Yue Lao (Old Man Under the Moon)

Introduction

Yue Lao, the Old Man Under the Moon, is Taiwan's most beloved matchmaking deity. He holds the 'Book of Marriage' containing every destined couple, connecting them with invisible red threads of fate.

His sole jurisdiction is romantic destiny — finding partners for singles, blessing marriages, and cutting unwanted romantic ties. The red thread symbolizes fated connections that transcend distance.

Taipei's Xiahai City God Temple is Taiwan's most famous Yue Lao shrine, with over 50,000 successful matches claimed. It attracts visitors from Japan, Korea, and around the world.

A specific ritual exists: pray, report your details and ideal partner preferences, cast moon blocks for approval, then take a red thread for your wallet. Some temples offer 'wedding candy' for good luck.

Interestingly, Yue Lao also handles 'cutting peach blossoms' — removing bad romantic situations. But temples warn: he might cut ALL romantic prospects if you're not careful!

Legend & Origin

The legend comes from the Tang Dynasty novel 'Sequel to the Records of Mysteries.' A young man named Wei Gu met an old man reading a large book by moonlight outside an inn.

The old man revealed it was the 'Book of Marriage,' recording every person's destined spouse. Wei Gu's wife, he said, was currently a three-year-old girl from a poor family. Furious, Wei Gu hired someone to harm the girl, scarring her forehead.

Fourteen years later, Wei Gu married a governor's adopted daughter and noticed a scar on her forehead. She turned out to be the same girl, adopted and renamed. Wei Gu finally believed in the Moon Elder's predestined matches.

The tale teaches that fate in love cannot be forced or avoided — every red thread tied by Yue Lao is destiny.

Worship Guide

The specific ritual: pray at the main altar first, then report your details to Yue Lao — name, birthday, address, and ideal partner preferences. Cast moon blocks three times; three 'yes' answers mean he'll help. Take a red thread and wedding candy. After finding love, return to the temple with wedding cakes to share good fortune.

Festivals

While there's no specific birthday festival, visitor numbers surge around Chinese Valentine's Day (7th of 7th lunar month) and February 14th. Xiahai Temple holds special matchmaking events during the Qixi Festival.

Famous Temples

⛩️ Taipei Xiahai City God Temple 🔗

Taipei City

The Matchmaker God here is globally famous. Over 6,000 couples return annually with wedding cakes to give thanks — an amazing success rate.

⛩️ Longshan Temple 🔗

Taipei City

Located in the rear hall, Longshan's Matchmaker God is also very popular. Many young people seek a red thread here after praying to Guanyin.

⛩️ Taichung Lecheng Temple Details →

Taichung City

Lecheng Temple's Matchmaker Hall is the most famous place to seek love in central Taiwan.

⛩️ Tainan Grand Mazu Temple Details →

Tainan City

The Matchmaker God at Tainan Grand Mazu Temple is among the most efficacious in the city, attracting many worshippers for red threads.

⛩️ Tainan Grand Martial Temple Details →