March 20

Earth God’s Birthday

A religious observance on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month celebrating the birthday of Tu Di Gong, the local Earth God who protects the land and brings prosperity, good harvests, and community harmony.

Yearly Date

Second Day of the Second Lunar Month

Observed in

Taiwan

Introduction

Let's unite in joyous celebration for the Earth God’s Birthday on March 11! Stemming from ancient traditions from the far east, this special day venerates the generosity of our earthly home and its countless gifts. The celebration of Earth God's Birthday stretches back centuries, rooted in a deep respect for nature and its resources. While commemorating this spiritual entity, participants also pledge to play their part in preserving the planet. Join in the festivities as we honor the Earth God's Birthday, expressing our gratitude for nature's bounty and making a commitment to its conservation. What an extraordinary occasion to celebrate the beauty that surrounds us and reaffirm our dedication to the planet we call home.

Earth God’s Birthday Timeline

1800s

Earth God Worship in Qing Dynasty

The Earth God’s worship got extensively important in China during the Qing Dynasty with various rituals and offerings.

1912

Decline in Celebration Post-Imperial China

With the fall of the Qing Dynasty, traditional Earth God celebrations witnessed a decline as China stepped into the Republic era.

1949

Reduction during Cultural Revolution

During the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), many traditional practices including the Earth God worship were discouraged and considered superstitious.

1980s

Revival of Earth God Worship

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, there was a revival of traditional practices including the Earth God worship in China.

2000s

Global Reach & Modern Interpretation

With modern interpretations focusing more on conservation and gratitude towards nature, the Earth God’s Birthday started getting recognized globally in the 2000s.

How to Celebrate Earth God’s Birthday

1 Plant a tree

One of the best ways to celebrate Earth God’s Birthday is by planting a tree in honor of the occasion. This not only beautifies your local environment but is also a wonderful gift to future generations.

2 Host a cleanup event

Gather friends and family or even involve your local community in a cleanup event, whether it’s at a local park, beach, or in your own neighborhood. It’s a great way to demonstrate your commitment to preserving the Earth.

3 Make an earth-friendly meal

Planning a special meal for the day? Make it earth-friendly! Choose locally sourced ingredients, aim for zero waste and try to incorporate as many plant-based dishes as possible.

4 Explore nature

Spend the day outside, enjoying and appreciating the natural world. Hike in a forest, have a picnic near a stream, watch wildlife in a nature reserve - immerse yourself in the beauty of the Earth.

5 Create an eco-goal

Make a pledge to do something specific for the Earth this year. Whether it’s reducing your use of single-use plastics, composting, or biking to work instead of driving, every small action contributes to a more sustainable world.

Why We Love Earth God’s Birthday

Promotes Love for Nature

The Earth God's Birthday celebrations are a great way to rekindle your love for nature and renew your commitment to preserving the planet. From planting a tree to exploring the outdoors, the activities encourage us to take time out of our busy lives and connect with nature.

Encourages Sustainable Actions

This holiday is not just about celebrating, but also acting on our responsibilities towards the Earth. Whether it's hosting a cleanup event, reducing single-use plastics, or preparing an earth-friendly meal, the act of celebrating encourages us to make sustainable decisions in our everyday lives.

Creates a Sense of Community

The Earth God's Birthday promotes a sense of community as it encourages collective action towards the preservation of the planet. It's a special time when friends, families, and communities come together for a common cause, creating an opportunity for bonding and fostering a sense of unity.