Shengbei/Jiaobei - Embossed Version with Blessing Text and Dragon Pattern - May All Your Wishes Come True - Everything Goes Well

Shengbei/Jiaobei - Embossed Version with Blessing Text - May All Your Wishes Come True - Everything Goes Well

Names and Aliases     Shengbei, Jiaobei, Beijiao. In Hokkien, it's called “ba bui” or “bo bui”.
Main Use     Used for divination by tossing before deities or ancestors, to inquire about the will of the gods, and to ask about fortune or misfortune, right or wrong.
Common Usage Occasions     Taoist temples, Buddhist monasteries (less common), family ancestor worship, confirmation before drawing lots.
Interpretation of Jiaobei Results     Shengbei (Divine Cup, Affirmative Toss): One flat and one convex side (one yin, one yang), indicating divine approval and feasibility.
Xiaobei (Smiling Toss): Two flat sides (yang-yang), indicating an unclear statement or divine indecision, requiring further inquiry.
Yinbei (Negative Toss) (No Toss): Two convex sides (yin-yin), indicating divine disapproval, and that the matter should not proceed.
Special Toss Form     Standing Toss: The Jiaobei stands upright, regarded as a divine manifestation.

🧭 Jiaobei Tossing Procedure and Precautions
Jiaobei divination is not a casual toss; it usually follows certain rituals and rules to show reverence to the deities:

1. State Identity and Matter: The tosser must hold the Jiaobei in cupped hands, place it at chest level or circle it three times over an incense burner, then clearly report their name, birth date (Bazi), residential address, and the specific matter to be inquired about to the deity. Note that only one matter is usually asked at a time.
2. Tossing the Jiaobei: Hold the Jiaobei in the palm, raise it to the forehead or chest, then toss it slightly upwards to let it fall naturally to the ground.
3. Interpreting the Results: Interpret the divine will based on the combination of the fallen Jiaobei (see the table above for result interpretations).
4. Important Matters Require Consecutive Shengbei: For very important or serious matters, it usually requires three consecutive “Shengbei” tosses to indicate genuine divine approval. If Shengbei is not obtained, it may be necessary to re-explain the matter or wait for a period before inquiring again.
5. Etiquette and Taboos: When tossing the Jiaobei, one should maintain pious reverence and focus. Some beliefs suggest that if a “Yinbei” is tossed, indicating clear divine opposition, it is not advisable to repeatedly inquire about the same matter in a short period.

🤔 Cultural Significance of Shengbei
In the Minnan and Chaoshan regions, “Shengbei” is far more than just a divination tool:

• Vehicle of Faith: It serves as a bridge for communication between humans and deities, embodying the folk belief that “Gods are three feet above your head”. People seek psychological comfort, guidance, and confidence through it.
• Living Fossil of Folk Custom: This custom has a long history (traceable to Tang dynasty poetry and prose), deeply rooted in local cultural life, and is an important part of traditional folk customs.
• Adaptation to Modern Society: Today, pure Jiaobei divination is not as prevalent as in the past, but it still exists as a common, informal way of inquiry, or combined with rituals like drawing lots. Many regard it as a cultural tradition and psychological solace, rather than blind superstition.

💡 Final Reminder
Shengbei divination is an interesting folk cultural phenomenon in the Minnan and Chaoshan regions. If you have the opportunity to experience it firsthand, be sure to maintain an attitude of respect and piety. It is important to understand its underlying cultural significance rather than merely pursuing a fortune-telling outcome.

We hope this information helps you better understand the “Shengbei” culture in the Minnan and Chaoshan regions.