Heidi (god)
| Heidi | |
|---|---|
 Diagram of the Wufang Shangdi | |
| Major cult centre | Mount Heng |
| Predecessor | Baidi (Wuxing cycle) |
| Successor | Cangdi (Wuxing cycle) |
| Planet | Mercury |
Heidi (Black Emperor) is a deity in Chinese religion, one of the five manifestations of Shangdi. He is associated with water and winter. His animal form is the Black Dragon and his stellar animal is the tortoise-snake.[1]
Taoist myths involving the Black Emperor[change | change source]
A Taoist title of the Black Emperor is the "Dark (or Mysterious) Heavenly Highest Deity" (玄天上帝; Xuántiān Shàngdì). According to a myth, during the fall of the Shang the Demon King ravaged the world, so that Yuanshi Tianzun ordered the Jade Emperor to appoint Heidi as the commander of twelve heavenly legions to fight this evil. Heidi defeated the Demon King and was subsequently granted the title of Mysterious Heavenly Highest Deity. In temples dedicated to him, he has a bronze tortoise and serpent under his feet. This means that the good always prevails over evil.[2]
Festivals[change | change source]
- The day for celebration of Heidi across China is his birthday on lunar April 21.
- A festival is held on the island of Taipa in Macau. The celebration at the Pak Tai Temple includes an opera-styled performance
- Annual Bun Festival in Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong, held in front of the Pak Tai Temple.
References[change | change source]
- ↑ Fowler, Jeaneane D. (2005). An introduction to the philosophy and religion of Taoism : pathways to immortality. Portland, Ore.: Sussex Academic Press. ISBN 1-84519-085-8. OCLC 57514728.
- ↑ Chinese Temples Committee website: Brief Description of Main Deities
Other websites[change | change source]
Media related to Pak Tai Temples at Wikimedia Commons
