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Jade Emperor

Jade Emperor · Supreme Deity of Daoism — Emperor of Heaven

Supreme god of Daoism and Chinese folk religion. He dwells in the celestial Jade Palace (Yujing) and rules over all gods, mortals, ghosts, and natural phenomena as Emperor of Heaven. Just as the Son of Heaven rules from the earthly imperial palace, he presides over the cosmic bureaucracy from the celestial court. Each lunar 25th of the twelfth month, the heavenly gods descend to inspect the human world under his authority.

Origin

Rose to supremacy in the Daoist pantheon from the Han Dynasty onward, becoming the official object of imperial worship in the Song Dynasty when the title 'Yuhuang Shangdi' was formally established. Before this he was known by various names such as Tian (Heaven) or Shangdi (Supreme Lord).

Features

Imperial robes of yellow dragons and a tasseled crown (mianliu)
Resides in the celestial palace Yujing
Commands countless gods, immortals, and divine bureaucrats
On the 25th of the 12th lunar month, the gods descend to inspect humanity

Stories

The supreme deity most commonly invoked in folk religion. The 9th day of the first lunar month, his birthday, is celebrated with grand rites in Daoist temples. Petitioned for household peace, national prosperity, and at times of drought, flood, or other calamities.