Earth God

｜Photo: The Wondrous Temple Expedition｜

Earth God is the primary deity residing at Fude Temple on Dianzai Street, and he is also the most common deity worshipped in Taiwan. His official name is Fude Zhengshen. It is commonly believed that Earth God is the most down-to-earth deity. He knows his subjects well, and he helps them realize their wishes. Therefore, Earth God temples are very common in all parts of Taiwan. There is ‘Fude Laozu’ at Fude Temple on Dianzai Street. He was the first of many Earth Gods at the temple. Furthermore, the temple also worships Earth God with the young boy and Earth God’s wife. Most Earth Gods hold a gold nugget in their hand, but Earth God with the young boy holds the young boy’s hand. Therefore, most worshippers would pray to Earth God for wealth and to Earth God with the young boy for babies.

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Fun Facts

｜Photo: The Wondrous Temple Expedition｜

Earth God may not be a highly ranked deity in Taiwan’s deity hierarchy, but he is most certainly the most popular one. Earth God is the protector of land; he guards the wellbeing of the locals, their land, tombs, mountain, and farmland. He is also a god of wealth. Some Earth Gods’ temples are near schools, so he may also act of god of wisdom. Students would offer desserts in hope of good performance on the exams. Despite of Earth God’s low rank, he still gets helpers like his wife and his sidekick – Huye. His birthday is on 2/2 on the lunar calendar, and local temples would celebrate with festivities. Fude Temple on Dianzai Street also holds celebrations on this day, and locals are invited to enjoy a blissful meal.

Text and photos: Debbie Chiu　│ Photos: The Wondrous Temple Expedition
Reference: National Religion Information Network https://religion.moi.gov.tw/Knowledge/Content?ci=2&cid=278