Land God’s Birthday 土地誕

Land God’s Birthday| Areas
Land God’s Birthday| Era
Land God’s Birthday| Date
Land God’s Birthday| Historical evolution
Land God’s Birthday| Events

Land God’s Birthday| Areas

Hong Kong / No Specific Region

Land God’s Birthday| Era

Qing Dynasty to the mid-19th century.

Land God’s Birthday| Date

20th day of the first lunar month.

Land God’s Birthday| Historical evolution

China is an agricultural society, and due to the decisive impact of land on agricultural output, the worship of deities associated with land has emerged. Among them, “Land God” is commonly referred to as the Earth God today.

The worship of Land Gods had a well-established ritual system during the Zhou Dynasty in China. By the Han Dynasty, most cities and towns would have altars dedicated to Land Gods. However, unlike other mythical figures who are personified deities, Land Gods are not embodied by fixed characters from mythology. Their altars are mostly located at village entrances, roadsides, under trees or serve as auxiliary gods within temples; they are less likely to be enshrined in dedicated temples.

Although it is difficult to trace when land celebration activities first appeared in Hong Kong, it is believed that early land customs were brought by various traditional ethnic groups migrating from mainland China. More significant celebration activities began in the early Qing Dynasty. According to tradition, community organizations generally hold land celebration activities on the 20th day of the lunar month (usually January), but some groups may choose to celebrate on the second day of February or other dates. The Teochew community often celebrates on March 19th according to lunar calendar for their land celebrations. In addition, Tai Fung Temple in Sai Ying Pun organizes celebrations for Granny Earth’s birthday on February 2nd according to lunar calendar as a way of honoring her longevity. Over time, land celebration activities have spread throughout Hong Kong.

Land God’s Birthday| Events

The general celebration of the Land God’s Birthday is usually organized by the elders of each village or by temples. The land god’s birthdays in various places in Hong Kong include rituals such as preparing a golden pig, offering incense, and performing treasure transformation. Different organizing units will hold activities according to their traditional customs, such as climbing the heavenly pole, lion dance, unicorn dance, setting off firecrackers, divine opera performances, hitting a golden pig’s head, competing for lucky items, Taoist rituals etc., and have a meal together after the birthday celebration ends.