Kuan Ti is the red-faced God of War, which is worshipped in many Chinese home. Kuan Ti is also known as Guan Yu or Guan Gong. The portrait or statue of Kuan Ti always faces the front door of homes to prevent demons and evil spirits from entering. Kuan Ti is a powerful God in the pantheon.

Prior to his deification, Kuan Ti was a historical figure who lived from 162 to 220 AD. He was a warrior with great reputation and stories about him were told in the earlier Chinese novel series, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Kuan Ti was an important figure in the civil war that followed the collapse of the Han Dynasty.  He was part of the group that was still loyal to the Han and was seeking to restore the Emperor to power. Kuan Ti was executed when he was ambushed and captured while attempting a retreat.

Today, the Chinese worship Kuan Ti for many reasons. As a mighty warrior, he is a slayer of evil, protecting those he watches over. He is also worshipped by business community as a sign of trustworthiness and a defender of their good name. He is also worshipped by people of all walk of life, particularly in Hong Kong because he was an upholder of the code of brotherhood and a symbol of fraternal loyalty.

Kuan Ti was given the name Guan Gong after his death. Guan Gong means Lord Guan. Guan Gong is often depicted on the doors of temples with his fellow general or brother, Zhang Fei. The portrait and statue of the red-faced Guan Gong depicts him with his Guandao sword.

Kuan Ti or Guan Gong is mainly worshipped by the Chinese in China,Taiwan, Hong Kong, Tibet and the Chinese communities in other countries. His birthday falls on the 24th day of the Chinese sixth lunar month in Hong Kong.  In Malaysia, it is celebrated on the 13th day of the Chinese second lunar month and in Singapore, it is on the 13th day of the Chinese fifth lunar month.