Taoism is an ancient Chinese philosophy and religion attributed to Lao Tzu, who authored the book “Tao Te Ching.” It became popular in the eighth century during the Tang dynasty. In the centuries to follow, it coexisted with Confucianism and Buddhism.
However, during the Communist takeover in the late 1940s, these religions were banned, which caused a decline in followers. Most modern Taoists live in Taiwan, although some do exist in China. Taoism uses the Chinese lunar calendar.
Teachings of Taoism
Taoism emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature, seeking balance with the universe (Tao). Spiritual immortality is believed to occur when the body’s spirit joins the universe at death. Books like “Tao Te Ching” provide guidance for how to behave and achieve this harmony. Taoists don’t view this energy as a god, but as part of their belief system, which includes deities.
Central to Taoism are the concepts of yin and yang, representing the balance of opposing forces, interconnectedness, and unity in the universe.
How Taoism Inspires Peace
Taoism promotes self-awareness and advocates for nonviolence. They believe in overcoming worry as it is a threat to the body, mind, and spirit. Their philosophy is that worry has nothing to do with the external world, but rather indicates that they aren’t ready to deal with real-life scenarios until they are at peace with themselves and those around them.
Important Taoism Holidays
All Souls Festival
Both Taoists and Buddhists celebrate this festival on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar. All Souls Festival celebrates the time that the souls of the dead are released from hell and allowed to walk with those still living. It’s a time to honor ancestors and to visit the temple to feed hungry ghosts.
Laba Festival
Celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth month, Laba Festival starts at the beginning of the Chinese New Year and is usually held three weeks prior. Believers make sacrifices to eight gods to hope for good health, wealth, and harvest. It can also be a time to commemorate the enlightenment of Gautama Buddha, better known as Buddha.
Laba congee is consumed as it is believed that this porridge helps Buddha to reach his enlightenment. It consists of a series of different nuts, dried fruits, beans, and rice.
Chinese New Year
This Spring Festival signifies the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar Chinese Celebrated from the first day of the year with the new moon until the Lantern Festival on the 15th day, it strongly influences several ethnicities, including Tibetans, Koreans, Vietnamese, Filipinos, Cambodians, Malaysians, and more.
It’s a time to honor deities and ancestors. Legend says that it started with Nian, a mythical beast that would eat villagers, especially children in the middle of the night. One year, they all decided to hide from him, and they put red papers up and set off firecrackers to scare him. After doing this, they saw nothing was destroyed, so every year they would do the same to ensure that Nian would stay away.
Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival marks the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Lanterns are carried to symbolize letting go of the past and reinventing oneself. Red lanterns represent good fortune going into the new year.
Its origins go back to the Han Dynasty when Emperor Ming would notice monks lighting lanterns in the temples. Because of this, he ordered every temple and household to do so on the 15th day of the first lunar month annually.
Tangyuan, a rice ball filled with peanut butter, sesame paste, or sweet red bean paste, is enjoyed steamed, fried, or boiled. The Chinese believe that the round shape of the balls and the bowls they serve them in represent togetherness.
Double Ninth Day
The Double Ninth Festival is observed on the ninth day of the ninth month. On this day, many visit the graves of their ancestors or lay food offerings out for spirits and enjoying outdoor activities to promote good health.
Qingming Festival
Also known as Ching Ming Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day, this Spring celebration involves visiting tombs to clean gravestones and burn joss sticks or paper. Its origins go back over 2,500 years. Qingtuan, green dumplings made of barley grass and rice, are frequently enjoyed on this day.
Final Thoughts
We hope that this list of important Taoism holy days is useful for inclusive scheduling at your business or organization. This allows you to recognize these important days regardless of the religion that your staff participates in.
In addition to this list of Taoism holy days, you can also explore our 2024 Interfaith Calendar which includes highlights from other religious holidays, and important religious festivals. For all 2024 religious holidays, subscribe to our interactive DEI Calendar for all 200+ religious events.
FAQs
What holidays do Taoism celebrate?
Some of the most popular Taoist holidays include the Lantern Festival, The Supreme Purity Festival, and the Qingming Festival. These festivals are filled with deep spiritual significance, offering opportunities for reflection, remembrance, and the celebration of the Taoist principles of harmony and balance. They also serve as gatherings that reinforce social bonds and cultural identity.
What are some common Taoism beliefs and traditions?
Taoism is connected to Lao Tzu, a philosopher, who wrote the main Taoism book called the Tao Te Ching. In Taoism, believers hold that humans and animals are in balance in the universe. They also believe in spiritual immortality, where the spirit joins the universe after its death. The concept of Wu Wei, or non-action, is central to Taoist philosophy, advocating for living in accordance with the natural flow of life. Taoist practices, such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, reflect this principle, emphasizing harmony between body and mind.
What is prohibited in Taoism?
Taoists believe that good actions will lead to a better life for their soul. Lying, stealing, drinking alcohol or committing adultery are all common prohibited actions. However, Taoism generally advocates for flexibility and following the natural course, suggesting that rigid prohibitions may not always apply. The focus is on understanding the Tao, or the way, and aligning one’s actions with the natural order and balance of the universe.