China: Ming Dynasty silk painting of the Jade Emperor, 16th century CE. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The Jade Emperor is one of the most important deities in traditional Chinese culture and religion and in Taoism. The Jade Emperor, known by many other names such as Heavenly Grandfather, Heavenly Duke, Jade Lord of of the Highest Emperor and Great Emperor of Jade, is considered the ruler of heaven and a manifestation of the first god.

In Taoist theology, he was originally known as Yuhuang, and was assistant to the first supreme administrator of Heaven, Yuanshi Tianzun. He took over after Yuanshi Tianzun stepped down, becoming overseer of both Heaven and Earth. In other origin stories, he was originally the crown prince of the kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments, and was kind and intelligent even in his youth. He was said to be benevolent and respectful to both men and creatures, and made sure everyone in the kingdom found peace and contentment after he ascended to the throne. He eventually left to cultivate Tao, and became Jade Emperor after over one hundred million years of cultivation and meditation.

The Jade Emperor plays important roles in various Chinese folk tales and stories such as 'Journey to the West', and he is still worshipped in Taoist temples. Temples to the Jade Emperor can be found across China, Taiwan and Hong Kong, with celebrations on his 'birthday' every ninth day of the first lunar month.

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