本文意圖探討傳說中月老本身的性質及其形象傳承的過程，進而說明月老信仰與所配祀之主神之間有何關連。其次，略述月老信仰在臺灣的傳衍及相關社會背景，以及目前月老信仰興盛的情形。並自傳統及創新的觀點，檢視月老信仰中儀式相關的祭物，集中討論在「紅線」與「神鞋」的民俗用法歷史，探討信仰行為的本質。最後，並將提出對月老性別的一些初步討論。

The purpose of this study is to explore the nature of the deity, Yuelao and the process of the transmission and transformation of his image within his legends. Subsequently, I will explain whatever links exist between beliefs of Yuelao and the main deity which is worshipped together with him. Next, I summarize the spread and development of Yuelao beliefs in Taiwan and their related social background, as well as the current thriving state of Yuelao beliefs. Furthermore, from the perspectives of traditions and innovation, I examine objects related to Yuelao rituals, focusing the discussion on the history of popular customs regarding the use of red string and divine slippers and investigating the nature of Yuelao beliefs . Finally, I will also offer some preliminary discussion on the significance of Yuelao’s gender.