Pioneer - Kaisei

The first star of the Big Dipper, or the name of the first to fourth stars. By extension, it is the name of a Chinese god who governs writing and records of income. Kuisei is also called Wensei or Wenchangsei and is considered to be the star that governs literary fortunes, and was worshipped by people taking the imperial examinations in later times, especially those taking them. The person who passed the Jinshi examination with the highest score was also called Kuisei. It was also linked to Taoist beliefs, and was called Emperor Wenchang or Emperor Zitong.

[Kiyoji Ito]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

北斗七星中の第1星、ないしは第1星から第4星までの名。転じて文章や禄(ろく)簿などをつかさどる中国の神の名をいう。魁星は、文星または文昌星(ぶんしょうせい)ともいわれて文運をつかさどる星とみなされ、後世とくに科挙(かきょ)試験の受験生により信奉された。またその進士の試験に第1位で合格した者も、魁星とよばれた。さらに道教信仰とも結び付き、文昌帝君、梓潼(しとう)帝君などといわれた。

［伊藤清司］

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