In traditional Chinese culture, each specific date carries a wealth of folk beliefs and customs, and the 24th day of the first lunar month is such a mysterious day. On this day, there is a special custom among the people - welcoming the fairy mother, aiming to pray for the protection and protection of the "Fa Miao fairy mother". So, who is the "Fa Miao Fairy Mother"? Why is she so widely believed and worshipped?
1. The legend and origin of the Fa Miao Fairy Mother
Fa Miao Immortal Mother, also known as Miao Fa Niang Niang, Fa Miao Lady, etc., is an important goddess in Chinese folk beliefs. The specific details of her origins and legends, although slightly different from place to place, are generally related to her compassion and wisdom. Legend has it that the Fa Miao Immortal Mother is a goddess of perfection in the heavens and the earth, who not only has outstanding appearance, but also has boundless magical power. She is compassionate and purifies all sentient beings, and is deeply admired and loved by people.
In many places, the beliefs of the Fa Miao Immortal Mother are closely linked to the local natural environment and history and culture. For example, in some mountainous areas, it is believed that she is the daughter of a mountain god who is able to protect the mountains and the land; In coastal areas, it is said that she is the wife of the god of the sea, who can bless fishermen to go to sea safely and return with a full load. These legends not only enrich the image of the Fa Miao Immortal Mother, but also deepen her status in people's hearts.
2. The ceremony of welcoming the fairy mother on the twenty-fourth day of the first month
The 24th day of the first lunar month is an important day to welcome the fairy mother. On this day, devotees from all over the world perform grand ceremonies to pray for the blessing and protection of the Fa Miao Immortal Mother. These ceremonies usually include the following:
1.Altar Building: Worshippers will build an altar in the courtyard of a temple or home, and the altar will be placed with various offerings such as flowers, fruits, pastries, etc., as well as special incense candles and paper money. These offerings are made to show respect and gratitude to the Fa Miao Immortal Mother.
2.Chanting and praying: Before the ceremony begins, the monk or Taoist priest will lead the believers in chanting and praying for blessings. They chanted aloud, praying that the Dharma-Miao Immortal Mother would come to earth and bless all beings. The sound of chanting echoes in the air, giving it a solemn and mysterious feel.
3.Dragon and Lion Dance: In order to welcome the arrival of the Fa Miao Fairy Mother, devotees also organize dragon and lion dance performances. Both dragons and lions are symbols of good luck in traditional Chinese culture, and their dancing not only creates a joyful atmosphere, but also drives away evil spirits and bad luck.
4.Welcoming the Gods: At the climax of the ceremony, devotees carry the statue of the Fa Miao Immortal Mother in a procession. Statues of deities are usually carved from fine wood or jade, inlaid with various gemstones and ornaments. Surrounded by the idols, devotees slowly walked along to the sound of gongs, drums and firecrackers, praying that the Fa Miao Immortal Mother would come to earth and bless them.
3. The influence of Fa Miao Fairy Mother in modern times
Although the development of modern society has led to the gradual diversification of people's beliefs, Fa Miao Xianmu, as an important folk belief deity, still has a wide range of followers in many regions. These devotees not only hold a grand ceremony to welcome the fairy mother on the 24th day of the first lunar month, but also pray for the blessing and protection of the Fa Miao fairy mother in their daily lives.
In addition, with the rise of tourism, the ceremony of welcoming the fairy mother in some areas has gradually become a cultural landscape, attracting many tourists to come and participate. These ceremonies not only enrich the local cultural life, but also bring new opportunities for local economic development.
Fourth, the cultural value of the belief in the Fa Miao Immortal Mother
As a part of traditional Chinese culture, the belief in Fa Miao Immortal Mother has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It not only reflects people's cognition and understanding of nature and society in ancient times, but also reflects people's yearning and pursuit of a better life. At the same time, the belief in the Fa Miao Immortal Mother also carries a wealth of folk wisdom and cultural traditions, and has become a unique cultural heritage.
In modern society, although the belief in the Fa Miao Immortal Mother has been challenged and impacted, it still has an influence that cannot be ignored. It is not only an important part of the spiritual life of believers, but also an important resource for local cultural construction and tourism development. Therefore, we should respect and protect this traditional belief culture and let it continue to play an active role in modern society.
V. Conclusion
The ceremony of welcoming the fairy mother on the 24th day of the first lunar month is an important part of traditional Chinese culture, which is not only an expression of faith, but also a cultural inheritance. Through this ritual, one is able to establish a mystical and deep connection with the Fa Miao Immortal Mother, and to feel her infinite compassion and wisdom. At the same time, this ceremony has also become an important carrier of local cultural construction and tourism development, injecting new vitality and charm into modern society. In the future development, we should continue to inherit and carry forward this traditional cultural custom, so that it will shine more brightly in the context of the new era.