Chinese Folklore and Mythology

Chinese folklore and mythology is a bunch of stories and beliefs passed down through generations in China. These tales are filled with magical beings and big adventures, coming from different parts of China. People see them as both history and fantasy. Chinese mythology is closely connected to Chinese folk religion and Taoism, with many stories mixing history and myth.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Chinese folklore and mythology in detail.

Chinese Folklore and Mythology – Overview

Chinese folklore is all about the stories and traditions of China. It includes things like songs, poems, dances, and puppet shows. These stories often talk about people, history, love, and things that seem magical. They also explain why things in nature happen and why certain places are special. Chinese folklore, along with Chinese mythology, is a big part of Chinese folk religion. Here are the major details as mentioned below.

Origins	Stories and beliefs passed down through generations in China, originating from various regions and cultures.
Characters	Filled with mythical beings and remarkable individuals with magical abilities, playing significant roles in exciting stories.
Setting	Often takes place in magical worlds or historical periods, providing an interesting backdrop for the tales.
Interpretations	Shows two perspectives: one with a more historical interpretation, while the other leans towards mythology.
Cultural Significance	Integral to Chinese folk religion and Taoism, shaping cultural practices, beliefs, and ceremonies.
Blend with History	Many stories mix history and myth, offering insights into ancient Chinese society and its spiritual beliefs.
Transmission	Passed down through spoken word and written records, creating a diverse collection of myths and legends that still capture people’s imaginations.
Influence	Continues to inspire art, literature, and popular culture, reflecting its lasting impact on Chinese society and its global recognition as a valuable cultural legacy.

Chinese Folklore

Chinese folk tales in China are influenced by Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. Some stories might have come from Germany thanks to the Grimm brothers, who shared tales about country life in the 1840s. Others are unique to East Asia. They come in many forms like myths, legends, and fables. Collections like Pu Songling’s Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio are still popular. Each story features objects and animals, using characters to send important messages. These messages teach virtues and are crucial to Chinese culture. Through these tales, these lessons are passed down to future generations.

Types of Folklore	Includes songs, poems, dances, puppetry, and tales, offering various ways to share cultural stories and traditions.
Themes	Often talks about people, history, love, and magical things, giving insight into what society values and believes.
Explanations	Frequently helps understand why things happen in nature and why some places are special.
Cultural Significance	Important part of Chinese culture, passing down values, customs, and traditions over time.
Role in Religion	Alongside Chinese mythology, it plays a big part in Chinese folk religion, shaping how people practice their beliefs.
Transmission	Passed down through stories and books, keeping alive tales and traditions that still interest people today.
Influence	Inspires art, writing, and cultural practices, adding to the many ways Chinese culture is expressed.

Chinese Mythology

Chinese mythology interacts a lot with the ideas of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Stories from ancient times, like the ones in Classic of Mountains and Seas, were used in these belief systems as they grew (for Taoism) or became part of Chinese culture (for Buddhism). On the other hand, teachings from Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism have also become important parts of Chinese mythology.

Origins	Stories and beliefs passed down through generations in China, featuring mythical beings and extraordinary events.
Influence of Philosophies	Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism significantly affect Chinese mythology, with elements of ancient mythology incorporated into these belief systems and vice versa.
Transmission	Passed down through storytelling and written records, contributing to a diverse collection of myths and legends that continue to fascinate audiences.
Integration	Elements from Chinese mythology have been absorbed into Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, while teachings from these philosophies have become essential parts of Chinese mythology.
Cultural Significance	Integral to Chinese culture, shaping beliefs, values, and cultural customs across generations.
Themes	Explores concepts of heroism, morality, love, and the supernatural, offering insights into societal values and human nature.
Evolution	Developed over time, with stories from ancient texts like Classic of Mountains and Seas adapted into various belief systems and woven into Chinese culture.
Contemporary Influence	Continues to inspire art, literature, and popular culture, reflecting its enduring relevance and impact on Chinese society.

Types of Chinese Folklore

There are different types of Chinese Folklores as mentioned below.

Types of Chinese Folklore	Description
Songs	Traditional melodies passed down through generations, often reflecting cultural values, historical events, or everyday experiences.
Poems	Expressive verses reflecting emotions, observations, or stories, showcasing artistic use of language and cultural themes.
Dances	Traditional movements performed to music, conveying stories, rituals, or ceremonial significance.
Puppetry	Theatrical performances using puppets to tell stories and portray characters from Chinese mythology or historical events.
Tales	Stories passed down orally or in writing, encompassing a variety of narratives about heroes, gods, spirits, and everyday events.

Types of Chinese Mythology

There are different types of Chinese Mythology as mentioned below.

Types of Chinese Mythology	Description
Creation Myths	Stories explaining how the world, the earth, and people came to be, often involving mythical characters and big events.
Gods and Deities	Myths about the worship and stories of different gods and goddesses, each with their own powers, areas, and stories.
Heroes and Legends	Stories about famous people known for their bravery, wisdom, or amazing actions, often seen as examples to follow.
Supernatural Creatures	Myths about magical creatures like dragons, phoenixes, and spirits, believed to have special powers and meanings.
Folk Heroes and Folklore	Stories passed down through families, showing local traditions, beliefs, and stories, often about regular people doing great things.

