An old saying goes: “Tai Sui sits overhead; if there’s no joy, beware of misfortune”. This refers to the belief that during one’s Zodiac Birth Year (本命年), they might encounter a clash known as “Sui Chong” (岁冲) or “Fan Tai Sui” (犯太岁).
Additionally, two other zodiac signs may experience “Sui Po” (岁破) due to conflicts with Tai Sui (太岁星). Each year, three zodiac signs are believed to be affected by these clashes. To avoid potential disasters, it is customary to perform a ritual of “A Tai Sui” (安奉太岁) at a temple on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, praying for the protection of the Tai Sui Star Deity (太岁星君).
But what exactly is "Tai Sui"? If the Zodiac Birth Year is supposed to bring great fortune, why is there a risk of “Fan Tai Sui”? To understand, we must explore the origins of the Tai Sui belief.
The Origin of Tai Sui
In folklore, Tai Sui is considered a malevolent star originating from the planet Jupiter (木星), also called “Sui Xing” (岁星). Another interpretation identifies Tai Sui as a deity governing the seasons or the twelve hours of the day.
Ancient Chinese believed in the “correlation between heaven and humanity” (天人感应), interpreting changes in celestial phenomena—like eclipses, shifts in starlight brightness, or planetary alignments—as omens of events on Earth. Over time, this observation evolved into a system of star worship, including the Sui Xing, which was eventually deified.
The exact origin of Tai Sui worship is difficult to trace, but historical texts offer some insights. For instance, the Book of Rites (礼记•月令) notes: “On the day of the Spring Commencement, the Emperor personally leads officials to greet the spring in the eastern suburbs.” Eastern Han scholar Zheng Xuan’s annotation mentions: “In ancient rituals, people went five miles to greet the Sui.” This practice of respecting Sui Xing can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046–771 BCE).
An inscription on a Western Zhou bronze vessel, “Li Gui” (利簋), documents an event in which King Wu of Zhou, before a battle, chose an auspicious day based on the position of the Sui Xing, leading to victory. This belief in avoiding Sui Xing influenced military strategy during the Pre-Qin and Han periods. Over time, the concept of Tai Sui began to diverge from Sui Xing, gaining independence as a distinct entity during the Han Dynasty.
Sui Xing is a celestial body associated with fortune and misfortune.
From Celestial Bodies to Gods of Fate
Beyond astronomy, Tai Sui is deeply embedded in Chinese culture. In the Water Margin (水浒传), a classic Chinese novel, the character Ruan Xiaoqi earns the nickname “Standing Tai Sui” (立地太岁) for his fierce and untouchable demeanor, likened to the unyielding presence of the celestial Tai Sui Star.
In the Ming Dynasty’s Fengshen Yanyi (封神演义), after assisting King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing the Shang Dynasty, Jiang Ziya is tasked with appointing gods. Among them, Yin Jiao, the son of King Zhou of Shang, is designated as the “Tai Sui Deity of the Year” (值年岁君太岁之神). Similarly, Yang Ren is named the “Tai Sui Deity of Jiazi Year” (甲子太岁之神), with subordinate stars such as the God of Blessing (增福神) and the God of Misfortune (损福神), tasked with overseeing human behaviour in overthrowing and dispensing fortune or calamity. By this period, Tai Sui was widely regarded as a celestial deity monitoring human fate.
However, it wasn’t until later that the 60 Tai Sui Star Lords (六十太岁星君), corresponding to the 60-year cycle of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (六十甲子), were fully conceptualised.
The Tradition of “An Tai Sui”
In ancient China, agriculture was central, and spring rituals were crucial for a good harvest. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, emperors conducted annual ploughing ceremonies (亲耕) and sacrifices to agricultural deities like the Spring God (芒神) and Tai Sui, symbolising the imperial court’s dedication to farming.
Beijing’s Baiyun Temple enshrined the 60 Tai Sui Deities in the Qing Dynasty, blending Tai Sui worship with traditional spring rites. As imperial rule ended, these rituals faded. When Tai Sui worship was revived, it was reinterpreted, portraying Tai Sui as a fearsome deity to be avoided.
Interestingly, before the Qing Dynasty, there was no formal ritual for “An Tai Sui”. The closest practice was “Shun Xing” (顺星) or star worship, where people prayed to their Zodiac Star for protection during the year.
One legend recounts that Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty prayed to the Zodiac Deities (元辰神) for his mother’s recovery on her Zodiac Birth Year and Day. After she recovered, he established the Ten Directions Longevity Temple (十方天长观), a precursor to Baiyun Temple, to honour these deities. Over time, the temple shifted its focus to the 60 Tai Sui Deities, cementing their role in Chinese spiritual life.
Tai Sui: Good or Evil?
Ultimately, the Tai Sui belief reflects human aspirations for peace and prosperity. Praying to Tai Sui during the Lunar New Year is less about superstition and more about seeking psychological comfort. Understanding this practice as a cultural expression of “turning misfortune into blessings” (趋吉避凶) helps demystify its significance.
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