The procedure is as follows: All attendants act in accordance with the dignified rituals. The Gaogong (senior Taoist priest) makes a proclamation, and everyone chants "Xuandu Wanshou Tianzun" (the Heavenly Venerable of Eternal Longevity in the Mysterious Capital). They offer incense and praise with rituals, chant "Dao Jing Shi Bao Tianzun" (the Heavenly Venerable of the Three Treasures: Dao, Scripture, and Master), chant the rhyme of "San Bao Xiang" (Incense of the Three Treasures), chant "Xiangyun Daxin Tianzun" (the Heavenly Venerable who conveys sincerity through clouds of incense), declare the memorial, recite the precious decree of the ancestor (reciting the decree of the specific ancestor on whose birth anniversary the ritual is held), burn the memorial, and then the attendants withdraw in order.
Celebrating Longevity: The Taoist Ritual of Zhushou
What is Celebrating Longevity?
In Taoist tradition, Celebrating Longevity, or Zhushou (祝寿), is a sacred ritual performed to honor the birth anniversaries of revered deities and patriarchs, such as the Jade Emperor on the ninth day of the first lunar month or Patriarch Qiu on the nineteenth. The term combines "zhu" (celebration) and "shou" (longevity), reflecting a deep reverence for the eternal wisdom and divine presence of these figures. This ceremony, conducted at midnight on the auspicious day, is a vibrant expression of devotion, gratitude, and spiritual connection.
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The Ritual Procedure
The Celebrating Longevity ritual follows a structured sequence, blending solemnity with reverence. Participants, led by a high priest, perform the following steps:
- Preparation: Ritual officials prepare with dignified attire and precise arrangements, ensuring the ceremony reflects Taoist harmony.
- Invocation: The high priest recites sacred titles, such as "Xuandu Wanshou Tianzun" (Heavenly Worthy of Infinite Longevity), to invoke divine presence.
- Offering Incense: Incense is offered with chants, symbolizing prayers rising to the heavens.
- Recitation: Hymns like "Three Treasures Incense" and specific patriarchal invocations are chanted, tailored to the deity being honored.
- Burning of Petitions: Written prayers are burned, sending intentions to the divine realm.
- Conclusion: The assembly disperses, completing the ritual with respect and unity.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance
The Celebrating Longevity ritual is more than a ceremonial act; it embodies Taoist principles of balance, reverence, and immortality. By honoring the birthdays of deities like the Jade Emperor or Patriarch Qiu, practitioners reaffirm their connection to the cosmic order and the eternal cycle of yin and yang. The ritual fosters spiritual discipline and communal harmony, reflecting the Taoist pursuit of living in alignment with the Dao.
