Honoring Zhusheng Niangniang (註生娘娘): The Chinese Goddess of Fertility and Her Sacred Day
- Jason Chan
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
In Chinese culture, fertility and family lineage have always held deep significance. Among the many deities venerated for their blessings and guidance, Zhusheng Niangniang (註生娘娘) stands out as the beloved goddess of fertility, childbirth, and protection for mothers and children.
Who is Zhusheng Niangniang?
Also affectionately known as Zhusheng Ma (註生媽), she is widely worshipped across Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong, and among the Hokkien and Teochew communities. Zhusheng Niangniang is believed to oversee all matters related to conception, pregnancy, and childbirth. Women often pray to her for help with fertility, to protect their unborn child, and to ensure a smooth delivery.
She is typically portrayed as a serene matron holding a ledger and a brush, symbolizing her divine responsibility to record the names and birth details of every household’s offspring. Her presence offers comfort and hope to many families hoping to conceive or welcome a healthy child.
What is “Zhusheng Niangniang Qianqiu” (註生娘娘千秋)?
The 20th day of the 3rd lunar month is celebrated as Zhusheng Niangniang’s birthday, known as Qianqiu (千秋) — a respectful term denoting a god or goddess’s sacred day. On this day, devotees gather at temples to offer incense, fruits, and prayers, thanking her for past blessings or seeking her support for future fertility and family harmony.
It’s a day filled with reverence, hope, and heartfelt intentions — often accompanied by traditional rituals and offerings tailored to those trying to conceive or praying for a healthy pregnancy.
The Twelve Aunties: Her Divine Attendants
Zhusheng Niangniang is not alone in her divine work. She is supported by the Twelve Aunties (十二婆姐) — each one responsible for a different phase of fertility and childbirth, including:
• Conception
• Gender assignment
• Fetal development
• Safe delivery
• Nurturing and growth of the baby
Together, they form a celestial team that watches over every step of motherhood.
Where is She Worshipped?
In Taiwan, you’ll find her shrines and altars in many major temples, including:
• Longshan Temple (龍山寺) in Taipei
• Yonglian Temple (湧蓮寺) in Luzhou
• Jingfu Temple (景福宮) in Taoyuan
Devotees come to these temples to make offerings, burn incense, and ask for divine blessings — whether they are hoping for their first child or praying for a healthy delivery.
A Modern Connection to an Ancient Tradition
For couples preparing to marry, conceive, or settle into a new home, understanding and honoring these traditions can bring a deeper sense of peace and alignment. As a Feng Shui practitioner, I often guide young couples through these sacred steps — from choosing auspicious wedding dates and analyzing Bazi compatibility, to offering support with fertility-related Feng Shui and Chinese spiritual practices like praying to Zhusheng Niangniang.
Starting a family is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well.
If you’re seeking clarity, blessings, or alignment on your journey toward marriage or parenthood, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
Let’s begin your next chapter with harmony, intention, and divine support.
Comments