Traditional culture in plain words
Earth God Festival (土地誕)
The second day of the second lunar month is the Earth God's birthday. In 2026 this day falls on 20 March.
At a glance
How the festivals began
The Earth God (土地公) looks after one patch of land and its people. In folk belief, he is the deity closest to daily life.
The day is also known as 'first ya' (頭牙), the first Earth God worship of the year. Traditional shops mark it with offerings and pray for good trade.
Traditional customs
Many people light incense and set out offerings to thank the Earth God for a year of protection. In southern China and Hong Kong, some Earth God temples hold lion dances and basin-feast (盆菜) banquets; in Taiwan, many temples stage opera performances to thank the god. Both are lively, festive days.
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.