Today we are going to review Chinese Mythology. You know its legends, gods, myths, beings and most important and influential places.
Chinese Mythology
Chinese mythology is a collection of myths that has been passed down orally or recorded in literature in the geographical area now known as “China”. It includes many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions.
Chinese mythology is far from monolithic, as it is not an integrated system, even among the Han people. It is found in the traditions of various classes of people, geographical regions, historical periods, including the present, and of various ethnic groups.
Home of Legends
China is home to many mythological traditions, including that of the Han Chinese and their Huaxian predecessors, as well as Tibetan mythology, Turkish mythology, Korean mythology, and many others. However, the study of Chinese mythology tends to focus on Chinese language material.
Chinese mythology is a collection of cultural history, folk tales or legends, and religious tradition that has been passed down for centuries in oral or written form. There are various aspects of Chinese mythology, including creation myths and legends, and myths about the founding of Chinese culture and the Chinese state.
Chinese mythology generally addresses moral issues and informs people about their culture and values. Like many mythologies, some people believe it is, at least in part, a factual record of history.
Origin of Chinese mythology
Chinese myths are believed to have originated around the 12th century BC, and were passed down orally for over a thousand years before being recorded in books such as Shui Jing Zhu and Shan Hai Jing.
These early works are the sources of the myths that exist today. There has been extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and the major belief systems of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Elements of pre-existing mythology were adapted to these belief systems, and some of the teachings and beliefs of these systems were also incorporated into Chinese mythology.
For example, the Taoist belief in a spiritual paradise was incorporated into mythology, as the place where immortals and deities live. Myths glorifying the benevolent rulers of the past, the Three August Ones and Five Emperors became part of Confucian political philosophy.
Historians have conjectured that much of Chinese mythology originated in the 12th century B.C.E.. Myths and legends were passed down orally for over a thousand years, before being written down in ancient books such as Shui Jing Zhu and Shan Hai Jing.
Other myths continued to be transmitted through oral traditions such as drama, dance and song, before being recorded in the form of novels such as Fengshen Yanyi. Most of the myths extant today are derived from these works.
Stages of Chinese mythology
Chinese mythology begins with P’an-Ku and ends with Yu the Great, spanning from 36,000 years before the creation of the Earth to around 2,000 BC (the time of Yu’s reign, when he managed to overcome the Epic Flood). Some other myths were added outside this initial time period, such as the myths of the Baxian, or the Eight Immortals (most of them are said to have been born in the Tang or Song dynasty).
Gods or deities of Chinese mythology
China is an ancient country full of mysteries in which many Chinese deities and immortals can be found. The ancient Chinese believed in these gods, goddesses, magical beings, dragons and ghosts and asked them for help. Below is a list of the 10 most famous gods and goddesses of Chinese mythology.
Most known gods in China
- Guanyin: Chinese goddess of mercy. Also known as Guanyin Pusa.
- The Jade Emperor (Yuhuang Dadi in Mandarin Chinese): considered the highest deity who rules the universe in the Chinese world. In Chinese mythological stories, he controls all the gods of the Buddhist, Taoist and other religions.
- Wangmu Niangniang (Queen Mother of the West): the highest goddess and is the wife of the Jade Emperor in Taoism.
- Yan Wang: the Chinese king of death who commands all the gods of the underworld.
- Long Wang, or Dragon King: the king of the sea. He rules his own royal court and commands all creatures in the water. The Dragon King also controls the rain and winds and can bring rain to the land according to the order of the Jade Emperor.
- Nüwa: the Chinese goddess who created human beings.
- Guan Yu: god of brotherhoods, martial power, and war.
- Lei Gong: god of thunder
- Mazu: goddess of the sea.
- Caishen: god in charge of wealth in Chinese mythology.
- Chang’e: Chinese goddess of the Moon and the wife of Hou yi, a hero who shot nine suns in ancient Chinese mythology.
Characters of Chinese mythology
Several deities, spirits or other mythological beings are found in Chinese mythology, some of them related to Chinese religious beliefs. Some of them are actually venerated, others only appear as characters in myths, and others in both senses.
The best known Chinese characters
- Fang feng: the giant who helped fight the flood, executed by Yu the Great.
- Feng Meng: Hou Yi’s apprentice, and his eventual assassin.
- Magu (deity): Taoist immortal, “Aunt Hemp”.
- Nezha: Taoist protection deity.
- Tam Kung: marine deity with the ability to forecast the weather.
