At the meeting point of the Yellow River and the Fenhe River in Wanrong County lies the Houtu Temple, an ancestral site dedicated to the worship of Houtu, the Earth Goddess in Chinese mythology. Recognized as “the oldest temple in the nation,” Houtu Temple is a cornerstone of Chinese civilization and serves as a vital link for the Chinese diaspora, symbolizing the rich heritage of Chinese culture.
In ancient Chinese matriarchal society, the clan leader was referred to as “Hou,” tasked with overseeing significant tribal decisions, while “Tu” translates to earth. According to the folklore known as The Legend of Kuixiao, the concept of land is equated with that of a mother, emphasizing the nurturing qualities attributed to both. Thus, “Houtu” embodies the paramount female authority within this societal structure. Recent research suggests that Houtu may also be identified with Nüwa, a prominent goddess in Chinese lore credited with creating humanity and established as a significant figure within ancient clans. Nüwa’s contributions included the institution of marriage, population growth, and the creation of music and dance, marking the dawn of Chinese civilization approximately 10,000 years ago. Consequently, she is venerated as the Monarch of Earth and the foremother of the Chinese people, lovingly referred to as the “Empress of the Earth” and “Empress Nüwa.”
Approximately five millennia ago, following the defeat of Chiyou in the battle of Zhuolu, the Yellow Emperor achieved significant unification across China. Driven by a profound respect for ancestral veneration, he orchestrated ceremonial rites atop an elevated site in Miaoqian Village, Fenyin County—the very location where Nüwa was believed to have procreated humanity. This pivotal act ignited a longstanding tradition of high-level, extensive rituals dedicated to Houtu. Over time, the Han Dynasty formalized these practices into the country’s national ceremonial system, mandating such tributes every three years, alongside renovations to Tai Mountain every five years. The Tang Dynasty saw an expansion in these ceremonies, peaking in the Song Dynasty where eight emperors participated in the sacrificial offerings in Wanrong over 20 occasions. Notable emperors such as Liu Che (Hanwu), Li Longji (Xuanzong of Tang), and Zhao Heng (Zhenzong of Song) recorded their legacies through inscriptions, with Hanwu’s work, The Song of the Autumn Wind, achieving enduring acclaim.
It wasn’t until the Ming and Qing dynasties that the imperial sacrificial activities transitioned to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, later leading to the establishment of Ditan and renaming the Temple of Heaven. The worship of Houtu by emperors historically served three primary purposes: expressing gratitude for her roles in creation and sustenance of humanity; seeking favorable weather for abundant harvests; and aspiring to ensure the well-being of the populace and stability within the realm.
According to tradition, Houtu’s birthday is observed on the eighteenth day of the third lunar month. Consequently, for centuries, significant sacrificial ceremonies have taken place on this date. In recent times, numerous individuals from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and abroad have organized ancestor worship groups to participate in sacrifices at Houtu Temple. The local spring ceremonies have expanded yearly, reaching a peak of 30,000 attendees at one event. The Grand Global Sacrificial Ritual in 2003 marked a pinnacle of these traditions, with participants uniting in gratitude and reverence for their common ancestor. At the statue of Houtu, the drifting incense smoke embodies the collective yearning of the Chinese community for their ancestors.
The Houtu culture not only serves as the foundation of Chinese civilization but also embodies the core essence and medium of national identity. Its compelling allure and unifying spirit galvanize the global Chinese diaspora towards a shared mission of unity and the revitalization of the Chinese nation.
