What is the origin of the Jade Emperor? Is the Jade Emperor just a virtual character?

In folk myths and legends, the jade emperor is the supreme god and the ruler of the heavens. The emperor lived in Miluo Palace for three days. The gods of the heavens and the immortals of Vientiane are all other ministers. Taoist immortals in China have their own historical archetypes. They are all heroes who have made great contributions to mankind and society in a specific historical period. A temple statue was built for it, which was gradually mythologized in the fleeting historical years.

According to legend, when the Western Zhou Dynasty was established, Jiang Ziya presided over the battle to seal the gods. After the battle, he began to worship the gods. Finally, a place was reserved, that is, the place of the Jade Emperor. Jiang Ziya wants to sit tight. At this time, someone asked. He: "Why is this seat unoccupied?" Jiang Ziya said, "There is a man sitting in this seat." At this moment, someone suddenly sat up. Jiang Ziya was shocked and asked him why he was sitting in this chair. The man said, "If you say you are a friend, I am a friend." It turns out that this man's name is Zhang You, and it is a misunderstanding to make a scene, but Taigong's words are consistent and cannot be violated. So there's nothing I can do. He said I want to protect the post and sit on the beam. This is the source of "the squire is here, and the fairy avoids it".

During the Yin and Shang Dynasties, people liked divination. Divination was a characteristic of the culture of that era, so there was an emperor's saying at that time, which was just an empty name and had no specific human form. After the establishment of the Western Zhou Dynasty, it was not only renamed, but also changed to the name of Emperor Heaven and God. Later, it was directly changed to the god of heaven, and the emperor god was widely circulated. During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Taoist culture rose, and the ancient gods who were worshipped at first became the highest gods. Taoism believes that eating jade can prolong life. Jade is a symbol of purity and tranquility. Yu Lang, Yu's territory, Yu Que's residence, jade rabbit, jade toad, Yushu and other animals and plants are all well known. Therefore, the reputation of God is also called the Jade Emperor.

The Jade Emperor has become the highest spiritual leader of the Chinese nation. He lives in the sky 36 days away and is in charge of the universe and all the saints in the world.