- Xingtian: headless giant beheaded by the Yellow Emperor as punishment for defying him; his face is on his torso because he has no head.
- Yuqiang: descendant of the Yellow Emperor, god of the northern sea and wind.
- Zhurong: god of fire
- Daoji: compassionate folk hero known for his wild and eccentric behavior.
- Erlang Shen: had a third eye in the middle of his forehead that saw the truth.
Animals of Chinese mythology
The Four Intelligent Ones were four species of animals of particular intelligence (not considering humans). Each of them represented and ruled one kind of animal. The Intelligent Four were the dragon, the bird, the tiger and the turtle. For example, Xu Shen Shuowen Jiezi’s dictionary (under the entry for long, dragon) describes the dragon as, “Head of all animals that swim or crawl…”
Celestial Dragon (Qinglong)
According to the Five Element theory, the Celestial Dragon is a sacred beast representing the east. In ancient times, the dragon enjoyed a much higher status in China than in India, as the Chinese believe the dragon to be a supreme sacred animal, the symbol of the emperor.
Among the many dynasties through which China has passed, some rulers have taken the Celestial Dragon as their reigning title, such as the Ming Emperor of the Wei Kingdom in the Three Kingdoms Period.
Vermilion Bird (Zhuque)
The vermilion bird, also called ‘Zhuniao’, is the god of the south. ‘Zhu’ refers to the color vermilion, like fire, so ‘Zhuque’ also refers to the phoenix. It is said to have the ability to be reborn from fire, just like the immortal bird in western mythology, it is also called a fire phoenix.
In Chinese legend, Zhuque is said to have the head of a chicken, the chin of a swallow, the neck of a snake, the tail of a fish and five-colored feathers.
White Tiger (Baihu)
The White Tiger is a sacred beast that represents the west, and the season it represents is autumn. It is also a symbol of strength and the military, and many of the things that were titled White Tiger in ancient China are related to military affairs.
For example, the white tiger flag in the ancient army and the image of the white tiger on the commander’s tally. In the Han Dynasty, the White Tiger was usually carved on the stone relief of a tomb door, or on the lintel of a tomb passage with the Heavenly Dragon, for protection from evil spirits.
Black turtle (Xuanwu)
At first Xuanwu referred to the turtle that gives divination: the turtle has a black back, and is said to have the ability to enter the lower world to ask future things. After receiving the answer, it would return showing the answer with some signs. Later, it is usually depicted as a turtle and a snake, specifically with the snake coiling around the turtle.
As the turtle lives in water, it becomes the god of water; and the turtle enjoys a long life, Xuanwu becomes the symbol of longevity; the lower world is said to be in the north, as people of the Shang dynasty looked north when practicing divination, so Xuanwu becomes the god of the north.
Literature of Chinese mythology
Some myths survive in theatrical or literary formats such as plays or novels, while others are still collected from oral traditions in and around China. Other materials can be gleaned from the examination of various other artifacts such as Chinese ritual bronzes, ceramics, paintings, silk tapestries, and elements of Chinese architecture.
The main literary sources of Chinese myths are the Li tai shên shên hsien t’ung chien, in thirty-two volumes, the Shên hsien lieh chuan, in eight volumes, the Fêng shên yen i, in eight volumes, and the Sou shên chi, in ten volumes. In writing the following pages I have translated or paraphrased largely from these works.
I have also consulted and sometimes quoted from the excellent volumes on Chinese superstitions by Father Henri Doré, which are part of the valuable série Variétés Sinologiques, published by the Catholic Mission Press in Shanghai.
Symbols and Symbology of Chinese Mythology
Mythology permeates all cultures and affects all lives. The influence of myths can be seen in the customs, rituals, morals and language of every culture. In fact, studying the underlying mythological beliefs and prominent mythological symbols is an effective method of studying a culture.
The Four Chinese Symbols: pinyin: Sì Xiàng, literally meaning “four images” are four mythological creatures in the Chinese constellations.
- The Celestial Dragon of the East
- Southern Vermillion Bird
- The White Tiger of the West
- The Black Tortoise of the North
Each represents a direction and a season, and each has its own characteristics and origins. Symbolically and as part of spiritual and religious beliefs, they have been culturally important in all countries of the East Asian cultural sphere.
Unique in their appearance, character and symbolic meaning, the mythical creatures of Chinese folklore were first recorded in books such as Shan Hai Jing and Er Ya. They were believed to possess magical powers and were associated with prosperity, disaster or, in some cases, the birth of sages.
