666

Zhōng Kuí

钟馗

​

Zhong Kui, also known as 钟馗 (Zhōng Kuí) in Chinese, is a prominent figure in Chinese folklore and mythology. He is widely regarded as a powerful deity who protects against evil spirits and demons. According to legend, Zhong Kui was a scholar who excelled in his studies but was unjustly denied an official position due to his disfigured appearance. Determined to seek justice, he devoted himself to eradicating malevolent forces and became a fierce exorcist.

​

Zhong Kui is often depicted as a fierce-looking figure with a stout build, bulging eyes, a bushy beard, and a large forehead. He is usually portrayed wearing a traditional scholar's robe and carrying a magical sword. His appearance represents his strength, courage, and indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.

​

People in China often associate Zhong Kui with warding off evil spirits, especially during the Lunar New Year festivities. His image is commonly found on household decorations, paintings, and even on red paper cutouts that are displayed on doors and windows for protection against negative influences. Zhong Kui has become an iconic symbol of bravery and righteousness, embodying the belief that evil can be conquered through perseverance and determination.

​

天中辟邪

 

画面中钟馗身材魁梧、豹眼虬须、手执长剑，另一只蝙蝠从天飞来，寓意端午节辟邪招福。

这里取蝙蝠的“蝠”字，音同“福”。钟馗舞剑、蝙蝠飞来，预示着邪祟辟除、纳祥迎福。

 

端午节是我国重要的传统节日，又称“天中节”。因为按照天干地支纪年，

五月五日午时为全年周天运行最中正之位，最正中之时，所以称为“天中”。古人认为这一天是五毒尽出、邪祟集聚的日子，所以家家户户都会以各种仪式祈福辟邪，以求佑护家人平安。

 

钟馗是民间传说中专司捉鬼的神仙。沈括《梦溪笔谈》中记载：“禁中旧有吴道子画钟馗，其卷首有唐人题记曰……”唐人题记大意是开元初年唐玄宗在骊山阅兵，后返回宫中身染疟疾，一直无法治愈。一晚忽然梦见一相貌奇丑的大鬼捉住一小鬼，将其吃掉。大鬼称自己为钟馗，誓要除尽天下妖孽。唐玄宗大骇惊醒后，疟疾竟然痊愈，于是召来吴道子，令其以梦中场景作画。吴道子所画钟馗惟妙惟肖，如同亲睹明皇梦境一般。后来唐玄宗令人将此画像镂版印刷，颁布给各官署，年终岁暮张贴，作为辟邪之用。

 

后来民间纷纷效仿，也开始在端午节贴钟馗像，都是求辟除邪祟、迎接福运之意。

​

有诗曰：

​

艾绿蒲青重午时

家家一月挂钟馗

 

《竹枝词·艾绿蒲青重午时》清 施襄