China: Houtu Huangdi, the 'Emperor of the Earth'. Fourth of the Four Heavenly Ministers (Siyu) of Daoism. Hanging scroll painting, 19th century. Houtu or Houtushen (Goddess Queen of the Earth), also known as Houtu Niangniang, Dimu and Dimu Niangniang (Lady Mother Earth) is the Imperial Goddess of the Earth and is in charge of births, land, rivers, and mountains. In Daoist ritual, as well as the Three Pure Ones, the Four Heavenly Ministers are also worshipped. Each of the Four Heavenly Ministers has their own divine birthday, and many Daoists go to temples to burn incense on these days.
The Imperial Goddess of Earth is in charge of births, land, rivers, and mountains. In Daoist ritual, as well as the Three Pure Ones, the Four Heavenly Ministers are also worshipped. Each of the Four Heavenly Ministers has his own divine birthday: The Great Jade Emperor on the 9th of the first lunar month, the Middle Heaven Great Emperor of the North Pole Star of Purple Subtlety on the the 27th of the tenth month, the Great Heavenly Emperor of the Highest Palace of Polaris on the 2nd of the second month, and the Imperial Earth Goddess on the 18th of the third month. Many Daoists go to temples to burn incense on these days.
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