📖 Meaning
This idiom refers to the longevity of the legendary immortals Chi Songzi (赤松子) and Wang Ziqiao (王子乔) from Chinese mythology. It describes an extraordinarily long, healthy life akin to that of the immortals. It is commonly used to wish someone a long life or to describe the aspiration for immortality.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the 'Biography of Wei Zheng' in the Old Book of Tang (旧唐书·魏徵传). Wei Zheng (580–643 CE), the renowned chancellor of the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Taizong, submitted a memorial describing an ideal reign in which civil and military officials work harmoniously and the ruler faces no troubles. He suggested that in such peaceful times the emperor could enjoy leisurely outings and cultivate the longevity of the immortals Chi Songzi and Wang Ziqiao. Chi Songzi and Wang Ziqiao were legendary Daoist immortals believed to have achieved eternal life through spiritual cultivation.
💡 Example Usage
道家修炼旨在求得松乔之寿，长生不老。
Daoist cultivation aims to attain the longevity of immortals, achieving eternal life free from aging.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 松乔之寿
- Pinyin: sōng qiáo zhī shòu
- Literal Translation: Song, Qiao, of, longevity
- Category: Philosophy
- Characters: 4