Ba Xian Guo Hai - The Eight Taoist Immortals Crossing the Sea
The Eight Taoist Immortals are a group of ordinary people who attained immortality through the practice of Taoism. They are extremely well known in China, featuring in many stories and paintings where they help the ill, sick, disabled, and those in need. The group of eight immortals is thought to have been formed in plays and stories during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 A.D. to 1368 A.D.) and is now generally considered to be Li Tieguai, Han Zhongli, Zhang Guolao, He Xiangu, Lan Caihe, Lu Dongbin, Han Xiangzi, and Cao Guojiu.
One of the most famous stories involving them is ‘The Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea’. In this story the Eight Immortals were invited to the Queen Mother of the West’s annual banquet of immortality peaches. The eight had a very merry time at the party, and a little worse for wear started their return journey. This involved crossing a large sea. Their strict morals loosened by the alcohol, the immortals began to show off a little, using their various skills and talismans to cross the sea, as Lu Dongbin had decided they could not use the clouds.
Clockwise from the top-right are the talismans of the Eight Immortals:
- Han Zhongli’s palm leaf fan.
- Li Tieguai’s bottle gourd.
- He Xiangu’s lotus blossom.
- Lan Caihe’s flower basket.
- Han Xiangzi’s flute.
- Zhang Guolao’s yugu (a percussion instrument made
from bamboo).
- Lu Dongbin’s treasured sword.
- Cao Guojiu’s jade clappers.
This story is the theme of our Ba Xian Guo Hai kite, so if the Eight Immortals weave around the sky in a particularly carefree manner it’s probably due to the heavenly brew they’ve been drinking.
The Chinese often refer to the story of the Eight Taoist Immortals Crossing the Sea to express that people are showing their individual talents and abilities. Often, they are commenting on the different ways that people have successfully tackled a problem. A design containing the Eight Immortals signifies good fortune, and is often found decorating buildings and bridal sedan chairs.