Everyday Life
Why are deities' birthdays or particular festivals chosen for prayers?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Choosing deities' birthdays, festivals of the Three Officials, or Heavenly Gift Day for prayers follows faith and custom. Congratulating a deity on the birthday before seeking help resembles expressing intentions on an auspicious day. In our experience, seeking help then is often especially effective.
Heavenly Gift Day on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month also offers a midyear opportunity to pray again to the Jade Emperor. If difficulties remain after early-year prayers or further help is desired, this occasion is used. Choices of dates draw on customs, yin-yang and the Five Elements, and traditional almanacs, so a day's significance is considered in arranging ceremonies.
Birthday worship can also be understood inwardly and outwardly. Personal happiness in offering congratulations is inward. Local worshippers recognizing the same day and arriving with celebratory intentions create an outward atmosphere. During group worship at Sanqing Temple, I felt both working together with especially strong energetic resonance. This was my experience on that visit and one perspective on birthday celebrations.