Why the three legged toad is auspicious

[muffin_99]

Dear cecil,
You mentioned in the photo tour of interest that toad is one of the 5 animals which chinese people consider inauspicious then why the three legged toad is considered lucky and why most chinese people display it in their homes and offices. Thanks.

[Cecil Lee]

Dear Anon,

The Chinese do not clearly differentiate between the frog and the toad.  
Toads and frogs are commonly found in agricultural areas in China, for example in paddy fields.  
The Chinese use the frog in traditional medicine and for dieting. The rationale is linked to the shiny surface of the frog, which the Chinese call the “dew of heaven.” The frog is also called the “heavenly chicken.”  
(Toads are left out of this picture because they are considered poisonous.)

I am glad that you asked for the “story” of the Three-legged Toad. It will help many users understand why the Three-legged Toad became a “commercial object.”  
There are two versions of the story:

1. A Chinese Immortal, Lui Hai, was said to live in the era of the Sung dynasty in the province of Shensi.  
According to legend, he was the general who successfully fought off Lord Liu (Master of the Sea Toad).  
Because of this, a statue of Immortal Lui Hai with his Three-legged Toad is considered a symbol for money-making.

2. A second version:  
Legend has it that there was once a toad which lived in a deep well and emitted poisonous vapours.  
Immortal Lui Hai lured the creature out with a string of gold cash and killed it.

3. More: Often one sees the Chinese God of Wealth being carried in a procession (during festive occasions) together with an image of the Three-legged Toad.  
The association with the God of Wealth (Tau Pei Kong) linked the Three-legged Toad with wealth.

Hope the above will help everyone to better understand the “origins” of why so much commercialization went into this Chinese belief.  
The Three-legged Toad has now become a commercial object, with things like a coin and a “jewel” added to its mouth, etc.  

Therefore, one can now clearly understand that there is no direct link between the Three-legged Toad and Feng Shui.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil
[Below, Cross-posted from Edu-Polls conference]



1. There is no right or wrong answers for this poll.
2. It would be interesting to find out how many of us think of this issue.

http://www.geomancy.net/pictures/threeleggedtoad1.jpg

 

 

Chinese Culture: The Three legged toad

I am a three-legged toad. Do you believe that I can bring you wealth? Yes, I think so. No, I don't believe it can.   Current Results

 

 

Quote

On 1/2/00 1:56:16 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
You mentioned in the photo
tour of interest that toad is
one of the 5 animals which
chinese people consider
inauspicious then why the
three legged toad is
considered lucky and why most
chinese people display it in
their homes and offices.
Thanks.
 

[Cecil Lee]

Summary

The text explains Chinese cultural views on frogs and toads, outlines legends of the Three-legged Toad associated with the immortal Lui Hai and the God of Wealth, and clarifies that its modern commercial use as a wealth symbol is not inherently linked to classical Feng Shui.

 

Key Takeaways

- In Chinese culture, frogs and toads are not clearly distinguished, and both are common in agricultural areas like paddy fields.  
- Frogs are used in traditional medicine and dieting; their shiny skin is poetically called the “dew of heaven,” and they are nicknamed the “heavenly chicken,” while toads are avoided as poisonous.  
- One legend says the immortal Lui Hai of the Sung dynasty defeated Lord Liu, Master of the Sea Toad; statues of Lui Hai with a Three-legged Toad symbolize money-making.  
- Another legend describes Lui Hai luring a poisonous well-dwelling toad with a string of gold coins and killing it.  
- The Three-legged Toad is often depicted with the Chinese God of Wealth (Tau Pei Kong) in festive processions, reinforcing its association with wealth.  
- Commercialization has turned the Three-legged Toad into a popular wealth charm, often shown holding a coin or “jewel” in its mouth.  
- Despite these associations, the Three-legged Toad does not originate from, nor have a direct basis in, traditional Feng Shui practice.

[Cecil Lee]

[Cecil Lee]