Overview
In the realm of Chinese mythology, Fuxi emerges as humanity’s first male ancestor, a cultural icon, and one of the most revered deities of Ancient China. He is ascribed with the creation of numerous innovations pivotal to human advancement, including the development of the writing system, fishing methods, and the domestication of animals. Artistic representations often depict Fuxi with a human head and a serpent’s body, similar to his sister, Nüwa. Alternatively, he may be illustrated as a wise figure adorned in animal skins or wearing flowing yellow robes.
Etymology
The name Fuxi (伏羲) consists of two components: the character fú (伏), meaning to lie down, and xī (羲), which refers to an ancient term for vapor. Different romanization systems, such as Wade-Giles, document his name as Fu-Hsi. Occasionally mentioned in ancient texts as Paoxi (庖犧), the term Paó (庖) refers to a kitchen or cooking space, while xī (犧) denotes a sacrificial animal. Under the Wade-Giles system, this name appears as Pao-Hsi.
Family
Fuxi is wed to his sister, Nüwa, with their mother being the goddess Huaxu, who became pregnant with them after stepping into a footprint left by the thunder deity, Leigong. In one narrative of their creation myth, Fuxi and Nüwa produce humanity through their union, with Nüwa celebrated as the original mother goddess in Chinese lore.
Family Tree
- Parents: Huaxu (Mother)
- Siblings: Nüwa (Sister)
- Consorts: Nüwa (Wife)
Mythology
Fuxi holds a cherished position among the deities in Chinese mythology for introducing civilization and its many advantages to humanity. The ancient historian Ban Gu recounted the early days without moral frameworks or societal organization, highlighting Fuxi’s role in establishing essential laws for human life.
The Invention of Fishing and Trapping
Fuxi and Nüwa displayed unconditional care towards their creations, often stepping in to aid during times of need. Following Nüwa’s restoration of the sky, humanity flourished, surrounded by abundant vegetation and wildlife. During this era, humans relied solely on hunting for sustenance. Fuxi observed that successful hunts resulted in ample food, while failures led to hunger. Empathizing with his vulnerable creations, he visited a nearby stream to catch fish by hand and subsequently showed humans this newfound method.
The Dragon King, Longwang, who governed the waters and celestial phenomena, was incensed to discover humans capturing his aquatic subjects. Fearing for his dominion’s future, he instructed Fuxi to cease hand fishing in his waters. Stunned by this command, Fuxi spent days pondering a solution. One day, while resting under a tree, he observed a spider constructing its web, ensnaring unsuspecting insects. This moment of inspiration led Fuxi to weave a net from reeds, enabling him to haul in plenty of fish from the river.
The Dragon King’s fury intensified upon learning of Fuxi’s innovation, causing his eyes to bulge, a physical trait he retained henceforth. His exasperated advisor, a tortoise, attempted to pacify him but ended up accidentally stained black after a mishap in an ink bowl.
The Bagua (八卦) or Eight Trigrams
Perhaps one of Fuxi’s most significant contributions to Chinese culture is the creation of the bagua (八卦), or the eight trigrams. These symbols, comprising three unbroken or broken lines, symbolize the essential principles of reality. The bagua holds an esteemed status in practices like Chinese Buddhism and feng shui. Legend has it that Fuxi was inspired to depict these trigrams after observing a turtle’s back emerging from the water.
The Domestication of Livestock
Fuxi further distinguished himself by pioneering the domestication of livestock. He reasoned that having animals readily available for milk, meat, and labor proved more beneficial than the unpredictability of hunting. Additionally, he is credited with inventions such as currency, writing, metal smelting, meat preservation, and the custom of exchanging engagement gifts.
The Creation of Mankind
Fuxi’s influence extends into mankind’s creation as well. Different stories convey his involvement with Nüwa in forming humanity; in some, they unite to produce the human race, while in others, Fuxi assists Nüwa in crafting people from clay. Despite his contributions, his role is often seen as secondary to Nüwa’s, reflecting the matriarchal nature of ancient Chinese society, where he is typically acknowledged as her assistant.
Pop Culture
Fuxi is honored during a month-long festival from February 2 to March 3 of the lunar calendar at his temple in Tianshui City. His birthday, celebrated on the 16th day of the lunar calendar, attracts pilgrims who come to light incense and pay homage. Fuxi is often beseeched for health benefits, financial prosperity, or simply to express gratitude towards their original ancestor. Additionally, he appears as a character in video games like Dynasty Warriors and Age of Mythology. In Marvel’s comic Warriors of Three Sovereigns, the character Lin Lie wields the “Fuxi sword,” signifying his lineage from this venerated figure.
