Black Mama, also known as Black Old Tai, is one of the Earth Immortals in the Northeastern Earth Immortal Faith. In the northeastern region (especially in the mountainous areas of central and eastern Liaoning), most Taoist temples and some monasteries enshrine the statue of Black Old Lady. It is generally believed that the chief spirit of Black Old Tai is located on Jiuding Tiesha Mountain in Benxi City, Liaoning Province. It is said that Black Old Tai became an immortal through cultivation in the Hanging Stone Cave on Jiuding Tiesha Mountain.
According to legend, Black Old Tai was born into the Feng family in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province during the Eastern Han Dynasty. She was a twin, a boy and a girl. The boy was born first and was the elder brother named Feng Changsheng. The girl was born later and was the younger sister named Feng Mengyao. They were both born on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. Since childhood, the brother and sister were both extremely intelligent. They studied literature and practiced martial arts, and were proficient in both civil and military skills. When Feng Mengyao grew up to be 16 years old, she naturally understood pharmacology and medicine. At the same time, Shanxi was hit by a natural disaster and plague, which took the lives of many people. Feng Mengyao was very anxious when she saw this. One night, she had a dream that told her to use Shanxi aged vinegar to cure the plague. The next day, with the support of her family, Feng Mengyao set up a tent outside and let people take Shanxi aged vinegar. Strangely, a miracle happened. Anyone who took Feng’s vinegar was immediately cured of the plague. The news spread from one to a hundred, and from a hundred to ten thousand. In the end, every family in Yuncheng area took aged vinegar and escaped the disaster of the plague sent by heaven. Up to now, Shanxi people’s favorite food is Shanxi aged vinegar.
People worship Black Old Tai to pray for blessings of health, safety, peace, prosperity, and guidance. They may also hope for protection from disasters and evil spirits. Additionally, some may ask for help in resolving difficulties and achieving success in various aspects of life.