Top 10 Chinese Mythology

Here are the top 10 chinese mythology and myths as mentioned below.

Mythological Figure	Description
Sun Wukong (the Monkey King)	A playful monkey who becomes a faithful friend to the monk Xuanzang on a journey from China to India and back. Featured in “The Journey to the West.”
Chang’e and Hou Yi	Hou Yi, possessing an elixir of immortality, and Chang’e, who drinks it to evade Hou Yi’s student Feng Meng. She now resides on the moon, observed during the Chinese Moon Festival.
The Jade Rabbit	A friend of Chang’e on the moon, often seen carrying medical tools, symbolizing connection with the medical field.
The Weaver Girl and the Cowherd	Zhinü, a goddess’ daughter, and Niulang, a cowherd, who fall in love but are separated by the Milky Way, reunited once a year by magpies on what is celebrated as China’s Valentine’s Day.
The Legend of the White Snake	Set in Hangzhou, it tells of a white snake turning into a human and falling in love with the scholar Xu Xuan, overcoming obstacles to marry with divine blessings.
The Dragon	A divine creature symbolizing power in Chinese mythology, often linked with the emperor, bringing fortune and luck.
Guardian Lions	Statues placed in front of buildings, temples, or palaces believed to possess protective powers, often depicted in pairs, with the male holding a globe and the female guarding a cub.
Pangu and the Creation of the World	The god Pangu cracking an egg to create the universe, separating Yin and Yang, and shaping the earth and sky.
Nian	A fearsome monster terrorizing villagers until they unite and drive it away with noise, leading to the tradition of celebrating Chinese New Year with lively festivities.
The Origin of the Chinese Zodiac	Animals competing for a place in the zodiac, with the rat tricking the cat and securing the first spot.

Top 10 Chinese Folklore

Here are the top 10 chinese folklore as mentioned below.

Legend/Myth	Summary
Journey to the West (西游记)	Follows monk Xuanzang and disciples’ journey to India for sacred texts, including Monkey King.
The Legend of Mulan (花木兰传奇)	Mulan disguises as a man to join army in place of her father, becoming a revered figure.
The Legend of the White Snake (白蛇传)	Love story of human man and white snake spirit tested by a Buddhist monk.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义)	Epic of power struggles among warlords during Three Kingdoms period.
The Butterfly Lovers (梁祝)	Tragic romance akin to Romeo and Juliet between Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai.
The Legend of the Eight Immortals (八仙过海)	Tale of eight Taoist immortals with unique powers going on adventures.
The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (牛郎织女)	Love story of mortal cowherd and celestial weaver girl separated by the Milky Way.
The Legend of Hou Yi and Chang’e (后羿与嫦娥)	Origin myth of Mid-Autumn Festival involving archer Hou Yi and moon goddess Chang’e.
The Legend of the Red Thread (红线)	Belief in an invisible red thread connecting individuals destined to be together.
The Legend of Pangu (盘古开天地)	Creation myth of universe by giant Pangu separating yin and yang.

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FAQs – Chinese folklore and mythology

What is the famous folklore of China?

According to Chinese mythology, the big bang happened when the god Pangu cracked the egg that he was sleeping in. This egg contained Yin and Yang, which then separated. The lighter Yang rose to create the sky, Yin formed earth and Pangu made sure both were held in place with his hands and feet.

Does China have a mythology?

Chinese mythology encompasses a diverse array of myths derived from regional and cultural traditions. Populated with engaging narratives featuring extraordinary individuals and beings endowed with magical powers, these stories often unfold in fantastical mythological realms or historical epochs.

What is China God called?

The Chinese idea of the universal God is expressed in different ways. There are many names of God from the different sources of Chinese tradition. The radical Chinese terms for the universal God are Tian (天) and Shangdi (上帝, “Highest Deity”) or simply, Dì (帝, “Deity”).

Who is God according to Chinese?

Since the Shang (1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou dynasty 1046–256 BCE), the radical Chinese terms for the supreme God are Tiān 天 and Shangdi 上帝 (the “Highest Deity”) or simply Dì 帝 (“Deity”). Another concept is Tàidì 太帝 (the “Great Deity”).

What are the four gods in China?

These four creatures are also referred to by a variety of other names, including “Four Guardians”, “Four Gods”, and “Four Auspicious Beasts”. They are the Azure Dragon of the East, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West, and the Black Tortoise (also called “Black Warrior”) of the North.

Who is the most beautiful god in Chinese mythology?

Chang E : the Goddess of the moon, also female beauty and protector of unmarried women. She is believed to be the most beautiful among the Goddesses of heaven and is often petitioned to bestow beauty upon her young female worshipers.