♦Sacred birth celebrated on the same day as the Goddess of Childbirth ♦
As recorded in the Notes from Fujian Min Section, Chen Jinggu gained proficiency in various Tao methods from Master Xu Jenjun, and assisted Wang Tingbin, King of the Min in resolving a crisis of demons to rescue the Empress and 36 courtesans. In gratitude, King of the Min assigned the 36 courtesans as disciples of Chen Queen Mother. Known as the 36 Governesses, they are each able to exorcise demons, resolve misfortune, rescue women in childbirth, protect fetuses and deliver children. Each year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the 36 governesses are divided in to three teams. They answer prayers, and encourage the faithful to do good and avoid evil, winning the hearts of the people. In Taiwanese folk belief, the 12 governesses can cure women’s illnesses as well as look after the food, clothing, shelter, movement, fearfulness, night crying, and illnesses in children. The governesses are gods of birth and nurture, and flank the Goddess of Childbirth as her attendants.