The wu lou or gourd is regarded as the mythical item representing longevity. Inside the wu lou, is believed to hold the elixir of health and vitality. In Chinese mythology, the wu lou is often seen associated with the God of Longevity (Sau) and Ti Kuai Li (one of the Eight Immortals). Today, many Chinese homes have wu lou to symbolize a long and healthy life.

Traditionally, a wu lou is used as a water container. In ancient China, gourds are plucked from trees, dried and hollowed out. Travelers would keep water or rice wine in the gourds. Its role as a water container for travelers may be the reason for the wu lou becoming a symbol of health. It is also considered to be the 'giver of health and vitality'.

To the Chinese, the gourd fruit which is called the wu lou to the Chinese, is an elixir of the Gods and it is said that having an image of the fruit in a home is akin to drinking from the Elixir of Life. This is because the wu lou is a symbol of longevity and protection.

The Origins of the Wu Lou in Chinese Legend

In the olden days of yore, some Chinese tribes who lived a quasi-nomadic existence would go through lengthy expeditions and travels. During these days on the road their sole source of liquid nourishment would be water stored in hollowed gourd fruit. Thus, as times passed this fruit became a symbol of longevity and protection. Some even say that water stored in the wu lou are blessed with auspicious luck and extra nourishment.

Therefore, it is said that having the symbol of the wu lou in a household or other living space is said to be very auspicious.

The Hunt for the Elixir of Life

Emperors, ambitious warlords and paupers alike have spent the twilight years of their lives searching for the original wu lou, since it is said that the first ever created container held the elixir for Eternal Youth. Therefore there can be no greater prize than this. The miraculous drink it was supposed to have held would also transform even the poorest of people into an emperor.