Worshipping the Tiger God, also known in Chinese as 虎爺 (Hǔ yé), is a revered tradition within the Chinese folk belief system.
As an embodiment of the ‘King of Beasts’, the Tiger God, alternatively known as General Heaven Tiger (天虎將軍), General Flying Tiger (飛虎將軍), Venerable Garrison Deity of the Mountain (山軍尊神), Marshal under the Altar (下壇元帥), or General Black Tiger (黑虎將軍), is a symbol of courage, power, strength, vitality, dignity, glory, and authority.
The Tiger God’s manifestations typically appear in two distinct forms – the yellow-haired and the black-haired tiger. The act of choosing to worship the Tiger God is believed to safeguard homes, exorcise evil, prevent disasters, and essentially, it signifies a profound wish for auspiciousness and happiness
Worshipers of the Tiger God consider the lunar 6th June, its recognized birthday, an exceptionally auspicious day to pay homage and seek the deity’s blessings.
Tiger God: A Guardian and Attractor of Wealth
Interestingly, the Tiger God holds a fascinating backstory. Legend has it that the Tiger God, initially considered a divine beast, was tamed by the God of Life.
Over time, this deity practiced alongside the God of Life, evolving into the Black Tiger General. Simultaneously, the Tiger God served as the mount of the God of Wealth and City God, contributing to their cause for many years.
A predominant figure in most temples, the Tiger God is often enshrined under the god’s table and serves as the ‘Guardian God of Children’. Parents or elders often pray to the Tiger God, seeking robust and vigorous health for their children.
As a potent deity, the Tiger God can attract wealth and stabilize homes. Temple celebrations frequently welcome and worship the Tiger God first to clear ghosts and suppress evil spirits.
Following this cleansing, Earth God and the main gods are invited to distribute blessings and wealth.
Worship Procedures and Offerings to the Tiger God
The act of worship to the Tiger God in Chinese temples typically follows a specified sequence, starting with the Tian Gong furnace at the entrance, moving on to the main deity, then the accompanying deities, and culminating with the Tiger God. This process of wealth worship necessitates paying respects to all the gods, as worshipping only a single god is often considered disrespectful.
In many temples, due to the Tiger God’s role as an accompanying deity, offerings are traditionally placed below the main deity. However, as worship of the Tiger Lord gains popularity, more temples, are starting to honor him directly on the main table.
The sacrificial offerings given when one chooses to worship the Tiger God are typically composed of raw food items such as pork, lamb, beef, eggs, duck eggs, squid, and wine.
In terms of fruits, apples symbolizing peace, and pears representing removal or cleansing, are offered. However, fruits like bananas, pineapples, and grapes are generally avoided as they are believed to invite trouble.
Despite the typical offerings mentioned, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all temples or Tiger Gods accept raw food or meat, so it’s always prudent to check with the specific temple beforehand. Moreover, since raw offerings can spoil easily, they should be taken home after the worship.
In essence, to worship the Tiger God is a nuanced practice that must be carried out with respect and understanding of the deity’s place in the pantheon and the traditions associated with his veneration.
Seeking Career and Wealth Luck with Tiger God
Numerous individuals opt to worship the Tiger God, as they firmly believe that this can significantly enhance their career and wealth opportunities.
Here is a methodical step-by-step guide on how to conduct this divine veneration:
- Preparation: Prior to the worship, gather all necessary offerings which might include raw food items such as squid, octopus, dried tofu, raw sausages, raw meat, and raw eggs. Remember to check with the specific temple if these offerings are acceptable.
- Beginning the Worship: Stand before the Tiger God’s statue or representation in the temple. Take a moment to gather your thoughts and center yourself before starting your prayers.
- Announcement: Announce your name, birth date, address, and company. This declaration is believed to form a connection between you and the Tiger God, making your prayers more potent.
- Express Your Wishes: Sincerely express your wishes for career progression or wealth luck. You can do this either silently in your mind or softly spoken aloud. Be as specific as you can about what you desire, whether it’s a promotion, new business opportunities, or financial stability.
- Seeking ‘Money Mother’: Proceed to the ‘Money Water’ place, often located within the Tiger God’s shrines. This is usually a small bowl of water filled with coins. This ritual is thought to strengthen the blessings of wealth from the Tiger Lord.
- The Money Water Ritual: Carefully take some coins from the water, circle them around the incense burner thrice, symbolizing the cyclical nature of luck and wealth. Following this, place them into a red envelope or your wallet.
