The Taoist deity Wenchang Emperor

Who is the Emperor Wenchang?

The Wenchang Emperor, also known as the Zitong Emperor, is a deity revered by the common people and in Taoism who is in charge of the academic success and official positions of scholars. Under his seat are two attendants, the deaf Tianlong and the mute Diyue. One is in charge of the register of scholars' fates and the other holds the great seal of Wenchang, signifying that those who know cannot speak and those who speak cannot know, to prevent exam secrets from being leaked.

It is believed among the people that the Wenchang Emperor originated from Sichuan. His surname was Zhang and his given name was Yazi. He was born in Zitong County, Sichuan Province during the Jin Dynasty. Legend has it that he was very filial and an honest official. Later, he unfortunately died when leading troops to resist foreign invaders. To commemorate him, people built temples and worshipped him. Later, with the prevalence of the imperial examination system, scholars would surely worship him when going to the capital for the examinations. At that time, Zhang Yazi became the Zitong God who protected scholars all over the world. Later, due to Taoist legends that the Zitong Emperor was in charge of Wenchang affairs and human pleasures, he was conferred the title of Emperor in the Yuan Dynasty. Since then, the Zitong God completed the transformation into the Wenchang Emperor. Legend has it that the Wenchang Emperor had seventy-three incarnations. He was Zhang Zhong in the Zhou Dynasty, Zhang Liang in the Han Dynasty, Lu Guang, the King of Liang in the Jin Dynasty, Meng Chang, the King of Shu in the Five Dynasties, and Zhang Yazi in the Later Qin Dynasty.

In Taoist beliefs, the Wenchang Emperor is not only the patron saint of students and those pursuing academic success but also influences many aspects of life, including studies, marital relationships, financial fortune and career development. Although Wenchang is a Taoist deity, he has a strong Confucian flavor.

What should be noted when worshiping the Wenchang Emperor?

Worshiping place: Choose a quiet, tidy and clean place to worship the Wenchang Emperor. Usually, a special shrine is set up at home.

Shrine arrangement: The shrine should be kept clean. Place the statue or tablet of the Wenchang Emperor, and offerings such as fresh flowers, fruits, incense and candles can be placed.

Offerings selection: Common offerings include fresh flowers, fruits, tea, pastries, etc. They should be fresh and clean.

Incense offering time: Usually, incense is offered twice a day, in the morning and evening. On special days such as the birthday of the Wenchang Emperor, the frequency of incense offering can be increased.

Sincere respect: When worshiping, maintain a pious and respectful heart and concentrate on praying.

Sacrificial etiquette: Follow the traditional sacrificial etiquette, such as saluting, kowtowing and reciting scriptures. However, the specific etiquette may vary by region and tradition.

Keep quiet: The worshiping place should be kept quiet to avoid loud noises or inappropriate activities.