Dragons. Can you imagine raising five of them? That’s the story of Lung Mo. We are standing in front of the Lung Mo Temple. It is dedicated to her. Lung Mo is also known as the Dragon Mother. She is a revered figure in Chinese mythology.
Lung Mo’s story begins in Guangdong province. Her historic name was Wen Shi. She was born in 290 BC during the Qin Dynasty. One day Wen Shi found a large white stone by the Xi River. She took it home. Later she discovered it was an egg. Five baby snakes hatched from it.
Wen Shi’s family was poor. She saved the best food for her snakes. As they grew, they helped her catch fish. Eventually, the snakes transformed into powerful dragons. Dragons in Chinese culture control the weather. Wen Shi’s dragons summoned rain during a drought. The villagers then called her “Mother of Dragons.”
Word of Lung Mo reached Qin Shihuang. He sent gifts and requested her presence. She was an elderly woman by then. Her dragons feared for her safety. They hid under her boat and dragged it back. They did not want her to travel far. The Emperor’s officials relented. They allowed her to stay home.
After Lung Mo died, the dragons grieved. They took human form. They became known as the Five Scholars. The Five Scholars buried her on Zhu Mountain’s northern side.
Touched by the dragons’ devotion, people built temples. The Xiaotong Temple was built in her honor. It was later known as the Longmu Ancestral Temple. It features calligraphy by Emperor Hong Wu.
Another temple is the Baisha Temple. It is in Zhaoqing on the Xi River’s bank. It was built in 1587. Lung Mo’s festival is in the fifth lunar month. She is a patron goddess of parents and children.
The Lung Mo Temple before you was built around 40 years ago. It is located on Peng Chau Island. It houses a dragon bed. Touching it is believed to bring good luck. The Lung Mo Temple here was originally located in Kwai Chung. It was relocated due to subway development. Prayers led to its move here. The feng shui was considered similar.
Interestingly, Lung Mo’s birthday is celebrated on May 8th of the lunar calendar. Faithful devotees visit and a temple fair is held. Some believe Lung Mo is the incarnation of a carp. Lung Mo’s disciples avoid eating carp.
Remember the tale of Lung Mo. She is a symbol of motherhood and the bond between humans and mythical creatures. Her story resonates even today.