God Of Medicine’s Birthday
God of Medicine’s Birthday is a holiday that’s observed annually on the 15th day of the 3rd lunar month in Taiwan. This holiday commemorates the birthday of the deity Baosheng Dadi, and temples around Taiwan take part in festivities dedicated to him. Although Baosheng Dadi is now considered the god of medicine, he was an actual person during the 10th century.
Taiwan (Observance)He was a skilled Taoist practitioner and doctor who is often credited with performing medical miracles. His birthday is celebrated with festivals and parades in Fujian, Taiwan, and the special municipality of Taiwan: Taipei.
The History of God of Medicine’s Birthday
Baosheng Dadi was born Wu Tao, also known as Wu Ben, in Banlia village near Xiamen in the Province of Fujian. He was born during the Song Dynasty in 979. He would grow up to be a Taoist practitioner and a skilled doctor who is said to have performed many medical miracles over the course of his life. Some of the stories associated with him include applying eye drops to the eye of a dragon and removing a foreign object from a tiger’s throat.
When he died in 1036, some people began to worship him as a deity, and as the years went by, more and more people began to worship him as one. Eventually, the fourth Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Gaochi, gave him the title of “Imperial Inspector at Heavenly Gate, Great Taoist Immortal, Miracle Doctor of Compassion Relief, and Long-lived, Life Protection Emperor.” His birthday has been celebrated as an auspicious holiday ever since.
Observing the God of Medicine’s Birthday
All across Fujian, Taiwan, and Taipei, this holiday is observed with special candle-lighting and incense-burning ceremonies. There are also special parades and other events held on this day. However, it’s not observed as a public holiday in these places, only as a religious holiday, so businesses maintain their normal hours of operation on this day.
Taiwan (Observance)
