In Chinese, it is pronounced as: yù dì，Written as:

The Jade Emperor, known in full as the Jade Emperor, is one of the highest deities in Chinese Taoism and folk belief. He is regarded as the supreme god who governs all things in heaven and earth and rules over the Three Realms (Heaven, Human Realm, and Underworld). The Jade Emperor holds an important position in Taoist classics, being the leader of the gods and possessing ultimate authority and power.

The worship of the Jade Emperor originates from ancient Chinese deity worship, gradually evolving and merging with Taoist teachings and folk beliefs. Early beliefs in the Heavenly Emperor can be traced back to ancient times when there was a reverence for “Heaven,” which later became concretized into the figure of the Jade Emperor.

In Taoist texts, such as the “Taishang Dongxuan Lingbao Ziran Jiutian Shengshen Zhangjing,” the Jade Emperor is portrayed as the supreme celestial god, overseeing the Three Realms and maintaining cosmic order. His name varies in different scriptures, such as “Haotian Jinque Zizun Yu Huang Dadi.” The image of the Jade Emperor combines various elements from Chinese folk beliefs and mythologies, establishing him as the highest deity in the minds of the people, responsible for judging right and wrong in the human realm and bestowing blessings or calamities.

As the ruler of the Three Realms, the Jade Emperor governs the Heaven realm, Underworld, and Human realm. He oversees the multitude of gods in the Celestial Court, managing the order and operation of heaven and earth. The Jade Emperor judges human deeds, determining fate based on individuals’ good or bad actions. The ninth day of the first lunar month is celebrated as the Jade Emperor’s birthday, believed to be the day he reviews human actions. He can grant blessings to mortals or bring down disasters. People often pray to the Jade Emperor for protection and blessings, hoping to attain peace and happiness.

The Jade Emperor is typically depicted as an emperor in a dragon robe, wearing a crown, possessing an imposing yet benevolent appearance that symbolizes supreme authority. He represents the highest ruler of Heaven, embodying the order and principles of the universe. In folk belief, the Jade Emperor is a symbol of fairness and compassion, and people believe he will judge good and evil impartially, upholding justice.

Across China, there are temples dedicated to the Jade Emperor, such as the Yu Huang Pavilion and Yu Huang Temple. Each year, on the ninth day of the first lunar month, many places hold grand sacrificial ceremonies, offering incense and praying for the Jade Emperor’s blessings.

The belief in the Jade Emperor is deeply rooted in Chinese folk culture, with people expressing their admiration and requests through burning incense and worship. During festivals, significant ceremonies, or difficult times, individuals will pray to the Jade Emperor, seeking his protection and guidance. The Jade Emperor holds a crucial position in Chinese Taoism and folk belief; regarded as the supreme celestial god, he is seen as the ruler of the universe and the maintainer of order, symbolizing justice, authority, and compassion.