SHOU-XING

Also known as SHOU-HSING, SHOU-LAO, NAN-JI-XIAN-WENG

The superstar of longevity and old age

The most venerable member of the SAN-XING happiness squad, his name means 'Star Of Long Life'. He is old and bald, and always carries a Golden Peach of Immortality from XI-WANGMU's Holy Peach Garden. These are found only in Heaven and ripen once every three thousand years.

Having been warned to keep his mouth shut, he silently offered them spring rolls and wine, which were gratefully accepted. So gratefully, in fact, that the men, revealing themselves to be the Gods of Birth and Death, offered him longevity.

First they took his allotted lifespan of 19 years and reversed it, giving 91 years. Then they munched another spring roll, had another sip of wine, and decided he deserved immortality. That must have been a very impressive packed lunch.