Ritual on the Day of Xuantian Shangdi and Xiwangmu

The 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month is one of the most important days in the Daoist calendar. On the same day, two great deities are honored: Xuantian Shangdi 玄天上帝, also called Xuan Wu 玄武 or the Mysterious Heavenly Sovereign, and Xiwangmu 西王母, the Queen Mother of the West.

Xuan Wu is a powerful protector, depicted in a full warrior’s posture with a snake and a tortoise — symbols of longevity and the cosmic balance of the north. He protects against harmful forces and guides inner alchemy. He represents the ability to endure in darkness, fear, and uncertainty.

Xiwangmu dwells on Mount Kunlun, where the peach of immortality (蟠桃) grows. She represents immortality, longevity, cosmic order, and the feminine principle of the universe as sovereign, cyclical, wild, wise, and spiritually autonomous. According to legend, on this day, also called the Peach Banquet 蟠桃会, immortals gather in her garden.

On this day, people turn to the deities with prayers for health, protection, and longevity.