Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter)

Introduction

Tai Sui is the annual presiding deity in Taoism. Sixty Tai Sui deities rotate in a cycle matching the traditional Chinese calendar. 'Offending Tai Sui' is one of the most feared annual misfortunes in Taiwanese folk belief.

Each person's zodiac animal relative to the current year's Tai Sui determines whether they face bad luck that year. Before the Lunar New Year, massive crowds visit temples to 'place Tai Sui' — registering for protection throughout the year.

The common saying 'Don't break ground above Tai Sui's head' has become an everyday expression meaning 'don't provoke powerful forces.'

Four to five zodiac signs 'offend' Tai Sui each year through direct collision, punishment, or harm — ensuring steady annual demand for Tai Sui protection rituals.

Legend & Origin

Tai Sui worship originated from ancient Chinese observations of Jupiter, which orbits the celestial sphere roughly every 12 years. Each year, one of 60 named Tai Sui deities presides — a system matching the sexagenary cycle.

A folk tale explains the taboo: someone once dug in the Tai Sui's direction and unearthed a growing mass of flesh (Tai Sui fungus) that couldn't be cut away. Terrified, they reburied it and built an altar. Hence: 'Never break ground above Tai Sui's head.'

Interestingly, 'Tai Sui fungus' (Lignosus rhinocerotis) really exists — an underground fungus resembling flesh that amazed ancient people.

Worship Guide

The annual 'placing Tai Sui' ritual involves registering at a temple before the 15th of the 1st lunar month. The temple lights a Tai Sui lamp in your name for the year. At year's end, return to 'thank Tai Sui.' In offending years, wear a Tai Sui amulet, avoid major life changes, and do good deeds.

Festivals

The peak period for placing Tai Sui is from the 8th to 9th of the 1st lunar month. Major temples see long queues. The annual announcement of which zodiac signs 'offend' Tai Sui is a regular media event before each Lunar New Year.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Songshan Ciyou Temple Details →

Taipei City

Though primarily a Mazu temple, its Tai Sui Hall is grand and popular. The Tai Sui lamps here are renowned for their efficacy.

⛩️ Longshan Temple 🔗