by 曾凱暄
Legend has it that 玄天上帝used to be a butcher. Since killing even animals is a bad thing in the Buddhist teaching, Kuan-ing the Goddess of mercy told him that the only way to wash himself clean was to cut open his tummy in the river. And so he did. But his stomach and intestines turned into a turtle and a snake. These two animals harmed and even killed villagers, men and women alike. Using his Sword of the Seven Stars, he caught them both under his foot saving everybody from disaster. This scene eventually became his signature image.
玄天上帝 is seen as the one having the ability to bring good fortune and extend lifespan. He himself is solemn, holding the Seven Star Sword. As a matter of fact, 玄天上帝’s original form was the combo of both the turtle and the snake, originated from the worship of Chinese constellation in the ancient time. Last but not least, as you can see on this picture, he doesn’t wear shoes, so he is also the so-called Barefoot Deity. Since Song Dynasty, he has been well worshiped. At present, people from both the slaughter industry and the meat-providing industry typically pray to him very much, for he is the patron God.
The statue of 玄天上帝 located on the Lotus Pond
