Folk Tales of the Strange and Supernatural

In feudal times, only the gates of imperial palaces, government offices, and temples were painted red.

Thus, “Red Gate” referred to sorcerers who served at government offices.

The history of the Red Gate may go back as far as the origins of yin-yang and the Five Elements.

After the feudal order was overthrown, the Red Gate spread among the people, making a business of taking money to solve people’s problems.

Though they did the work of yin-yang masters, they did not belong to that trade.

Members of the Red Gate took people’s money and helped them avert disaster, putting trust above all else.

They knew neither how to draw talismans nor recite incantations, yet they could subdue demons and evil spirits.

They knew nothing of wicked spells or curse magic, yet evil sorcerers trembled at their name.