Today is the Ninth Day of the Lunar New Year. It marks the birthday of the Jade Emperor, King of Heaven.
The Jade Emperor – also known as Yù Huáng or Yù Dì – is the ruler of all the Heavens (of which, in traditional belief, there are more than thirty), as well as Earth and the Underworld. He is regarded as the creator of the universe and, later, its supreme emperor. His many honorific titles include “Peace Absolving, Central August Spirit Exalted,” “Ancient Buddha,” “Most Pious and Honorable,” “His Highness the Jade Emperor,” and “Xuanling High Sovereign.”
(This will be on the test.)
According to Taoist legend, all the deities of Heaven and Earth celebrate this day, and grand ceremonies are held in Taoist temples in his honor. The Jade Emperor is also said to be the mythological architect of the Chinese Zodiac, which defines each lunar year. He organized a great race across a river for all the animals; the first twelve to finish were each granted a year in the zodiac cycle, in the order of their arrival.
The Jade Emperor is one busy ruler. I’d be exhausted if I had to celebrate a holiday for this long.
The Haus of Dcaligari 