Chinese mythology is a vast and multifaceted system of myths, stories and legends that serves as an important part of China's cultural heritage. These myths and legends, passed down from generation to generation, not only reveal Chinese views of the world, but are the basis for many philosophical teachings, religious practices, and the arts. In this article, we look at some of China's most famous myths and legends, as well as significant mythological creatures that still play an important role in Chinese culture.
1. The Making of Peace and the Legend of Pangu
1.1 The Legend of Pangu
One of the most ancient and famous legends in Chinese mythology is the legend of Pangu. According to this story, Pangu was the first creature that appeared in the chaos that existed before the creation of the world. He was a giant creature who, with the help of his hammer and ax, destroyed chaos, creating peace and dividing heaven and earth. After Pangu completed his work, he died, and his body was transformed into various natural elements: his breath became the wind, his eyes became the sun and moon, and his body became the basis for the formation of the earth.
- The legend of Pangu explains the origin of peace and life, and symbolizes the importance of harmony and balance in Chinese culture.
1.2 Influence on philosophy
The legend of Pangu reflects the ideas of Taoism, in particular the concept of emptiness and pristine chaos from which order arises. It also symbolizes the eternal desire of man to create order and harmony in the world.
2. Three magnificent dragons
2.1 Dragon as a Mythological Creature
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is an important symbol of strength, wisdom and luck. This mythological being appears in a wide variety of legends and tales, representing power and divine protection.
- Three dragons are often mentioned in Chinese myths as patrons of the waters - one of the dragons rules the sea, the other the rivers and the third the lakes. These dragons are also important symbols of imperial power and harmony in Chinese culture.
2.2 Dragon and its connection to elements of nature
The dragon also symbolizes elements of water and fire in Chinese mythology. Its connection to water elements and its ability to cause rain were considered signs that attracted good luck and provided agriculture with good harvests.
3. The Legend of Nyuyva: the Savior of Humanity
3.1 History of Nyuyva
One of China's most significant mythological figures is Nyuywa - the goddess, creator of humanity and savior of the world. According to legend, Nyuiva created the first people from clay, after which she breathed life into them. When the world was on the verge of destruction, Nyuiva restored the heavens, fixing it with colored stones, which saved the world from death.
- The legend of Nyuyva symbolizes maternal care, love and protection, and also represents the beginning of life and the restoration of harmony in the world.
3.2 Nyuywa's Role in Chinese Culture
Nyuywa is a symbol of a mother who creates and protects. It represents the connection between man and nature, as well as between the world of people and the world of gods. In Chinese culture, she is often depicted with a dragon or snake, which emphasizes her connection with natural forces.
4. The Legend of Xianlong: Divine Intervention
4.1 History of Xianlong
Xianlong is a deity symbolizing justice and purity. The legend of Xianlong tells of his interference in the world of people, when his betrayal and mistakes led to the destruction of the world. He was punished, but later, thanks to his sincere remorse, returned to the world of people and helped restore his harmony.
4.2 Xianlong as a Symbol of Justice
Xianlong symbolizes important qualities such as honesty, justice and responsibility. This mythological figure is used to emphasize the importance of moral and ethical values in Chinese culture and society.
5. Cultural significance of Chinese mythology
5.1 Impact on Daily Life
Mythological characters and stories of China play an important role in the daily life of the Chinese. Legends of dragons, goddesses and heroes continue to inspire the people today, influencing art, literature, calendar customs and holidays.
- For example, images of dragons and mythological creatures are often used in the Chinese New Year, which symbolizes protection and prosperity in the new year.
5.2 Mythology and Chinese Feng Shui
Mythological characters and symbols such as the dragon, tiger, and turtle play a key role in feng shui, a system of organizing space to attract luck and harmony. These symbols are used to create favorable energy in homes and offices, promoting prosperity and well-being.
