Chinese mythology

If you’ve read my previous article that attempts to give a general overview of the many terms for supernatural beings in Chinese mythology and folkloric tradition, then you’ll know how nearly impossible it is to, well, give a general overview of Chinese mythology and folkloric tradition! Chinese culture is simply too vast, too complicated, with too many little offshoots and alternating viewpoints all fighting for prominence. Each mythological system comes with its own unique highlights and fascinating characters and stories, making each and every system indispensable, because no matter how much groups throughout China’s history have tried to clamp down on other traditions, religions, or mythologies, ultimately cultures and stories cannot be destroyed so long as they genuinely hold the fondness and interest of the people. So if you’re like me and are very interested in learning more about Chinese mythology—especially the roots of where they came from, and landmark works of literature that have helped various traditions and tales maintain popularity and longevity—then read on! In this article I’ve complied a list of six of the most well-known, most influential, and most well-written works of Chinese mythology and folklore. This is based on my own research, so it may…

Today is the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, a traditional Chinese folk festival: Dragon Headraising Day (龙抬头), since ancient times, people also take the Dragon Headraising Day as a day to pray for wind and rain, to drive away evil spirits and disasters, and to transfer good fortune. The dragon is a divine creature that lives in the sea in Chinese mythology, and is often used to symbolize good fortune. Since ancient times, people in mid-spring "Dragon Headraising Day" to pray for the dragon to eliminate disasters and blessings, wind and rain, harvest. The dragon, initially used as a totem emblem, later evolved into a decorative pattern. It was widely used on royal buildings, flags, and clothing. A list of 13 traditional Chinese dragon patterns that are often found in Hanfu fabrics for you. Zheng Dragon Zhenglong(正龙), also known as "sitting dragon", is characterized by a positive dragon head, a curved dragon body, and a well-distributed four feet (one on four sides). There are also walking dragons patterns with sloping sides. It is generally embroidered on the back of the chest and the end of the sleeves of clothes. If it is used for table surrounds…

There are several mythological fairies in ancient Chinese folklore, but here are four well-known ones: Zhinü: Also known as the "Weaving Maid" or "Vega," Zhinü is a fairy who falls in love with a mortal cowherd named Niulang. They marry and have children, but are separated by the goddess of heaven because their love is forbidden. However, they are allowed to meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month when magpies form a bridge over the Milky Way for them to cross. Xiwangmu: Also known as the "Queen Mother of the West," Xiwangmu is a powerful fairy who rules over the mystical Kunlun Mountains in western China. She is associated with immortality, longevity, and healing, and is often depicted holding a peach of immortality. Nuwa: Nuwa is a goddess who is often depicted as a half-human, half-snake figure. She is credited with creating humans and repairing the sky after a great disaster. Nuwa is associated with fertility, creation, and the balance of yin and yang. Bai Mudan: Also known as the "White Peony Fairy," Bai Mudan is a beautiful fairy who is said to have the power to bring happiness and good fortune to those…

Gods, ghosts, demons. These are terms we’ve all heard before, of course. When it comes to gods, you might think of the eclectic pantheons of Greek, Norse, or Egyptian tradition, or the capital “G” God of many huge, organized religions; for ghosts, you might think of translucent, ethereal, figures; for demons, horned and fork-tailed monsters. Chinese mythological traditions have these supernatural beings too—but in China, these beings are assigned very different traits and come from very different cultural roots. The problem stems from the fact that the Chinese names of these beings are often translated using English counterparts that already have pre-established, similar meanings (yet terms that are also just different enough that they can cause confusion and misunderstandings). So to those unfamiliar with Chinese mythology or Chinese folkloric tradition, here is a compiled list of the main supernatural beings of Chinese mythology, as well as there etymological roots, their interrelationships, their similarities, and their differences. I hope this will help you prevent accidental conflation of terms and mythologies, and I hope you have fun learning something from the guide below!   Gods（神） Let’s start at the very top: Gods, or 神/shen. Chinese folkloric tradition is home to innumerable thousands…

Hanfu has grown very popular today. In fact, the hanfu industry is now worth over 1 billion and has kept increasing over the years. Even today, it is still increasing. Many young and old people alike wear hanfu daily: in the streets, at school, casual wear, etc. The wearers also say that hanfu gives them a sense of national identity. However, how exactly are the intricate pieces made? There are several steps to it. First, silks and fabrics must be made. Second, embroidery and decorations must be done on the cloth. Then, tailors and hanfu makers buy the cloth and sew it. After much work, beautiful hanfu are made but let's get into detail... 01. Silk making 1. In Chinese mythology, silk is said to be invented by Lady Hsi Ling Shih, the wife of the yellow emperor who ruled from about 3000 BC. However, written references of silk was found at the Shang dynasty site in Anyang. Silk was first discovered and created in China. Real silk is very valuable and is one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. There are several types of silk but the most common type is silk made from the cocoons of…