Tu Er Shen (兔儿神), also known as the Rabbit God, is a Chinese deity associated with same-sex love and male homosexuality. He is a relatively recent addition to the Chinese pantheon, with origins in a 17th-century folk tale rather than in ancient classical mythology.
Origins and the Legend of Hu Tianbao
The most widely known origin story of Tu Er Shen comes from the Qing dynasty collection of strange tales, Zi Bu Yu (What the Master Would Not Discuss), compiled by the scholar Yuan Mei (1716–1798). According to this account, a young man named Hu Tianbao (胡天保) lived in Fujian Province during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor (1661–1722). Hu Tianbao developed a deep infatuation with a handsome young imperial inspector who was passing through the region. He secretly followed the official, even hiding in his garden to watch him bathe. When discovered, Hu Tianbao was arrested and beaten to death for his audacity.
After his death, Hu Tianbao’s spirit appeared to a local villager in a dream. He declared that the underworld judges had found him guilty of no crime other than loving another man, and that they had consequently appointed him the god of homosexual love and male same-sex relationships. The villager, moved by the story, built a small shrine to him. The worship of Tu Er Shen spread, particularly in Fujian and later in Taiwan, where he remains a popular deity among LGBTQ+ communities.
Historical Context and the Cult of Male Love
Tu Er Shen’s story must be understood within the broader history of homosexuality in China. Unlike in many Western traditions, same-sex relationships were not criminalized in imperial China, and there is ample historical evidence of male same-sex love, particularly among the literati and in certain social circles. The term “duanxiu” (cut sleeve) and “fen tao” (shared peach) are classical euphemisms for male homosexuality, referencing the stories of Emperor Ai of Han and Duke Ling of Wei, respectively. However, same-sex love was still considered a deviation from the Confucian ideal of family continuity, and it was rarely celebrated in official religion. Tu Er Shen thus fills a unique niche as a folk deity who legitimizes and blesses same-sex unions.
Iconography and Symbolism of the Rabbit
The rabbit is a meaningful symbol in Chinese culture. In Chinese folklore, the moon rabbit is a companion of the moon goddess Chang’e, and rabbits are associated with fertility, longevity, and the moon. However, in the context of Tu Er Shen, the rabbit likely carries a different connotation. In some Chinese slang, the term “rabbit” was used as a derogatory or playful term for a male who took the receptive role in a homosexual relationship. By adopting the rabbit as his symbol, Tu Er Shen reclaims and sanctifies this label. Statues and images of Tu Er Shen often depict a young man with rabbit ears, sometimes holding a peach or a scroll, and he is often shown with a gentle, benevolent expression.
Worship and Modern Practice
Today, Tu Er Shen is primarily worshipped in Taiwan, where the largest and most famous temple dedicated to him is the “Temple of the Rabbit God” in Yonghe District, New Taipei City. The temple, established in 2006, attracts many devotees, particularly young people seeking blessings for love and relationships. Worshipers often offer sweet foods, such as cakes and candies, and burn incense and spirit money. A common practice is to write one’s name, birth date, and the name of a desired partner on a piece of paper and place it on the altar. Devotees also pray for help in finding a boyfriend, mending a broken relationship, or gaining the courage to come out. The temple has become a pilgrimage site for LGBTQ+ individuals from across Asia.
Tu Er Shen in Popular Culture
Tu Er Shen has also appeared in modern media, reflecting his growing visibility. He is a character in the popular Taiwanese television series “The Way We Were” (2014), which explores gay life in Taipei. In the series, the protagonist visits the Rabbit God temple and prays for love, and the deity appears as a whimsical, helpful figure. Additionally, Tu Er Shen has been the subject of short films, webcomics, and art installations, often used as a symbol of queer identity and spiritual belonging. His story resonates with many because it transforms a tragic tale of persecution into a divine affirmation of same-sex love.
Comparison with Other LGBTQ+ Deities
Tu Er Shen is not the only deity associated with same-sex love in world mythology. In Greek mythology, for example, the god Apollo had male lovers, and the hero Ganymede was abducted by Zeus to be his cupbearer. In Japanese Shinto, there are records of same-sex relationships among samurai, but no specific deity is dedicated to male homosexuality. In many Indigenous traditions, such as the Two-Spirit people of North America, gender and sexuality were often fluid and held special spiritual roles. However, Tu Er Shen is unique in that he is a deity whose entire origin is based on a same-sex love story, and he is actively worshipped today as a patron of gay men. This makes him a rare and important figure in the religious landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tu Er Shen a real god?
Tu Er Shen is a folk deity, meaning he is not part of the official pantheon of Taoism or Buddhism, but he is genuinely worshipped by people. His origin is a literary tale from the 18th century, but many devotees believe he is a real spiritual entity who answers prayers. In the context of Chinese folk religion, the line between myth and reality is often blurred, and the efficacy of a deity is measured by the devotion of his followers.
Is Tu Er Shen only for gay men?
While Tu Er Shen is primarily associated with male homosexuality, his worship is not exclusively for gay men. Some women also pray to him for help in matters of love, and he is sometimes seen as a general matchmaker. However, his core identity and the majority of his devotees are gay men, and he is often referred to as the “Gay God” in popular discourse.
Where is the main temple of Tu Er Shen?
The most famous temple dedicated to Tu Er Shen is in Yonghe District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is often called the “Rabbit God Temple” and was established in 2006. It is a small but active temple, and it has become a cultural landmark for the LGBTQ+ community in Taiwan.
What offerings are given to Tu Er Shen?
Devotees typically offer sweet foods like cakes, candies, and fruits, as well as incense and spirit money. Some also offer tea or alcohol. The sweet offerings are meant to please the deity and to symbolize the sweetness of love. It is common to bring a partner or a photo of a desired partner when praying.
Is Tu Er Shen recognized by mainstream Chinese religion?
Tu Er Shen is not part of the official Taoist or Buddhist canon, and he is not recognized by the Chinese government’s religious affairs bureau. However, he is accepted within the broader umbrella of Chinese folk religion, which is highly localized and inclusive of various deities. His worship is tolerated and has grown, especially in Taiwan, where freedom of religion is protected.
Does Tu Er Shen have any connection to the Moon Rabbit?
There is no direct mythological connection between Tu Er Shen and the Moon Rabbit (Chang’e’s companion). The rabbit symbol for Tu Er Shen is generally understood to come from the slang term for a gay man, rather than from lunar mythology. However, some modern interpretations have creatively linked the two, but this is not based on historical sources.
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