The Yuhuang Dadi (Jade Emperor) is
not only one of the supreme gods adored by Taoism, but also the god who is best
known and adored among folk people in China.
In China, it is well known that the Jade Emperor is the most powerful
dominator. He lives in the welkin high above, where there are luxury palaces. He
is in charge of all kinds of traditional gods belonging to Buddhism and
Taoism.
The origin about him first came from the
ancient people's adoration to the Lord of Heaven. In the Han Dynasty (25-220)
when Taoism was just established, he was honored as a rather supreme god. Later,
it was said he used to be a prince from a remote kingdom and cultivate himself
according to a religious doctrine. By the time of the Tang Dynasty (618-907),
the Jade Emperor became the assured subject of worship. Afterwards, Taoism was
respected in the Tang and Song dynasties and the story about the Jade Emperor
was gradually enriched, which greatly influenced the life of common
Chinese.
The statue of the Jade Emperor appears in
every fane and is for people's apotheosis. There are halls built especially for
him, which are called Yuhuang Temple,
Yuhuang Fane, or Yuhuang Pavilion and so on. Taoism made his
birthday on January 9 of the lunar calendar, when the grand ceremonies and
contemplative activities would be held. Later, this belief of Han nationality
spread to other nationalities, which made him the most respected god by Chinese
people at last.