I. Divine Profile
Alternative Names
Jin Zheng (God of Metal), Xi Huang (Western Emperor), Shou Shen (Harvest Keeper)
Appearance
Tiger-bodied with golden scales, red serpent coiled around left ear, holding a bronze axe. Mounts a two-headed dragon. Described in Shanhaijing as “human face, white fur, tiger claws, axe in hand.”
Abilities
Controls autumn harvests, judges mortal punishments, and forges divine metals. Capable of inducing seasonal changes and enforcing celestial justice.
II. Mythological Origins
Recorded in Zuozhuan as son of Shao Hao, co-governor of the West. Daoist texts list him as White Emperor’s assistant, while Xiyouji portrays him as subordinate to Taibai Jinxing.
III. Key Myths
1. Aiding Yu the Great (21st century BCE)
Cleaved the Longmen Gorge with his axe to assist flood control efforts, as recorded in Shiji.
2. Punishing Corruption (Zhou Dynasty)
Caused sacrificial bronze cauldrons to rust as a warning against greed, documented in Zuozhuan.
3. Yellow Emperor’s Tripod (Ancient times)
Supplied refined metals for the Yellow Emperor’s divine tripods, mentioned in Shiji.
IV. Relationship Network
| Relationship | Name | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Shao Hao | Co-ruled the West |
| Superior | Zhuanxu | Assigned autumn duties |
| Colleague | Jumang (Spring God) | Seasonal deity system |
V. Cultural Impact
Literature
Depicted in Shijing’s harvest hymns and Huainanzi’s seasonal rituals.
Festivals
Autumnal Equinox Sacrifice (Beijing Ritan), Autumn Festival (Central Plains). Song Dynasty records of “Autumn God sacrifices” in Dongjing Meng Hua Lu.
Folklore
Jiangnan’s “Autumn Ox” tradition: Artists recite harvest blessings while presenting woodcarvings, preserved in Zhejiang’s Lanxi.
VI. Historical Contributions
- Developed early metalworking techniques (Kaogongji)
- Instituted autumn execution system (Zhouli)
- Advanced agricultural seasonal understanding (Lvshi Chunqiu)
VII. Business Symbolism
Worshipped by Shanxi merchants for financial protection. Modern finance incorporates his “decisive judgment” into risk management, with Hong Kong Stock Exchange maintaining autumn rituals.
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