[ Deities A-D ] [ Deities E-I ] [ Deities J-O ] [ Deities P-S ] [ Deities T-Z ]

JADE EMPEROR
He is the highest ranking ruler in the Taoist Heavens. He does rank below the Three Pure Ones, but they act more as elemental forces and less like ruling deities. He is usually depicted sitting on a throne with an large body partially obscured by strings of pearls hanging from the front brim of hit hat. He is often holding a pointed slab of jade in his hands as a symbol of his authority. His birthday is usually celebrated on the ninth day of the first lunar month, which is usually the first day of Spring.

KUAN YU
Kuan Yu is best known as a historical hero and warrior. He is revered not only for protection and prosperity, but also to solve problems of all natures.

LAND GOD
In traditional China, every village had a shrine to the local Earth God. It was this God who was in charge of administering the affairs of a particular village. This God was not all-powerful, but was a modest bureaucrat to whom individual villagers could turn to in times of need, famine, drought, etc. This God is often called "Grandpa" and he typically wears a black hat and red robe, which signifies his position as a bureaucrat. His birthday is celecrated on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month.

LAO TZU
According to Taoist legend, he was an older contemporary of Confucius who was born as an old man. He came from a minor aristocratic family, and gradually developed a system of Taoist mysticism and philosophy. He later rejected society and rode off to the west, and was stopped and persuaded to write down his thoughts. These thoughts later are comprised in the Dao De Jing.

LU DONG BIN
He was the most famous of the Eight Immortals. He is regarded as one of the fixe founding fathers of Quan Zhen Sect Taoism. A historical table claims that he was a mortal in the Tang Dynasty from China's Shanxi Province. He was a failed candidate for government service and was unaccomplished until he was 64. At that time he was explained Taoism and later dedicated himself to it and eventually became an Immortal. He is credited with frequent travels among the people to provide healing, exorcise demons, resolve disputes, and promote Taoist cultivation. He wears a unique hat qhich is flat and slopes down past his forehead. He usually carries a double-edged sword, and sometimes a shield.

MEN SHEN
The Men Shen were also called the Door Gods or the Door Generals. They were regarded as the Spirit Guardians of an entrance to a home, temple, or other holy place. They are either painted/carved on temple doors or printed on paper and pasted on the outside of front doors. They are usually depicted as fierce, heavily armed soldiers holding a long-handled axe or sword. They keep watch against all demons and allow those inside peace and plesant dreams.

MI LO FU
He was the successor to The Buddha and is one of the most important deities. He is considered the Buddha of the Future or the Buddhist Messiah. He is usually depicted with long ears, a large belly, and smiling face.

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Website Last Updated: January 03, 2008
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