Purple Maiden - Goddess of the privy (Taoism Singapore Forum)

Title: Purple Maiden - Goddess of the privy

suumaamiyamoto - September 24, 2006 05:21 AM (GMT)

From China's Golden Age : Everyday life in the Tang Dynasty by Charles Benn, Oxford University Press 2004.

QUOTE

The privy had its own diety, According to a tradition recorded in the fifth century, she was the second wife of a provincial official. In a fit of jealousy the man's first wife slew her by throwing her into the pit of a latrine during the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the first moon. Later the ruler of heaven took pity on her and dubbed her the goddess of the privy, Mortals knew her as the Purple Maiden. It became the custom on the fifthteenth day of the first moon to welcome the Purple Maiden at one's latrine by uttering the words, "Your husband is not at home and his first wife has gone out. So, little damsel, you may come out [of the privy]." It was also the custom for householders to shine torches into wells and latrines on the last day of the first moon to expel all ghosts. (p83)

I've been searching the net for her name in Pinyin & Bofomofo but have been unsuccessful. Does anyone know more about this goddess?

'die' much thanks, Wang En Lai.

Flying Phoenix - September 24, 2006 06:59 AM (GMT)

The Hanyu Pinyin name for Purple Maiden is "zi gu".

suumaamiyamoto - September 24, 2006 07:10 AM (GMT)

Thank you Flying Phoenix! :D:D I've been writing a story about a latrine cleaner in the Tang Dynasty, good thing the clothes and other stuff match!

-WEL

ZI-GU: Goddess of Toilets.

One of the LAVATORY-LADIES, she started out as the beautiful wife of an actor during the Tang Dynasty. All was good until a high-ranking minister named Li-Jing fell in love with her, killed her husband, and took the unfortunate ZI-GU to be his mistress.

His wife was insanely jealous. One day, while ZI-GU was taking what can only be described as a delicate pee, Li-Jing's wife leapt out from behind a pile of toilet paper and murdered her in cold blood.

From that moment, Li-Jing's lavatory was haunted by the ghost of his ex-mistress. Strange spooky noises emanated from the closet at all hours, and even the most stout-hearted visitor would cross his legs and wait till he got home.

When the news got out, Empress Wu, concerned for the kidneys of her top minister, blessed the ghost of ZI-GU and elevated her to Godly status. The haunting of the lavatory immediately ceased. (We believe this kind of exorcism is known as a Royal Flush.)

The grateful spirit of ZI-GU ascended to Heaven and the toilet was safe to use once more. Life went back to normal. But Li-Jing's wife was never able to eat roughage again.

As Goddess of Toilets, ZI-GU appears in the form of a beautiful contemplative woman, her lower body wrapped discreetly in clouds. This soothing image is a far cry from the typical Chinese hole in the ground, but that's mythology for you.

Perhaps due to the thoughtful navel-gazing which takes place in the bathroom, ZI-GU is also known as the Goddess of Spirit Writing. She inspires mediums with messages from the Astral Plane. That's why mediums never take a newspaper into the bathroom. No need for a crystal ball.

Incidentally, ZI-GU's favorite color is purple. This would seem to be the ideal choice when it comes to decorating the bathroom. However, as we know from experience, purple lavatory paper is almost impossible to get hold of.

From: http://www.godchecker.com/pantheon/chinese...php?deity=ZI-GU

javewu - September 24, 2006 08:15 AM (GMT)

Zi Gu is one of the Fairy that seldom people will know about her.

Not long ago, i did do some introduction on her, but seems that her popularity is extremely low. Not much people will like to find out more on her.

This Female deity is indeed one of the Deities that worth passing down as it does somehow show the importantness and female rights in Tang Dynasty (due to Empress Wu).

javewu - September 24, 2006 08:16 AM (GMT)

To add on a bit, in certain rural areas in China, the folks still have the practising of inviting Zi Gu out to give advises on certain enquiries.

Usually the folks will use incense or other medias to determine the arrival and the answering of Zi Gu.

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