) originally depicted an elderly person with long, flowing hair, representing longevity and old age. In ancient oracle bone script, it showed a hunched figure with long hair. Over time, it evolved through bronze script and seal script forms, gradually simplifying while retaining the core meaning of long life, endurance, and celebration of longevity. The character came to be associated with blessings, congratulations, and wishes for a long, prosperous life, making it extremely popular in Chinese culture for birthdays and festive occasions. Arrived in Japan: The character 寿 arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through cultural exchange with China and Korea. It was formally adopted into the Japanese writing system and appears in early Japanese texts like the Manyoshu (8th century). The character maintained its auspicious meaning of longevity and celebration in Japanese culture, where it's read as 'kotobuki' or 'ju' and remains popular for celebratory occasions.