Bei Di, the Northern Emperor

Bei Di, in Cantonese Pak Tai, literally the 'Northern Emperor', is known by many other names, including the ‘Supreme Lord of the Dark Heavens’ and the ‘True Warrior’. He is considered to be one of the most powerful ministers of the Jade Emperor. According to legend, when the world was being plagued with demons, Bei Di fought bravely against them. He defeated both the king of the demons and his two powerful allies, a huge serpent and tortoise, sending them back to the depths of the Underworld. Figures of Bei Di often show him with his bare feet resting on the tortoise and the serpent, symbolising their defeat.

There are several temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Bei Di. He also appears as a protective deity in side altars in other temples. Figures of him usually show him wearing heavy armour including a gold breastplate embellished with the head of a tiger, and carrying a sword in his hand. Bei Di’s popularity in Hong Kong results partly from his role in driving away evil spirits which had brought the plague to the island of Cheung Chau in the 18th century. An image of Bei Di is paraded through the streets every year in a festival which partly commemorates this event.