Author: Sun WuKong
-
Exploring the Houshan Daoists and the Houtu Cult in Hebei Much of my previous work on local rituals has focused on the traditions found in Shanxi. However, the province of Hebei, which encircles Beijing, presents a rich opportunity for field studies that may not initially appear as captivating. It serves as a significant and fruitful…
-
At the point where the Yellow River meets the Fenhe River in Wanrong County lies the Houtu Temple, dedicated to the veneration and rituals associated with Houtu, the Earth Goddess, revered in Chinese tradition. Claimed to be the “oldest temple in the nation,” Houtu Temple symbolizes the very beginnings of Chinese identity and culture. It…
-
I truly appreciate your patience as I sift through images, and I must say that uncovering quality pictures of more obscure deities is quite the challenge. Before diving deeper into this topic, let’s take a moment to recognize the gods and goddesses who exist outside the traditional gender binary. Understanding Houtu as an Ambiguous Deity…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.…
-
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…
-
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,…