Birthday of Yue Lao (Moon God of Marriage)
The Mid-Autumn Festival (15th day of the 8th lunar month) is also Yue Lao's birthday. Those seeking love and a compatible partner visit his temples on this auspicious day.
Yue Lao (God of Marriage) Birthday — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 9/17 | Tue |
| 2025 | 10/6 | Mon |
| 2026← this year | 9/25 | Fri |
| 2027 | 9/15 | Wed |
| 2028 | 10/3 | Tue |
| 2029 | 9/22 | Sat |
| 2030 | 9/12 | Thu |
About the Deity
Yue Lao (月下老人, "The Old Man Under the Moon") is China's deity of marriage and romantic fate. The legend traces to Tang dynasty traveler Wei Gu who met an old man by moonlight; the man held a register of marriages and used red threads to tie the feet of destined couples, ensuring they would eventually meet. Taiwan's most famous Yue Lao shrines are inside Taipei's Xiahaishan City God Temple and Tainan's Grand Empress Temple.
The Mid-Autumn Birthday
Yue Lao's birthday falls on the Mid-Autumn Festival (15th of the 8th month), when the full moon's symbolism of wholeness and reunion perfectly mirrors his domain of love. This is the most popular time of year for single people to visit Yue Lao temples. Devotees seek a red thread (hóng xiàn), Yue Lao amulet, and "golden knot" (jīn jié, symbolizing "having a connection") from the temple to carry with them.
How to Pray for Love
To seek Yue Lao's blessing: bring sweet offerings (candy or bridal cakes; fruit for auspiciousness), light three sticks of incense, and sincerely state your name, age, and the qualities you hope for in a partner. After praying, tie a red thread around your wrist or carry it as a symbol of your connection to a future partner. Once blessed, take active steps to meet new people — Yue Lao ties the thread, but you must walk the path. When love is found, return to the temple to fulfill your vow and give thanks.