The Four Symbols were given human names, became popular. The Celestial Dragon has the name Meng Zhang, the Vermilion Bird was called Zhū Què, the White Tiger Jian Bing (監兵), and the Black Tortoise Zhi Ming (執明).
Myths and Legends of Chinese Mythology
In ancient China, farmers and hunters explained natural and social phenomena through stories about deities and mythical creatures. These myths were passed down by word of mouth, and eventually became the subject of religious worship, superstition and folklore. As an integral part of Chinese culture, these tales have inspired artists for centuries.
This lesson will introduce you to some of China’s most popular legends and myths, including the story of the creation of the world, powerful deities, dragons, immortals, and how souls are judged in the underworld.
Yin and Yang
From popular martial arts movies to Japanese animation to small jewelry sold in stores, you’ve probably seen the Yin and Yang symbol in your daily life. But do you know where it originated? It turns out that, according to Chinese mythology, Yin-Yang plays a role in the creation of the world.
The story of Yin and Yang is just one aspect of the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology. Chinese myths began with a variety of gods and goddesses and have since been introduced from various belief systems brought into the country, such as Daoism, Buddhism and, to a lesser extent, Hinduism.
Pangu and the Five Sacred Mountains
The popular creation myth of Daoism states that before the beginning of the world there were two opposing forces. Yin was the feminine element, representing softness, darkness and earth; Yang was the masculine element, representing hardness, light and the heavens.
Although the two forces were opposites, they still depended on each other to maintain the harmony of the universe. Originally, Yin and Yang were contained in an egg from which the deity Pangu eventually emerged.
Pangu lived for 18,000 years, growing and filling the space between earth and sky. Then, Pangu died, and his body formed the world. In one myth, his body became the five sacred Daoist mountains that exist in China today.
These mountains were even revered as gods. One of the mountains, Tai Shan, has a series of steps, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” leading to its summit where sacrifices can be offered.
The Jade Emperor
The Jade Emperor is a prominent deity in Chinese mythology and is regarded as the supreme ruler of heaven, determining how events happened in the heavens and on earth. To direct the affairs of the universe, the emperor summoned all the deities to his palace on the first day of the year to appoint or promote them to various offices, which involved overseeing such things as war, wealth, water and time itself.
The origin of the Jade Emperor himself varies widely. In some traditions, he was born as a normal human who attained immortality and became the Jade Emperor.
Other stories describe him as a deity who preceded creation. The Jade Emperor is often shown seated on his throne, dressed in robes embroidered with dragons.
The Eight Immortals
The Eight Immortals are a popular myth, often written about in literature and folktales and revered in Chinese society. According to legend, the Eight Immortals are not gods but ‘Xian’ – humans who have attained immortality.
Each immortal possesses a power, such as the power to perform magic or the ability to fly. Their powers can also be transferred to tools for the purpose of destroying evil or bestowing life. Immortals often went on adventures where they sought to banish evil from the world. They were also addicted to wine and were often called the Eight Drunken Immortals.”
Chinese Dragon
The myths and legends of Western cultures often depict dragons as brutal monsters who are usually slain by heroes; however, Chinese myths paint the dragon as a more elegant and mystical figure. In Daoism, dragons are benevolent spirits that are kind to humans and are associated with prosperity.
Dragons slept in winter and came out in spring. In art, dragons are shown playing with a ball of fire or a pearl, symbolizing thunder. It is believed that the dragons’ play caused the rain. The Long Wang, or ‘dragon kings’, were the gods of lakes, rivers and oceans, and offerings were made to them during droughts.
Traditions of Chinese mythology
China is a multi-confessional country. The Chinese people practice Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism and Confucianism. Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China. A special body within the State Council is responsible for assisting all religious groups in China.
One of the most widespread religions in China is Buddhism. Buddhism came to China from India via the Great Silk Road caravan routes in the 2nd century BC. Today, Buddhism is practiced in Tibet and Inner Mongolia, as well as in other parts of China.
The country has 9,500 Buddhist temples and monasteries, many of them built more than 2,000 years ago. To bring together Buddhists of all nationalities, the Chinese Buddhist Society was founded in 1953.
The most widespread religion in China is Taoism. The history of Taoism dates back almost 1,700 years. This religion is indigenous and is mainly practiced in the rural areas of central and eastern China. Taoism is a traditional Chinese religious teaching on “the way of things” – Tao, which combines elements of religion and philosophy.
