A Sweet Guide to Praying to Yue Lao

Fongyi Shuangci Pavilion (Photo by Carter)

【◎Written by Cai Mi-ci　◎Translation by Lin Yu-ciao　◎Photos by Carter】

The 15th day of the eighth lunar month is not only the Mid-Autumn Festival, but also the birthday of Yue Lao（月老）, the matchmaker god who “ties red strings of fate.” Tradition holds that it is the perfect time to pray for love and good relationships.

Fongyi Shuangci Pavilion (Photo by Carter)

Kaohsiung boasts several well-known temples dedicated to Yue Lao, who is also known as the Old Man Under the Moon. Each is popular and has its own unique features. When visiting Kaohsiung Guandi Temple（高雄關帝廟）, worshippers must first pay respects to the main deity, Lord Guan Shengdijun（關聖帝君）, before making their wishes to Yue Lao. Offerings include “harmony gold” (ritual paper currency used when praying for marriage or a stronger relationship), red thread, and candies. The last of these symbolizes petitioners' hopes for sweet romance.

Kaohsiung Xiahai City God Temple (Photo by Carter)

Kaohsiung Xiahai City God Temple（高雄市霞海城隍廟）, originally a branch of Taipei's Xiahai City God Temple, not only enshrines Yue Lao but also the city god's wife. The latter's “husband-taming shoes (blessed shoes)” are said to bring harmony to marriages. Worshippers can light love lamps or take away peace talismans, praying for smooth relationships and a bright future.

Kaohsiung Guandi Temple (Photo by Carter)

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