Wen-chang (wen - "literature", chang - "brilliant") - in late Chinese mythology the god of literature, identified with one of the stars of the Big Dipper; in charge of all literary affairs, including exams, the passing of which gave the right to an official post. At first he was a mere mortal and lived in Sichuan during the dynasty
Tan. He is often depicted with a carp, a fish symbolizing
good luck in passing your degree exams. He was also depicted sitting in the garb of an official with a scepter in his hand, symbolizing the fulfillment of desires. Nearby are two assistants - Kui-sin and Zhu-i. Zhu-i ("red dress") is the earthly representative of Wen-chang. Obtaining an academic degree was believed to depend mainly on fate, which was in charge of Zhu-i, an old man with a long beard, dressed all in red. He would peek over the examinee's shoulder and secretly nod his head, indicating what should be written in the essay.
The festival in honor of Wen-chang (his birthday) was celebrated on the 3rd of the 2nd moon.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru