Che Kung
Che Kung[a] (2 January 1235 – 30 December 1330), also known as Che Da Yuan Shuai,[b] was originally a military commander of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279), who, according to lore, had supreme power to suppress rebellion and was renowned for his loyalty to the emperor.[1] He was also famous for his power to suppress plagues and his skill in medicine.[2] He is believed by some worshipers to have been involved in the attempt to keep the Song state alive by bringing Prince Ping and his brother to the south.[3] He is now considered the God of Protection.
Life
Che Kung was a native of Nanchang, in Jiangxi Province of China.[1] As a military commander, he saved the southern regions of China from destruction and disorder. Also, he appeared in many villagers' dreams who were suffering from a plague at that time. After the plague was over, the villagers believed that Che Kung had miraculously saved them from the terrible plague. Taoists regarded him as a deity because of his miracles and blessings. Inside a temple of Che Kung, pinwheels can always be found next to his effigy. It is believed that the one who rotates the pinwheel at a certain direction can receive good luck. The Birthday of Che Kung is the second day of Chinese New Year, though often celebrated on the third.
See also
- The Birthday of Che Kung: a celebration dedicated to Che Kung
- Che Kung Miu: temples dedicated to Che Kung (located in Sha Tin & Sai Kung)
- I Shing Temple, dedicated to Hung Shing and Che Kung
- Hong Kong Government Lunar New Year kau chim tradition
Notes
References
- ^ a b Brief Information on Proposed Grade II Items. pp656-657 Archived 2013-02-23 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Brief Information on Proposed Grade I Items. pp67-68 Archived October 13, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ The Historical Heritage of Ho Chung, Pak Kong, and Sha Kok Mei, Sai Kung. p5
External links
Media related to Che Kung at Wikimedia Commons
- Hong Kong Tourism Board
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