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Japan Seven Famous Luck Gods - Shichifukujin
 In Japanese folklore the
Shichifukujin are the seven gods of wealth, happiness and longevity.
These famous gods (six male and one female) are frequently seen together in
Japanese art, often in a boat sailing the seas of fortune. However, the
individual gods actually hail from a variety of religious faiths including
Buddhism and Taoism as well as Japan's native religion of Shinto.
The gods are:
- Ebisu -
Ebisu is Japan's god of fisherman and the morning sun. Ebisu is also
sometimes regarded as the protector of small children, a role he shares with the
Buddhist deity Jizo. Ebisu is also the only member of the
Shichifukujin seven who is of Japanese origin.
- Daikokuten - Daikoku is the god of wealth, food and
worldly success; and statues of this happy deity have for centuries been
common fixtures of Japanese homes, particularly kitchens. Daikoku
is also reputed to be Ebisu's father.
- Fukurokujin - Originating in Chinese Taoism this god is the
symbol of wealth, happiness and longevity and is usually seen carrying a
long staff or cane.
- Hoteison - A plump Zen Buddhist monk from China, usually seen
with a bag in one hand and a fan in the other.
- Jurojin - The Taoist god of long life. This god is also
usually seen carrying a staff in his hand.
- Benzaiten - The only female of the bunch. This goddess is
from India and is the patron of music and culture. She is usually seen
carrying an old fashioned Japanese biwa (a type of lute).
- Bishamonten - The warrior of the bunch. This god is
originally from India and is charged with protecting people and their
treasure. Bishamonten is usually depicted wearing armor.
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