Wu Fang Tian Di (The Five Heavenly Emperors, 五方天帝) refer to the Heavenly Emperors in the five directions of East, South, West, North, and Central in ancient Chinese mythology. Wu Fang Tian Di are divided into Xian Tian Wu Di (the Five Innate Emperors, 先天五帝) and Hou Tian Wu Di (the Five Acquired Emperors, 后天五帝). Xian Tian Wu Di were all divine beings born before the creation of heaven and earth. Hou Tian Wu Di are the five ancient sages and masters of China, and people believe that they will also become gods after death.
Wu Fang Tian Di are respectively paired with the Wu Xing (the Five Elements, 五行) and Five Colors, gold, wood, water, fire, earth, white, green, black, red, and yellow.
There are different opinions among the members of the Hou Tian Wu Di. The more popular belief is that Dong Fang Qing Di (the Eastern Qing Emperor) is Tai Hao (Wood), Nan Fang Huo Di (the Southern Red Emperor) is Shen Nong (Fire), Zhong Yang Huang Di (the Central Yellow Emperor) is Xuan Yuan (Earth), Xi Fang Bai Di (the Western White Emperor) is Shao Hao (Metal), and Bei Fang Xuan Di (the Northern Black Emperor) is Zhuan Xu (Water).
Legend has it that Wu Fang Tian Di and their affiliated deities assist the Hao Tian Shang Di in governing the entire world. Among them, the deity of Dong Fang Tian Di is Gou Mang, the deity of Nan Fang Tian Di is Zhu Rong, the deity of Xi Fang Tian Di is Ru Shou, the deity of Bei Fang Tian Di is Yu Qiang, and the deity of Zhong Yang Tian Di is Hou Tu.
Dong Fang Qing Di Tai Hao Fu Xi, as an important origin of the Chinese nation and human civilization, not only created the Eight Trigrams and established the marriage system, but also taught people how to fish and hunt.
Xi Fang Bai Di Shao Hao Jin Tian was known for his fairness and courage. He was a brave and skilled leader known as the “Western War God” and established a new social order.
Nan Fang Huo Di YanDi Shen Nong was dedicated to discovering and experimenting with various herbs, which cured countless diseases.
Bei Fang Tian Di, Xuan Di Zhuan Xu, stood out in turbulent times with his intelligence and strength, and used his wisdom to quell various disturbances.
Zhong Yang Tian Di Huang Di Xuanyuan, the Central Heavenly Emperor, gathered the wisdom and strength of the four Heavenly Emperors to lead human civilization towards prosperity.
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