Ever since I was young, I watched my mum use jiaobei — also known as Moon Blocks — during important praying ceremonies such as the Hungry Ghost Festival, Qingming Festival, and many other traditional occasions. Back then, I never really understood what jiaobei was or why it was so important.
After every prayer, my mum would toss the jiaobei to seek an answer. She would then tell us whether we could clear away the offerings or if we needed to wait a little longer because the deity or our departed relatives had not yet arrived to receive the blessings or finish enjoying the food offerings.
What amazed me most was how naturally she could interpret the results. I often asked her to explain the meanings, but somehow I could never remember which outcome meant what. Recently, I decided to look deeper into the history and symbolism behind jiaobei — and I even bought a set for myself. Surprisingly, they were quite inexpensive!
My mum used to own a beautiful wooden pair of jiaobei. However, after my dad passed away, she sent all the deity statues to the temple and gradually stopped practising many of these traditional Chinese rituals. Part of the reason was that we, her children, did not continue the customs, and part of it was simply due to her age and declining physical strength.
How Jiaobei Is Used
Jiaobei is traditionally used to seek guidance or answers from a deity or a loved one who has passed away. To begin, you hold the two crescent-shaped blocks in your hands and silently ask your question without saying it aloud. Once you have finished, you toss the jiaobei into the air and allow them to fall naturally to the ground.
This act symbolises the universal relationship between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity (天地人 Tiān Dì Rén).
In general, there are three common responses from jiaobei: yes, no, or unclear — meaning the question should be rephrased and asked again. There is also a rare fourth outcome that many believers consider highly significant.
Jiaobei Outcomes and Meanings
聖筊 (Shèng Jiǎo)
One block lands flat side down while the other lands curved side down (一正一反 Yī Zhèng Yī Fǎn).
Meaning: Yes — the deity or spirit approves, agrees, or accepts your request.
蓋筊 (Gài Jiǎo)
Both blocks land with the flat sides facing down and the curved sides facing upward. This outcome is also sometimes called 怒筊 (Nù Jiǎo), 哭筊 (Kū Jiǎo), or 沒筊 (Méi Jiǎo).
Meaning: No, disapproval, or no response from the deity.
笑筊 (Xiào Jiǎo)
Both blocks land with the curved sides facing down and the flat sides facing upward.
Meaning: Your question may be unclear, confusing, or inappropriate. You should rephrase the question and ask again.
立筊 (Lì Jiǎo)
One or both blocks land standing upright on the floor. This is considered extremely rare.
In Taiwan, temple assistants may even surround the standing jiaobei with joss paper as a sign of reverence. This outcome is believed to symbolise the deity’s divine power or a special spiritual connection between the worshipper and the deity. Some people believe it signals that a miracle, important message, or unexpected good fortune may soon follow.
For a deeper look into the rare outcome of 立筊 (Lì Jiǎo), check out the story featured on the 新聞挖挖哇 YouTube channel on 16 June 2023:
新聞挖挖哇 YouTube Story on 立筊
Using Coins Instead of Jiaobei
These days, my mum uses two coins of the same value instead of actual jiaobei. I really have to admire her — she can still interpret the answers accurately using nothing but coins!
I remember that about two years ago, during the Hungry Ghost Festival, after we placed offerings for my dad, my mum asked me to toss the coins to check whether he had finished “eating” the food. Honestly, I still had no idea how she interpreted the results. I simply assumed that if both coins landed on the same side, it meant “no,” while different sides meant “yes.”
Asking Questions the Right Way
If you are visiting a temple to seek guidance using jiaobei, it is important to phrase your question clearly and respectfully. Traditionally, you should first introduce yourself to the deity by stating your name, date of birth, and place of residence.
If you have drawn a Chinese fortune stick, you may also use jiaobei to confirm whether the fortune number you received is the correct one. Each numbered stick corresponds to a written fortune or poem that provides guidance, warnings, or insight into your situation.
When making offerings for departed loved ones, remember to allow them enough time to “consume” the food before asking for an answer through the jiaobei.
Have you ever used jiaobei before? What was your experience like?
