What Traits in Women, According to Physiognomy, Lead to Wealthy and Prosperous Children?
When Liu Yuan's mother, ruler of Zhao, was pregnant with him, she had an unusual vision: she dreamed of a large fish with two horns on its head, full of life and leaping about, which then transformed into a person. This figure held a shining golden object in its left hand and said to her, "This is the essence of the sun; if you consume it, you will bear a noble child." From that moment, she conceived, and after ten months of pregnancy, she gave birth. However, this noble child was reluctant to enter the world and was not born until the thirteenth month. Upon closer inspection, the infant’s left hand had many lines that, when examined closely, formed the character "渊" (Yuan), so he was named Liu Yuan. As Liu Yuan grew, he was tall and strong, with arms that reached past his knees, earning him the nickname "Ape Arms," a sign of great nobility and extraordinary strength. During the Jin dynasty, he served as General Ningxiang and later became emperor.
Emperor Wen of Jin was anxious due to his lack of an heir. One day, he gathered all his favored concubines and asked fortune tellers to predict who might bear him a noble child. The fortune tellers examined each one but shook their heads in disappointment. The emperor sighed repeatedly and then ordered all the maidservants to step forward, but again, the fortune tellers shook their heads.
Just as Emperor Wen was losing hope, one fortune teller indicated that, according to his fate, the woman who could bear a noble child would be tall, dark-skinned, skilled in spinning and weaving, and presently in the palace. The maidservants agreed that it must be a weaver named Kunlun. The emperor immediately summoned her, and the fortune teller proclaimed, "It is indeed her; there is no one else."
With long-term plans in mind, Emperor Wen invited Kunlun to his chambers. Kunlun exceeded the emperor's expectations, giving birth to Emperor Xiaowu, Prince Wenxiao, and Princess Poyang—two dragons and one phoenix. When Emperor Xiaowu ascended the throne, he honored his birth mother as Shufei, later promoting her to Guiren, and eventually to Taifei. As her son's reign stabilized, she became the Empress Dowager and later the Grand Empress Dowager.
This story has been passed down through generations, illustrating how a mother can gain nobility through her child, transforming from humble beginnings to greatness.
From ancient times to the present, a saying persists: "A mother is honored through her child." In the past, this spoke to wealthy and powerful families where women had little status, and having children helped secure their position. Nowadays, many women who marry into wealthy families also use their children to ensure their status within the family. In fact, this applies to ordinary families as well; having children continues the family lineage, granting one a voice and status within the household. Without children, there is often a sense of insecurity in the marital relationship.
I have summarized several situations in which women are likely to give birth to wealthy and noble children, which I present here for consideration and reflection. Of course, this information is not exhaustive; it highlights some prominent characteristics. If there are shortcomings, please feel free to offer corrections.
1. Eyes as Black as Stars
Bright, dark eyes with clear whites, free from yellowing, bloodshot veins, or squinting, indicate a clear mind and spirit. This signifies a pure heart, upright character, kindness, and loyalty, which are all conducive to bearing noble children. However, if the eyes are sunken, crooked, or show signs of distress, they may indicate misfortune. Even if the eyes are star-like, it does not guarantee the birth of noble children.
2. Hair Thick as a Green Waterfall
A woman's hair should be thick and shiny, resembling a waterfall. Dark, lustrous hair signifies good health and abundant life force. In simple terms, this means good physical condition and sufficient vitality, which can nurture healthy and prosperous children. If the eyebrows are also well-defined, complementing the hair, it indicates intelligence and high cultivation, allowing the woman to provide better educational guidance for her children.
3. A Deep and Straight Philtrum
The shape of the philtrum also indicates the trajectory of one's life. A wider philtrum suggests a broadening life path, while a deep philtrum signifies wealth and health. A shallow philtrum indicates poverty and worries. An ideal philtrum resembles a bamboo tube, suggesting both wealth and nobility. If a woman has a full philtrum, she is likely to have many children. Scars, moles, or blemishes on the philtrum can be detrimental to offspring. A flat philtrum, thin lips, and loose teeth often indicate poverty. Conversely, tightly packed teeth and a favorable philtrum suggest a later life of loneliness and lack of support.
4. A Deep, Round, Upward Navel
The navel is a strong indicator of a woman's fertility and reproductive state. A round navel is a blessing, while an upward-facing navel is even more auspicious. A deep navel signifies further blessings. If a woman has a well-formed navel and a rounded abdomen, resembling a pouch, she possesses the genetic traits for nurturing noble sons and daughters, indicating a prosperous later life with many offspring and longevity.
5. A Calm and Selfless Heart
A woman with a righteous heart, dignified demeanor, wide forehead, innocent eyes, and unblemished features is likely to bear noble children. I have a niece whose fortune is not particularly favorable, but her facial features align with this description, and she gave birth to a son who is noble, enjoying a prosperous life for sixty years.
6. A Round Waist, Thick Back, and Long Neck
A round waist and thick back often indicate abundant property and wealth, suggesting that a woman brings prosperity to her husband. Women should avoid being frivolous or superficial; as the saying goes, "Chicken bones and cat meat" signify low status. Although many entertainers and models seem glamorous, their fates are often troubled. If a woman has a well-proportioned body and a graceful neck, it suggests she will marry a noble husband and bear noble children.
7. Firm Flesh, Loose Skin, and Soft Hands
An old saying goes, "A rough-skinned woman is a slippery official." Women should not have overly smooth skin, as it suggests low status. Instead, they should have soft, loose skin with firm flesh, indicating good character. Loose, soft skin often signifies immorality and lack of virtue. Many who engage in infidelity or betrayal often exhibit such traits. Women who possess this quality are diligent, honest in their work, and manage their households well, often leading to self-sufficiency and prosperity. If their hands are soft and warm, delicate yet strong, it suggests great wealth and that their children will also be prosperous.
8. Graceful Walk, Calm Breathing, and Clear Speech
Walking gracefully like a crane, with an elegant posture, steady steps, and no swaying, indicates longevity and prosperity. Breathing quietly, like a turtle, without signs of hurried breath, suggests good fortune and health. If a woman expresses herself clearly, distinguishes right from wrong, speaks loudly, and acts fairly, it indicates a life of wealth and longevity, and she will bear prosperous children.