Zhai Jiao
A Daoist ceremonial ritual. 'Zhai' refers to purifying the body and mind, while 'Jiao' refers to setting up an altar to worship and report to the gods.
Zhai Jiao is a general term for a category of Daoist ceremonial rituals. 'Zhai' focuses on purifying the body and mind, achieving inner cleanliness through precepts and chanting scriptures; 'Jiao' focuses on altar rituals and ceremonies, worshiping, confessing to, or praying to the gods. The scale and purpose of Zhai Jiao vary, from individual rituals to avert disaster and resolve difficulties, to community-wide peace-prayer Jiao ceremonies. Traditionally, holding a Zhai Jiao requires careful date selection and is presided over by Daoist priests performing the entire set of rituals. Modern Daoist temples still regularly hold Zhai Jiao, which are both religious activities and expressions of local culture.