Author: Sun WuKong
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Hou Tu 后土, also recognized as the “Lord of the Earth” or “Goddess of the Earth,” was a revered natural deity whose worship persisted throughout the era of imperial China. This deity, referred to as Dizhi 地祗, served as a counterpart to the Great Unity (taiyi 太一), which symbolized Heaven. The customary offerings to this…
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Guan Yin, revered as the Goddess of Mercy, holds a special place in the hearts of millions globally, particularly during times of crisis, fear, or sorrow. Known primarily as the embodiment of compassion, the character of Guan Yin closely aligns with Avalokiteshvara, as she provides protection against the ten significant fears faced by her devotees.…
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Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Guanyin (觀音) stands as the revered goddess of mercy, embodying compassion itself. Known for her omnipresence and omniscience, worshippers seek her divine intervention in moments of doubt, distress, and fear. A Ming Dynasty poet from the 14th century eloquently captured her essence in verse: Like a speck of…
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Bodhisattva Guan Yin: A Symbol of Compassion Dressed in flowing white robes and gracefully poised on a lotus pedestal, Bodhisattva Guan Yin embodies mercy and compassion with a willow branch in one hand and a vase holding pure water in the other. Her name translates to “She who hears the cries of the world,” emphasizing…
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Unraveling the Myth of Pan Gu: The Genesis of the Chinese Universe Who is Pan Gu, the primordial giant who birthed the universe from a mysterious cosmic egg? This exploration unearths the profound tale of Pan Gu, revealing how his immense efforts delineated the heavens and earth, a narrative deeply ingrained in ancient Chinese mythology.…
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Pangu: The Archetypal Creator in Chinese Mythology Pangu stands as a significant entity within the realm of Chinese creation stories. To this day, the Zhuang people perform a traditional melody that narrates the tale of Pangu’s creation of the universe. The roots of the Pangu myth have sparked considerable debate. Some scholars attribute its origins…
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Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Pangu (盤古) stands as the archetypal horned and hairy entity, recognized as the very first being to exist in the universe. His narrative unfolds prior to time itself, serving as an integral explanation for the creation of the cosmos. Born from a cosmic egg, Pangu shattered its confines,…
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The Primordial Matriarch of Humanity Nüwa (女媧; neoi5 wo1), often revered as the first mother of humanity, occupies a central role within Chinese mythology. Her name reflects her significance—“nu” translates to “woman,” while “wa” is uniquely attributed to her. Sometimes referred to as Nu Gua, she is honored with the title Wahuang (瓦黃; ngaa5 wong4;…
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Overview In Chinese folklore, Nüwa is revered as the first being capable of creation, regarded as the progenitor of humanity. In a society historically characterized by strong matriarchal elements, Nüwa’s role as the maternal figure was pivotal. She plays a significant part in numerous myths, notably the creation narrative and the restoration of the heavens…
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The Mythological Figure of Nüwa in Chinese Folklore In the realm of Chinese mythology, Nüwa (Traditional Chinese: 女媧; Simplified Chinese: 女娲; Pinyin: nǚwā) stands out as a notable figure revered for her role in the creation of humanity following tremendous disasters. Scholars argue that Nüwa reflects the essence of early Chinese matriarchal societies, where childbirth…