Conclusion
Chinese mythology and legends are not just tales of gods and heroes, but also important elements of Chinese philosophy and culture. They help to understand not only the views of the Chinese on peace and nature, but also their values related to life, morality and social harmony. China's myths continue to influence culture and everyday life, inspiring new generations to seek strength, justice and wisdom.
1. The Making of Peace and the Legend of Pangu
1.1 The Legend of Pangu
One of the most ancient and famous legends in Chinese mythology is the legend of Pangu. According to this story, Pangu was the first creature that appeared in the chaos that existed before the creation of the world. He was a giant creature who, with the help of his hammer and ax, destroyed chaos, creating peace and dividing heaven and earth. After Pangu completed his work, he died, and his body was transformed into various natural elements: his breath became the wind, his eyes became the sun and moon, and his body became the basis for the formation of the earth.
- The legend of Pangu explains the origin of peace and life, and symbolizes the importance of harmony and balance in Chinese culture.
1.2 Influence on philosophy
The legend of Pangu reflects the ideas of Taoism, in particular the concept of emptiness and pristine chaos from which order arises. It also symbolizes the eternal desire of man to create order and harmony in the world.
2. Three magnificent dragons
2.1 Dragon as a Mythological Creature
In Chinese mythology, the dragon is an important symbol of strength, wisdom and luck. This mythological being appears in a wide variety of legends and tales, representing power and divine protection.
- Three dragons are often mentioned in Chinese myths as patrons of the waters - one of the dragons rules the sea, the other the rivers and the third the lakes. These dragons are also important symbols of imperial power and harmony in Chinese culture.
2.2 Dragon and its connection to elements of nature
The dragon also symbolizes elements of water and fire in Chinese mythology. Its connection to water elements and its ability to cause rain were considered signs that attracted good luck and provided agriculture with good harvests.
3. The Legend of Nyuyva: the Savior of Humanity
3.1 History of Nyuyva
One of China's most significant mythological figures is Nyuywa - the goddess, creator of humanity and savior of the world. According to legend, Nyuiva created the first people from clay, after which she breathed life into them. When the world was on the verge of destruction, Nyuiva restored the heavens, fixing it with colored stones, which saved the world from death.
- The legend of Nyuyva symbolizes maternal care, love and protection, and also represents the beginning of life and the restoration of harmony in the world.
3.2 Nyuywa's Role in Chinese Culture
Nyuywa is a symbol of a mother who creates and protects. It represents the connection between man and nature, as well as between the world of people and the world of gods. In Chinese culture, she is often depicted with a dragon or snake, which emphasizes her connection with natural forces.
4. The Legend of Xianlong: Divine Intervention
4.1 History of Xianlong
Xianlong is a deity symbolizing justice and purity. The legend of Xianlong tells of his interference in the world of people, when his betrayal and mistakes led to the destruction of the world. He was punished, but later, thanks to his sincere remorse, returned to the world of people and helped restore his harmony.
4.2 Xianlong as a Symbol of Justice
Xianlong symbolizes important qualities such as honesty, justice and responsibility. This mythological figure is used to emphasize the importance of moral and ethical values in Chinese culture and society.
5. Cultural significance of Chinese mythology
5.1 Impact on Daily Life
Mythological characters and stories of China play an important role in the daily life of the Chinese. Legends of dragons, goddesses and heroes continue to inspire the people today, influencing art, literature, calendar customs and holidays.
- For example, images of dragons and mythological creatures are often used in the Chinese New Year, which symbolizes protection and prosperity in the new year.
5.2 Mythology and Chinese Feng Shui
Mythological characters and symbols such as the dragon, tiger, and turtle play a key role in feng shui, a system of organizing space to attract luck and harmony. These symbols are used to create favorable energy in homes and offices, promoting prosperity and well-being.
Conclusion
Chinese mythology and legends are not just tales of gods and heroes, but also important elements of Chinese philosophy and culture. They help to understand not only the views of the Chinese on peace and nature, but also their values related to life, morality and social harmony. China's myths continue to influence culture and everyday life, inspiring new generations to seek strength, justice and wisdom.