Legendary frog

The legendary Feng Shui Money Frog can be seen on the counter in many Chinese shops. The feng shui money frog will be decorated with coins around or inside its' mouth. This actually three-legged toad guarding its' treasure is used in Feng Shui as one of the many Chinese symbols for prosperity and luck all over the world.

Chan Chu is the name of this legendary frog, and again is actually a toad, not a Feng Shui money frog.

The Legendary Frog Chan Chu

According to Chinese folklore, the legendary frog Chan Chu is the companion of Liu Hai. Like any toad, Chan Chu hides in the cool darkness of wells, and would be fished out from there by Liu Hai with a string of gold coins.

Small statues of this legendary frog Chan Chu are frequently prescribed in Feng Shui.

2 legends of the legendary frog

Liu Hai was a Taoist alchemist in the Imperial government of 10th century China. Legend says Liu Hai became a magician with a three-legged toad: Chan Chu. This three legged toad could carry Liu Hai anywhere he wished. Yet Liu Hai feng shui statues show the three legged toad sitting on Liu Hai's shoulder or on his back (see picture). Since the reluctant animal sometimes would hide in the nearest well, Liu fished it out using a line strung with gold coins.

A second Chinese folklore legend says that the so called feng shui money frog lived in a deep pool with poisonous vapours causing diseases and death. Liu Hai is said to have fished out the money toad with a string with golden coins and destroyed Chan Chu. The moral of this feng shui version is that to much fixation on money can lead to sickness and death. As always: health AND prosperity are the 2 main virtues in Feng Shui.

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