Taoist Culture: The Timeless Wisdom and Faith of China

Taoist culture, originating from the vast land of China, has had a profound influence since the early days of the “Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors” period. It was Fuxi who first created the "Earlier Heaven Trigrams" based on the River Map and Luo Writing, laying the foundation for the Chinese understanding of the Dao. From that point onward, the concept of the “Dao” became widely recognized and was continually interpreted by sages across different dynasties. In the Eastern Han dynasty, the Celestial Master Zhang Daoling officially founded Taoism, transforming it into an organized religion with scriptures and teachings. As Professors Hu Fuchen and Lü Xichen from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences put it: “The Daoist culture, passed down from Fuxi, the Yellow Emperor, and Laozi, is the crystallization of Eastern wisdom. It is a comprehensive study, broad and profound, capable of carrying this historical mission.”

Taoist belief is rooted in ancient worship of heavenly gods and ancestral rituals, while its doctrines have continually enriched and promoted Chinese folk culture and beliefs. The relationship between Taoism and Chinese folk customs can be described as interdependent and inseparable. To discuss Chinese folk culture without Taoism, or to talk about Taoism without considering folk beliefs, is partial and inaccurate, deviating from historical facts.

Some scholars argue that although Taoism is the only indigenous religion of China, its influence and the number of its followers seem to be less compared to other foreign religions. However, this view is superficial. In reality, Taoist culture, scriptures, beliefs, deities, and legends deeply influence daily life, folk customs, and traditional festivals in China. Taoism is ingrained in the Chinese people's way of life, often subtly influencing their beliefs and values, even when they are unaware of it.

So, how exactly does Taoism influence Chinese folk culture and beliefs? It can be observed in the following three key aspects:

First: The Widespread Belief in Taoist Deities
Taoist deities, including the Jade Emperor, the God of Wealth (both civil and martial), the Three Officials, the God of Medicine, the God of Literature, the Eight Immortals, the God of the Underworld, City Gods, the Earth God, and Mazu, are all widely known and worshiped by the public. Temples dedicated to these deities can be found throughout China, highlighting the broad acceptance of these folk beliefs.

Second: Taoist Myths and Traditions in Festivals
Taoist myths, legends, and the birthdays or enlightenment days of its patriarchs serve as the theoretical foundation for many traditional festivals. Celebrations such as the sending of the Kitchen God to heaven on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, New Year's Eve offerings to the Jade Emperor, setting off firecrackers on Lunar New Year's Day, welcoming the God of Wealth on the 5th day of the new year, and festivals like Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Double Ninth Festival all have strong connections to Taoism.

Third: Taoism’s Influence on Rituals and Ancestral Worship
Taoism’s tradition of “revering heaven and honoring ancestors” deeply influences Chinese customs. Many households worship their ancestors through altars or plaques that honor the “Heaven, Earth, Ruler, Parents, and Teachers” or various deities. This tradition also extends to practices like incense burning, offerings, tomb sweeping, and consulting fortune-tellers. Taoism has shaped many aspects of daily life, from choosing auspicious dates to prayers for success, wealth, and family blessings.

These examples demonstrate how deeply Taoist culture has permeated the hearts and minds of the Chinese people. It influences their worldview, values, and everyday lives, creating a lasting bond between the people and China’s rich cultural heritage. Taoism, as China’s indigenous religion, carries with it the wisdom and faith of the Chinese nation, intertwining the ancient with the modern and leaving a profound impact across the ages.