Three Wu Lou Gourds Pendant with Red Tassel, 27 cm

The Three Wu Lou Gourds Pendant with Red Tassel, 27 cm is an amulet with three silver-coloured metal Wu Lou calabash gourds. The gourds are strung one above the other on a red cord with gold-coloured beads; at the top there is a loop and a braided red Chinese knot, and at the bottom a long red silk tassel. Length about 27 cm, weight about 25 g.

What the Wu Lou gourd means

The Wu Lou calabash gourd (葫芦, hu lu) is one of the best-known Chinese symbols of health and longevity: in ancient times medicine was kept in dried gourds, and in legends Taoist sages carried the elixir of immortality in a gourd. Its name sounds like 福禄 (fu lu) — "happiness and prosperity", and its two-ball shape symbolises the union of Heaven and Earth.

Why three gourds

In Chinese tradition the number three is linked to the three star gods Fu, Lu and Shou, who grant happiness, prosperity and longevity. Three gourds are therefore a wish for all three blessings at once. The pendant symbolically:

supports health and longevity;
attracts happiness and prosperity;
protects the home and its residents;
brings luck in business.

Where to hang it

The pendant is hung by the head of the bed, in a bedroom, in the eastern part of the home — the family and health area — on the front door or in a car.

As a gift

Three Wu Lou gourds are a traditional gift for parents and grandparents, for an anniversary or housewarming, as a wish for health, longevity and happiness.