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Peaches of Immortality

JP
By Clumsy Mermaid, 05/05/2018 - 12:03

A legendary 4000 yrs fruit from a life tree in heaven. A peach of immortality is one of 3 gifts from the Dragon King of the East Sea in the chinese mythology "The journey to the west" and in Japanese fairy tale "Momotaro" or "The Peach Boy":

Firstly, "momo" means unfilled bun in peach shaped, taro is generally a boy name. In japanese fairy tale " Momotaro", the boy was found in an unusual size of peach floating in the river, a woman picked it up and brought it home.

When she and her husband tried to eat it, the boy came out of the peach. As they had no children and wished to have one, they decided to take the boy as their child and called him " Momotaro".

When Momotaro grew up, he left them to fight ogres in a far away island. Along his quest, he made friends with animals and joined him fighting the demons. After defeating demons, he went back to his family and lived happily ever after.

In Japan, the fifth day of the fifth month (May 5) is the boy 's day or Children's day for boys only. They celebrate the healthy growth and happiness of children since 1948.

In Hongkong, there are many interesting religious statues at Tin Hau Temple in Repulse Bay who is believed to be the goddess of the sea protecting fishermen and sailors. There are many bright colorful statues such as Kuan Yin or Kwun Yam (the goddess of mercy and love):

On the other side is Tin Hau or Mazu (the goddess of the sea):

One of the mighty child god (Krishna and Nezha) that defeated mighty serpents holding a peach of immortality:

He is the son of heavenly king god named Li Jing (Master of underground speed traveller and the Pagoda bearer that can capture human beings, demon and god spirits). The story says that Nezha (stubborn child) killed the Dragon King's son and handled over his immortality life in return. (That's why the East Sea Dragon King has the peach of immortality)

As peach is a symbol of longevity or immortality, consumed by the immortals and mortal ones who have the wish for a long and healthy life. Legendary, it takes 4,000 years to gain peaches of immortality from a life tree in heaven. Only immortal ones in heaven could wait that long:

For mortal ones, a possible way to prolong your life is walking across the longevity bridge (red bridge). The legendary walk would keep your life even longer (3 days/1 time crossing the bridge):

It is assumed that the peaches of immortality are for the important ones. One of the six bronze statues is offering peaches to the Buddha:

Tian Tan Buddha or the big bronze buddha on Lantau island in Hong Kong:

These sitting statues beneath the big buddha are called “The Offering of the Six Devas”, symbolized the buddhist six perfections for enlightenment known as pali or parami (generosity or giving without expecting anything in return, morality, patience, endeavour, meditation, and wisdom). Each of them offers its symbol:

No one has seen this fruit before, but the great desire for longevity is strong. The imitation of this peach of immortality is blooming on earth. The immortals can now consume like common bread in everyday life:

In China, "Mantou" is steamed bun without fillings in steaming bamboo set, commonly has a rectangular shape as a piece of peach of immortality or round one:

You can make these chinese buns at home with glass steaming pot if you do not have steaming bamboo set:

"Baozi" is steamed bun with fillings, commonly has a round shape closing edge on the top. Sometimes, it has a red dot as a marker to remind the baker what kind of fillings they added in the pot:

The fillings can be sweet or salty (meat and vegetable):

It can be baked or deep fried as well:

A combination with soja milk as a common Chinese breakfast:

Are you longing for eternal life? There is no guarantee that consuming this imitation would extend your life, but surely it is healthy. Live long and prosper!