Legend & Origin
Often identified with the Three Cloud Fairies from 'Investiture of the Gods', who hold the primitive golden bucket (symbolizing the womb). Others identify her with Chen Jinggu (Lady Linshui).
Fertility, pregnancy, safe childbirth
Zhusheng Niangniang
Goddess of Birth | Registry of Life Goddess
Introduction
Zhusheng Niangniang holds a registry book and a pen, controlling who gets children. She is the primary goddess for those seeking pregnancy. Her attendants, the 'Twelve Midwives', look after children. Parents pray to her for safe delivery and the health of their offspring.
Worship Guide
Couples struggling with fertility pray to Zhusheng Niangniang with offerings of flowers, fruits, and cosmetics (as she is a female deity). A distinctive practice involves asking the goddess for a "Flower Spirit" — a white flower symbolizes a boy, while a red flower symbolizes a girl. After successful childbirth, grateful parents return to the temple to offer "Oil Rice" (You Fan) as thanks. Some temples have twelve flower vases representing the Twelve Midwives; devotees choose a specific midwife to pray to based on the desired birth month.
Festivals
Zhusheng Niangniang's birthday is celebrated on the 20th day of the 3rd lunar month. Temples dedicated to the goddess hold special ceremonies where couples come to pray for children or give thanks for successful pregnancies. Longshan Temple in Taipei is one of the most popular locations for worship. The celebration often includes puppet shows and traditional opera performances as entertainment for the goddess and her attendants.
Famous Temples
Zhusheng Niangniang
Fertility, pregnancy, safe childbirth