Page "Menorah (Temple)" Paragraph 29

In Taoism, the Seven-Star Lamp qi xing deng 七星燈 is a seven-branched oil lamp lit to represent the 7 stars of the Northern Dipper.

This lampstand is a requirement for all Taoist temples, never to be extinguished.

In the first 9 days of the lunar 9th month festival, an oil lamp of 9 branches may also be lit to honour both the Northern Dipper and 2 other assistant stars ( collectively known as the Nine Emperor Stars ), sons of Dou Mu appointed by the Taoist Trinity ( the Three Pure Ones ) to hold the Books of Life and Death of humanity.

The lamps represent the illumination of the 7 stars, and lighting them are believed to absolve sins while prolonging one's lifespan.