four stars of the Big Dipper; god of literature
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesnoun
the four stars forming the bowl of the Big Dipper; or specifically, the star at the tip of the bowl (Dubhe)
technicalIn traditional Chinese astronomy, refers to the four stars (Dubhe, Merak, Phecda, Megrez) forming the quadrilateral 'bowl' of the Big Dipper, distinct from the 'handle' (sháo). Some sources specifically identify this with the star farthest from the handle (Dubhe/α Ursae Majoris).
The Kuixing stars form an important part of the Big Dipper.
Ancient navigators often determined direction by observing the Kuixing stars.
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This star is also called Tianshu (Dubhe) and is the brightest of the Kuixing stars.
noun
the deity who presides over literature and examinations; the god of scholarly success
Traditionally depicted as a demon-like figure with a disfigured face (from being thrown off a cliff for being ugly), standing on a turtle or dragon head, holding a brush and ink. Worshipped by scholars, especially before imperial examinations. Often associated with the idiom '魁星点斗' (Kuixing dots the dipper).
Ancient scholars would worship Kuixing before taking examinations.
This Kuixing Tower was built in the Ming Dynasty to pray for prosperity in literature.
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In folklore, whoever the Kuixing marks with his cinnabar brush will pass the imperial exams with honors.
He dreamed of becoming the lucky one chosen by Kuixing in the 'dotting the dipper' tradition.