What is the Hu 道教笏板

What is the Hu 道教笏板

Paul Peng
Hu, also referred to as "Guijian", "Chaojian", "Chaoban", "Zouban", "Yuban", "Yuhu", "Shouban" and so on, was originally a handboard held by emperors, monarchs and officials during court meetings in ancient times. It could be used to write notes to prevent forgetting things.


There were specific regulations for hu in the court: the Son of Heaven used jade ones, feudal lords used ivory ones, and senior officials and scholars used bamboo ones. Taoism, however, is not bound by such restrictions and can use hu made of any material based on available conditions.

During Taoist ceremonies, the high priest ascends the altar, holding the hu with both hands, as if facing the heavenly court. Daoshu Yuanshen Qi (Taoist Book of Invoking Divine Symbols) states: "In ancient times, dukes and marquises all held gui (a type of jade tablet). The Rites of Zhou mentions Huan Gui, Xin Gui, and Gong Gui. The Book of Rites records: 'Scholars held things like fish whiskers, patterned bamboo, and wooden slips.'"
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Paul Peng — Zhengyi Taoist Priest, Longhu Mountain

About the Author

Paul Peng

Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.

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