Lan Tsai-Ho was born during the Tang Dynasty, and became the youngest Immortal at age 16. He is an entertainer, and like some ancient shamans wore women's clothing and make-up. A street singer and a beggar, he gave away his money to the poor. Always dancing and singing, he walked about with one bare foot, followed by crowds who thought he was crazy. He wrote and sang songs which questioned this life, it's delusive pleasures, it's ceaseless and unnecessary reincarnations. In winter he would sleep soundly in the snow with steam rising from his body - a sure sign that he had mastered the techniques of internal alchemy. He was often found in taverns buying wine for everyone. One evening, after singing and entertaining, he left a tavern and mounted a crane which had descended amidst the sounds of a celestial chorus. The crane gracefully carried this "Holy Fool" off into the sky before an astounded crowd. His symbol is a basket of flowers, plants and branches from trees associated with longevity, such as chrysanthemum, peach blossom, sprigs of pine and bamboo. He is mounted upon an elephant, a symbol of wisdom, strength and prudence.
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