The auspicious symbolism of the toad has long been deeply rooted in Chinese culture, embodying wishes for longevity, success, fame, and wealth. It is a highly favored theme in jade carvings and jewelry.
In classical literature, the moon is often referred to as the “toad,” “bright toad,” “golden toad,” or “jade toad.” This allusion stems from the story of Chang’e flying to the moon. The “Huainanzi: Observations on the Afterlife” contains the following passage:
“Chang’e was the wife of Hou Yi. Hou Yi obtained the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West, but before he could take it, Chang’e stole and consumed it. She became immortal and flew into the moon, becoming its spirit.”
“Chang’e” is another name for Chang’e, the wife of Hou Yi. After Hou Yi obtained the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West, Chang’e stole and consumed it before he could take it. She then became an immortal and flew into the moon, becoming its “spirit.”
Regarding the form of the “moon spirit,” Zhang Heng of the Eastern Han Dynasty wrote the following in the “Lingxian”:
“Chang’e thus entrusted her body to the moon and became a toad.”
After Chang’e entered the moon, she transformed into a toad, thus creating a profound connection between the “toad” and the “moon.” Since the moon spirit toad was transformed from Chang’e after she consumed the elixir of immortality, the toad itself came to embody longevity, good fortune, and eternal life.
There is also the saying “plucking the laurel at the Toad Palace.”
“Toad Palace” is another term for the moon, while “plucking the laurel” refers to passing the imperial examinations. During the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, the phrase “a branch from the laurel forest” was used as a metaphor. The “laurel forest” refers to the laurel tree on the moon, and “a branch from the laurel forest” describes an individual of extraordinary talent and ability.
In the imperial examination system of old, the phrase “plucking the laurel at the Toad Palace” was often used to refer to passing the examinations, serving as a great blessing for the future careers of scholars.
In folk beliefs, the toad is a divine creature that attracts wealth and symbolizes prosperity and fortune.
The most well-known legend is the story of “Liu Hai Playing with the Golden Toad.” It is said that Liu Hai, a Taoist disciple, tamed a thousand-year-old golden toad that had only three legs and could spit out gold and money. Since then, the three-legged toad has become an auspicious symbol believed to attract and accumulate wealth, and it is highly favored by the general public, especially by business owners.
