Historically, the Han people did not have a common religion. They worshiped more than one god, mainly of three kinds.

 

    One kind was the gods of ancient times, each of whom had their own power and responsibilities to perform. For example, the Jade Emperor was in charge of entire universe, the Kitchen God of food, drinks, happiness and misfortunes, the Dragon King of rain and floods, and the South-Pole Star of Longevity was symbolic of long lives.

 

    Another kind was from different religions, such as Tathagata, Maitreya and the Guanyin Bodhisattva from Buddhism, and the S upreme Old Lord and General Zhao from Taoism. The Supreme Old Lord was actually Laozi, a famous philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period. General Zhao, however, was worshiped as the God of Wealth.

 

    The third kind was historical or legendary figures, including skilled people in certain trades. Guan Yu, for example, a well-known general of the Shu Kingdom in the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280), was worshiped as Lord Guan for his loyalty, courage and integrity. Another man, Guan Yu’s contemporary, Hua Tuo, was a famous doctor. And Lu Ban, a master carpenter of the Spring and Autumn Period, was also worshiped as a god. And there were more others.