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Sacred Birthday of Yao Chi Jin Mu

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The sacred birthday of Yao Chi Jin Mu (the Queen Mother of the West) falls on the 18th day of the 7th lunar month. This is a significant day for her devotees, who honor and worship her through various rituals and celebrations. On this day, Taoist temples and followers across different regions hold events to pray for peace, health, longevity, and family harmony.

Celebration Activities

  1. Ritual Ceremonies in Temples : Many Taoist temples host grand birthday blessing ceremonies in honor of Yao Chi Jin Mu. These include scripture chanting, prayers, and repentance rituals. Scriptures such as the Precious Repentance of the Queen Mother of the West (Xi Wang Mu Bao Chan) are recited to express reverence and gratitude toward her.
  2. Offerings by Devotees : Devotees prepare offerings such as fruits, incense, flowers, vegetarian food, and peach-shaped pastries (symbolizing the legendary "Peaches of Immortality") to present before her statue. During the ritual, they sincerely pray for the Queen Mother's blessings for family happiness, prosperity of descendants, and success in career.
  3. Birthday Peaches (Pan Tao) Ritual : According to legend, Yao Chi Jin Mu grants longevity through the Peaches of Immortality. Therefore, offering peaches or peach-shaped pastries is a key ritual. In some temples, a "Pan Tao Banquet" is held to symbolize communion with the heavenly realm and the sharing of her divine grace.
  4. Cultural Performances : In certain regions, traditional dance, opera, or folk performances accompany the religious activities, adding a festive and joyful atmosphere to the celebration.

Spiritual Significance

The birthday of Yao Chi Jin Mu is not only a religious occasion, but also a time for gratitude and prayer. She symbolizes motherly love, compassion, and the continuity of life, which is why this day holds special meaning for female devotees. Many people offer prayers for their mothers’ health and longevity on this day.

Grand Celebrations at Special Temples

In temples dedicated specifically to Yao Chi Jin Mu—such as Kunlun Mountain or Xi Wang Mu Temples—the birthday celebration is particularly grand, drawing large crowds of devotees. These ceremonies are both solemn and lively, serving as a powerful expression of devotion and a moment of spiritual unity between heaven and humanity.