Pak Tai
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Pak Tai (北帝; pinyin běidì) is a Taoist god of the North.
The Chinese world celebrates his birthday on April 21.
Pak Tai, also named Yuen Tin Sheung Tai (玄天上帝)(Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven), was a prince of the Shang Dynasty (商朝). During the fall of the Shang Dynasty, the Demon King ravaged the world. The Taoist Primeval Deity (also known as Yuen Chi Tin Chuen (元始天尊) then ordered the Jade Emperor (玉帝) to appoint Pak Tai as the commander of twelve heavenly legions to fight the evil. Pak Tai defeated the Demon King and was subsequently granted the title of Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven. In Pak Tai temples, the bronze tortoise and serpent under the feet of Pak Tai's image signifies that the good always prevails over the evil. (Chinese Temples Committee - Hong Kong)
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[edit] Temple
In Hong Kong, it is worshipped in Sam Tai Tsz Temple and Pak Tai Temple complex in Sham Shui Po and Pak Tai Temple in Cheung Chau.
[edit] Festivals
- A festival is held on the island of Taipa in Macau. The celebration at the Pak Tai Temple includes an opera-styled performance
- Annual Bun Festival in Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong, held in front of the Pak Tai Temple.