- Fulfilling the Vow: Once your wish has been fulfilled or you’ve seen progress towards your goal, it’s customary to return to the temple and exchange the equivalent amount of money from your own resources. This act of gratitude completes your vow to the Tiger God and is believed to ensure continuous blessings.
- Reflect and Repeat: The last step is to reflect on your experience, observe any changes or improvements in your life, and repeat the ritual as needed. It’s believed that consistent devotion can result in consistent blessings from the Tiger God.
The Role of the Tiger God in Chinese Folklore
Historically, the tiger was considered the mount of the Earth God or City God, but eventually evolved into the mount for various gods. It was believed that tigers subdued by the Earth God or the City God gained divine power, protected people, and did not harm humans or livestock. As a result, many people respectfully call it Tiger God and worship the Tiger God with devotion.
The Tiger God has gained prominence for his fierceness in battle, ability to ward off evil spirits, and most notably, his power to attract wealth.
The ancients believed that as the tiger represented the West, and as the West belonged to Metal, which symbolized treasure, the Tiger God could bring wealth.
Worship the Tiger God: Blessings Abound
The Tiger God is held in high esteem not only as a figure of power and prosperity but also as a divine guardian for children. With a tradition of worship that implores the Tiger God for blessings, it ensures children grow up safely, smart, and clever. This makes the Tiger God a cornerstone of protection within the cultural fabric of many temples.
Businessmen, in particular, find a resonating force to worship the Tiger God. Despite its form as an animal deity, the belief in the Tiger God’s power to attract wealth is pervasive.
The Tiger God’s divine power extends to driving out plagues, subduing demons, and guarding against diseases that frighten children, truly embodying a protective force that goes beyond the mundane.
The Significance of Tigers in Dream Interpretation
Tigers hold unique symbolism not only in Chinese folk belief but also in dream interpretation. In Chinese culture, dreaming of a tiger could be seen as an indication of strength, power, and authority, akin to the characteristics of the Tiger God. For internal references, you can check our article on dreaming of tiger interpretation.
In contrast, Western dream interpretation might associate a tiger with courage, fierceness, or even potential danger. The underlying theme remains that the tiger symbolizes a powerful force or emotion in your life.
Worship the Tiger God: A Pathway to Unleashing Power
In the vast spectrum of Chinese traditions and belief systems, the Tiger God shines as a symbol of courage, power, wealth, and protection.
While many are familiar with practices such as Feng Shui, consulting the lucky Chinese zodiac signs in 2024, or employing the most powerful money attraction symbols, the faith to worship the Tiger Godhold equal significance in this intricate and captivating tapestry of cultural belief systems.
As we delve deeper into Chinese traditions, are there other deities or practices, like the worship of Goddess of Mercy or borrowing luck in 2024, that we should learn more about?
Or perhaps how to properly welcome the God of Wealth? The richness of this culture offers endless avenues for exploration.
When is the Tiger God’s birthday in 2023?
The Tiger God’s birthday is traditionally celebrated on the 6th day of the 6th lunar month in the Chinese calendar. In 2023, this falls on 23rd July. Please remember that dates can vary slightly each year because the Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar, not solely a solar calendar like the Gregorian calendar.
Which day to pray to Tiger God?
While the Tiger God can be prayed to on any day, the most auspicious time is on the deity’s birthday, which is observed on the lunar 6th June. This day is considered particularly favorable for worship and the offering of prayers and sacrifices.
What are the common offerings to the Tiger God?
The sacrificial offerings to the Tiger God typically include raw food items such as pork, lamb, beef, eggs, duck eggs, squid, and wine. Among fruits, apples and pears are often given, while bananas, pineapples, and grapes are generally avoided. It’s essential to verify the acceptability of offerings with specific temples, as not all accept raw food or meat.
What are the benefits of worshipping the Tiger God?
Many people choose to worship the Tiger God as they believe it can amplify their career and wealth prospects. Additionally, the Tiger God is revered as a protector and blessing-bringer for children, ensuring their safe and smart growth.
What is the purpose of the Tiger God?
The Tiger God, also known as the Tiger Lord, serves several purposes in Chinese folk belief. It symbolizes courage, power, strength, vitality, dignity, glory, and authority. Many people worship the Tiger God to protect their homes, exorcise evil spirits, and prevent disasters. The deity is also believed to enhance career prospects and wealth luck, and ensure the safe and smart growth of children.
