Yue Lao is a prominent figure in Chinese mythology, known as the god of love and marriage. His name literally translates to “the old man under the moon.” Yue Lao is believed to appear to people beneath the light of the moon, connecting predestined couples together with a red thread.
According to Chinese folklore, Yue Lao is a humble and old god, often depicted as a wise old man with a long white beard. He is said to carry a book with the names of all the people in the world, and uses red threads to connect those who are destined to be together. Yue Lao’s attributes include his ability to bring people together, and his role in shaping the course of people’s lives through love and marriage.
Yue Lao’s family tree is not well-documented in Chinese mythology. However, he is often associated with other gods and goddesses, including the goddess of fertility and childbirth, Shou Xing, the god of longevity, and the god of wealth, Cai Shen. Yue Lao’s role in Chinese mythology is significant, as he is believed to play a vital role in shaping the course of people’s lives through love and marriage.
Overview
Yue Lao, also known as the “old man under the moon,” is a god of love and marriage in Chinese mythology. He is believed to be responsible for connecting predestined couples together with a red thread. Yue Lao is considered to be a humble and old god, often depicted as an elderly man with a long beard and a large forehead.
Significance in Chinese Culture
Yue Lao is an important figure in Chinese culture, as he is believed to have the power to bring people together in love. In fact, many Chinese couples seek out the help of Yue Lao when they are having trouble finding love or when they want to strengthen their existing relationships. Some even leave offerings to him in hopes of gaining his favor.
Role in Matchmaking
According to Chinese mythology, Yue Lao is responsible for matchmaking and bringing couples together. It is said that he ties a red string around the ankles of two people who are destined to be together, and this string cannot be broken. When two people are meant to be together, Yue Lao will ensure that they find each other, no matter how far apart they may be.
Yue Lao’s role in matchmaking has made him a popular figure in Chinese weddings. It is common for couples to include an image of Yue Lao in their wedding decorations or to have a statue of him present at their ceremony.
Etymology
Yue Lao, also known as Yue Xia Lao Ren, is a Chinese deity of love and marriage. His name literally translates to “the old man under the moon.” The title of Yue Lǎo is sometimes shortened down to Yuè Lǎo. In Chinese mythology, he is known to appear to people beneath the light of the moon.
The name Yue Lao is derived from the Chinese word “yue,” which means moon, and “lao,” which means old. The title “Xia” means under, and “Ren” means person. Therefore, Yue Xia Lao Ren means “the old man under the moon.” Yue Lao is often depicted as an old man with a long beard, holding a red string in his hand.
According to Chinese mythology, Yue Lao is responsible for uniting predestined couples with a silken cord. Once Yue Lao has united two people, nothing can prevent their union. The red string that Yue Lao holds represents the connection between two people who are destined to be together. This belief is known as the Red Thread of Fate.
In summary, Yue Lao is a Chinese deity of love and marriage who appears to people under the light of the moon. His name is derived from the Chinese words for moon and old person, and he is responsible for uniting predestined couples with a red string.
Attributes
Iconography
Yue Lao is typically depicted as an old man with a long white beard, wearing a traditional Chinese robe and holding a book. The book is said to contain the names of all the predestined couples, and Yue Lao uses it to match them together. Sometimes, he is also shown holding a red string, which he uses to tie the feet of the couples together, symbolizing their unbreakable bond.
Powers and Abilities
Yue Lao’s main power is his ability to match predestined couples together. Once he has tied their feet with the red string, nothing can prevent their union. He is also said to have the power to make people fall in love with each other, and to bring good fortune to marriages.
According to Chinese mythology, Yue Lao is a god of love and marriage who appears to people beneath the light of the moon. His name literally translates as “the old man under the moon.” Yue Lao is believed to be able to see the red string of fate that connects two people who are destined to be together, and he uses his powers to bring them together.
Yue Lao is often associated with the Chinese New Year, as this is a time when many people seek his blessings for their relationships. In some parts of China, people even leave offerings for Yue Lao at temples or shrines dedicated to him.
Family Tree
Divine Relations
Yue Lao is a god of love and marriage in Chinese mythology. He is often depicted as an old man under the moon, and his divine relations are not well-documented. However, it is believed that he is closely associated with the moon goddess Chang’e, who is also associated with love and marriage. Some legends suggest that Yue Lao is the son of Chang’e and Houyi, the archer who shot down nine of the ten suns.
Mythological Lineage
According to Chinese mythology, Yue Lao is a deity who has no parents or children. Instead, he is said to have been created by the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven. Some legends suggest that he was once a mortal man who was granted immortality by the Jade Emperor after he proved his worthiness by helping others find true love.
Yue Lao’s role in Chinese mythology is primarily as a matchmaker, and he is often depicted as tying together the feet of couples who are destined to be together. Some legends suggest that he has the power to bring together even the most unlikely of couples, and that his matchmaking abilities are unmatched by any other deity in the Chinese pantheon.
Mythology
Origin Stories
Yue Lao’s origin story is a subject of debate among scholars. Some believe that he was a historical figure who lived in the Tang Dynasty, while others believe that he was a mythical figure created by the Chinese people. According to one legend, Yue Lao was a man who lived in the Tang Dynasty and was known for his matchmaking skills. After his death, he became a god of love and marriage.
Major Myths
One of the most famous myths about Yue Lao is the story of the red string of fate. According to this myth, Yue Lao ties a red string around the ankles of two people who are destined to be together. The string may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. Another myth tells of a man who was in love with a woman who did not return his affections. He sought the help of Yue Lao, who told him that the woman was destined to marry someone else. The man eventually found happiness with another woman.
Contemporary References
Yue Lao continues to be an important figure in Chinese culture. Many people still believe in the red string of fate and seek the help of Yue Lao to find their soulmate. In modern times, Yue Lao has been referenced in popular culture, including movies, television shows, and books. He remains a beloved figure in Chinese mythology and a symbol of love and marriage.