The rite of taking part in Taoism refers to
a range of observances that the disciple who just takes part in Taoism must go
through. The common rites of Taoism are as follows: if a disciple enters into
Taoism from childhood, a boy is formally recruited when he is 7 years old, while
a girl is formally recruited when she is 10 years old. After the recruitment,
the boy is called as Lusheng disciple, the girl is called as
Nansheng disciple, and he/she begins to formally apprentice to a Taoist
to learn Taoism. When the child gradually understands the basic dogmata and
etiquettes as he/she grows up, a rite called Sanjie (three precepts) or
Wujie (five precepts) is held for him/her, symbolizing the disciple has
formally become a Taoist. After that, he/she is forbidden to eat meat or fish
and shall swear not to marry in the lifetime. As to those married, male
disciples are called as Qingzhen disciples, and the female disciples are
called as Qingxin disciples.
The rite of taking part in Taoism also
influences the dresses and personal ornaments of disciples. The disciples who go
through the precept acceptance rite can only wear Eryiguan hat, and the
clothing and shoes are of the most common style. After the disciple has finished
studying a certain number of Taoist canons, the precept acceptance rite of
higher level, called as the Chuzhen 81 Precepts rite, shall be held, and
the disciple shall be called as Taishang Chuzhen disciple or
Baijian Taoist. After the rite, the dresses and personal ornaments of
these Taoists will also change accordingly; he/she shall wear Qizhenguan
hat, and the garments are better too. After a period of time, if the Taoist has
the status of Zhengyilu, he can preside over some religious rites for
other persons and take part in some religious or sacred activities held by the
national government.