Are Taoist talismans (fulu) real? What is their purpose?

Talismans (fulu) are media and tokens for communication between humans and deities. A fu is a graphic text written in cinnabar or ink representing divine commands; a lu is a register recording the names and functions of deities. From a psychological perspective, their efficacy partly comes from suggestion and ritual power, similar to the placebo effect.

However, one must be rational: talismans cannot replace medicine and science. Anyone claiming talismans can cure all diseases is certainly fraudulent. Talismans function primarily as ritual objects within Taoist ceremonies, with their value lying more in cultural heritage and spiritual comfort.