Yue Lao the God of Love
Yue Lao, also known as the "Old Man Under the Moon," is a beloved deity in Chinese mythology who governs love and marriage. According to legend, he uses a magical red thread to tie two destined lovers together, ensuring they will eventually meet and marry, regardless of time or distance. This red thread, invisible to the human eye, symbolizes the unbreakable bond of fate.
Yue Lao is often depicted as a kindly elderly man with a long white beard, wearing traditional red robes that symbolize joy and celebration. He is often seen holding a red thread or a book of matches, where he records the fates of all couples. People pray to Yue Lao for love, harmonious relationships, and successful marriages, especially during festivals or at temples dedicated to him.
Another figure often associated with Yue Lao is Hong Niang, or the "Matchmaker." She is a mortal character from classical literature who helps destined lovers overcome obstacles, embodying human agency in matters of love. Together, Yue Lao and Hong Niang represent the divine and human aspects of love and matchmaking in Chinese culture.
A Romantic Tale of Yue Lao
Long ago, under the glow of a full moon, a young poet named Liang wandered through a quiet village, his heart heavy with loneliness. Despite his talent and charm, he had yet to find a love that stirred his soul. That night, he stumbled upon an elderly man sitting beneath a towering tree, illuminated by the soft silver light.
The old man held a delicate red thread, its ends glowing faintly, and beside him lay a thick book. "What are you doing here, sir?" Liang asked, intrigued.
The man smiled, his eyes twinkling with wisdom. "I am Yue Lao, the Old Man Under the Moon. This thread ties destined lovers together, ensuring they will meet, no matter how far apart they may be."
Liang chuckled, skeptical. "If that’s true, who is my destined love?"
Yue Lao turned to his book, flipping through its pages. "Your match," he said with a knowing smile, "is a woman who sells fruit in the next village."
Liang frowned, disappointed. "A fruit seller? Surely fate has grander plans for me."
Yue Lao said nothing, merely tying a thin strand of the red thread to Liang’s wrist before disappearing into the night.
Years passed, and Liang forgot about the encounter. One day, he attended a festival in a bustling market. Amid the colorful lanterns and lively crowds, he heard a soft, melodic laugh. Turning, his eyes fell upon a woman arranging fruits at her stall. Her beauty was unassuming yet radiant, and her kind smile drew him in.
He bought an orange, using it as an excuse to linger, and the two began to talk. Days turned into weeks, and their conversations grew into a love deeper than anything Liang had ever imagined. She was compassionate and wise, her laughter like music to his heart.
One evening, as they strolled hand in hand under the moonlight, Liang noticed a delicate red thread around her wrist. It shimmered softly in the light, connecting to his own wrist.
Memories of the old man flooded back, and Liang laughed. "It seems Yue Lao was right all along," he said, pulling her close.
Their love became the stuff of legends in the village, a testament to Yue Lao’s unseen hand and the power of destiny. To this day, couples visit temples to pray to Yue Lao, trusting that his red thread will lead them to their one true love.