How do people worship the Jade Emperor?

The Jade Emperor is the embodiment of Taoist Sanqing. He always supports heaven and keeps the balance between heaven and earth. Sanqing is assisted by four gods, also known as four auxiliary or imperial gods. They are the Great Emperor of Wei Zibei in Zhongtian, the Great Immortal Emperor of Antarctica, the Great Emperor of Gouchen Shanggong and the Great Emperor of Chengtian. Wei Zi North Pole Emperor, also known as Polaris Jun, is in charge of the latitude and longitude of heaven and earth; The Antarctic immortal emperor, also known as the Jade Qing King, is in charge of human health and longevity; Gou Chen is still the emperor, and he is also called the emperor. He is in charge of the three talents of heaven and earth, and the soldiers change between masters; Empress Houtu, also called Queen Houtu, is in charge of the fertility of Yin and Yang and the mountains and rivers of the earth. Everything in heaven and earth, everything in yin and yang, is in the hands of the jade emperor.

Legend has it that on the 25th day of the twelfth lunar month, the Jade Emperor personally went down to the lower bound to inspect the situation of all parties, and rewarded the good and punished the evil according to the good and evil of all beings. In the past, Taoist temples and people had to burn incense and recite scriptures to welcome the Jade Emperor. The ninth day of the first month is the Christmas of the Jade Emperor, commonly known as the Jade Emperor's Club. It is said that immortals in heaven and earth will celebrate this day grandly, and the Jade Emperor will return to the Heavenly Palace on the afternoon of his birthday. At this time, Taoist priests and Taoists will hold a grand ceremony to worship the Jade Emperor and give gifts of "fasting to heaven" to pray for a long life.

From the early morning to the dawn of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, the whole family must fast and bathe and hold solemn worship. Every household puts a square table in front of the main hall, and an altar is placed on the table to prepare magic lamps, five fruits (oranges, oranges, apples, bananas and sugar cane), six lent (golden needle, fungus, mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, peas and tofu) and other green teas. At that time, the whole family will pack their clothes, burn incense in the order of rank, kneel down three times and worship, and then burn the gold (paper). In some places, singing opera is to entertain the gods. On this day, we should also observe some taboos, such as not exposing women's clothes and pants, and not dumping toilets. In order to avoid the jade emperor seeing the crime of disrespect; The pigs, sheep and chickens in the sacrifice should not be female, but castrated or male.