Islam is also widely practiced in China, especially in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where Muslims account for 95% of the population. In addition, this religion is practiced by the inhabitants of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, and some regions of Gansu and Qinghai provinces.
Islam arrived in China in the 8th century B.C. from the Central Asian territory. Currently, China has more than 17,000 Muslims and 26,000 mosques.
Chinese religious rituals and practices
Chinese religion is not an organized and unified system of beliefs and practices. It has no leadership, headquarters, founder or denominations. Rather, “Chinese religion” is a term that describes the complex interaction of different religious and philosophical traditions that have been influential in China. Chinese religion is composed of four main traditions: Chinese folk religion, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.
This section explores the traditional rituals and practices of Chinese religion, many of which are very ancient. Chinese religious rituals are based especially on Chinese folk religion and Confucianism, but are also influenced by Taoism and Buddhism.
Ancestor worship
Ancestor worship (also called ancestor veneration) is a ritual practice based on the belief that deceased family members have a continued existence, take an interest in the affairs of the world, and possess the ability to influence the fortunes of the living.
Prayer
Chinese Buddhism and Taoism incorporate prayer into their daily religious rituals. In addition to prayer accompanying offerings, monastic prayer (mu-yu) is said morning, noon and night to the sound of a small bell.
Longevity practices
Longevity practices-rituals and lifestyles aimed at achieving long life or even immortality-have long been a part of Chinese religion. Even before the development of Taoism, various “schools of hygiene” taught various techniques for achieving longevity.
Divination, Prophecy and Astrology
Divination was common in ancient China. The famous “Classic of Changes” (composed before the 3rd century BC) included divination.
Sacred Places of Chinese Mythology
The “Four Sacred Mountains of China” are dedicated to Buddhism, the four main Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism believed to reside in each of them. Therefore, they are especially effective places of practice for the veneration of those deities by those who are devotees, so that their virtues can be acquired within/adopted by practitioners.
The resident Bodhi- sattva may be regarded as the Shanshen (Mountain Spirit; Sanshin in Korean) or Yueshen of that mountain, although Daoists and local people might venerate a separate native.
West: Emei-shan (峨眉山 Éméi Shān).
In Sichuan province south of the city of Chengdu a magnificent with peaks up to 3100 meters high (the highest of these 9), it is actually just a foot of the great chain of high mountains flowing westward toward Tibet. It is the “home” of 普賢 Pu-xian the Bodhisattva of Benevolent Actions and Practices — known in Korea as Bohyeon-bosal, in Sanskrit as Samantabhadra.
East: Putuo-shan (普陀山 Pǔtuó Shān)
A rocky island off the coast below Shanghai) is the “home” of 觀音 Guan-yin the Bodhisattva of Compassion; merged with the ocean, the goddess Mazu (originally from the southern Chinese coast, such as Fujian province), and thus depicted as female; in Korea this deity remains in her original male form (most often) as the popular Gwanse-eum-bosal. In original Sanskrit he is called Avalokitesvara.
South: Jiuhua-shan (九華山 or 九华山 Jiǔhuá-shān)
In Anhui province south of the Yangtze River, upstream from the city of Nanjing) is the “home” of 地藏 Di-zang the Bodhisattva of Salvation from Suffering in the afterlife (manifested in human form by a Korean prince during the Tang dynasty!), known in Korea as Jijang-bosal, in Sanskrit as Ksitigarbha. It is actually a bit further north than Putuo-shan and Emei-shan, and should really be “central”, but this is ignored.
North: Wutai-shan (Wǔtái-shān 五台山)
In Shanxxi province, west of Beijing city. It is actually five years old. large, rounded mountains in a rough circle, connected by ridges, with a large valley and pond at its center. With the “central” peak at 3058 meters high, and all well above 2000, it is called the “sacred roof of northern China”.
It is the “home” of 文殊 Wen-shu the Bodhi- sattva of Wisdom, known in Korea as Munsu-bosal, in Japan as Monju and in the original Sanskrit as Manjusri. His key characteristics are Wisdom and keen awareness, and the main teachings are believed to be encapsulated in the Diamond Sutra. Wutai-shan became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
China has many other sacred Buddhist mountains, such as Tiāntāi-shān[天台山, Heaven and Platform, with a summit of 1,138 meters, in Zhejiang province (which was also an important Taoist temple, and may also be the legendary Hán-shān (寒山, Cold Mountain, residence of the great Tang poet Hanshan).
