Horta e Mitra celebrates birth of the ‘Earth God’ over five days

The birth of the God Tou Tei (Earth God) was once again celebrated by the residents of the Horta e Mitra neighborhood.

Over five consecutive days, starting March 18 (the second day of the second lunar month) and ending March 22, people gathered to celebrate the special occasion, which this year coincided with the 140th anniversary of the establishment of the neighborhood’s Foc Tac Temple.

Every year, the management committee of Foc Tac Temple in the Horta da Mitra neighborhood (Cheok Chai Un Foc Tac Temple Committee) organizes a series of festive events, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere in the local community.

Celebrations include the Opera for Appeasing the Gods (a performance of plays to celebrate the birth of a divinity); deity worship and blessings; lion and golden dragon performances; and a festive banquet for senior citizens.

As is tradition at the site, the Opera for Appeasing the Gods was performed in a temporary theater built in the open space in front of the temple, with the main stage located right beside it.

Over five consecutive days, there were nine performances of the classic opera.

Besides this year marking the 140th anniversary of the Horta da Mitra neighborhood’s Foc Tac Temple, it also celebrated the fifth anniversary of the inscription of the “Belief and Customs of Tou Tei in Macau” on the National List of Representative Elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.

The beliefs and customs of Tou Tei have a long history in Macau and feature a variety of altars, including tablets, stone tablets, large and small altars, and temples.

Currently, there are around 10 temples and over 160 altars dedicated to Tou Tei in Macau, in addition to individual tablets at the entrances of numerous residences and shops.

Known by the names “Tou Tei Kung,” “Foc Tac Cheng San,” or “Tai Pak Kung,” Tou Tei is one of the most popular Chinese folk deities and is considered by believers to be in charge of lands and to protect the life, health, and wealth of residents, among other aspects.