"Moon Elder": The Chinese God of Love

情人节快乐 qíng rén jié kuài lè (Happy Valentine's Day)! Although Valentine's Day is a Western holiday, Chinese people observe it, too. Other than sharing meals and gifts, we sometimes also pray to 月老 yuè lǎo ("moon elder").

月老 is the God of Love. He is a bearded elder under the moon. Every July 7 on the Lunar calendar, the Weaver Girl rounds up the names of all the unmarried people. Then, she submits the list to the Heavenly Court for 月老 to view.

Whether you're single or in a relationship, 月老 can help. He gives us clarity and courage to find and stay with the right person. How does he do that? By investigating each person's personality, character, interests, looks, intelligence, and finances to match-make. He notes down each couple in his sacred notepad and ties their feet together with a red thread. The silk cord is invisible to the mortal eye but forms an unbreakable bond for life.

As you can imagine, the belief in 月老 is more functional than spiritual. People usually pray to him only when they're struggling with love. That's why his follower base is more temporary than stable. 😅 Now, do you see how practical and even transactional Chinese folk religion can be? Tell me what you think of this on Instagram!