Author: Erlang Shen
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Understanding the Chinese Deity of Prosperity In the joyous occasion of Spring Festival, it’s common for people in China to greet one another with the heartfelt saying, “May you become rich!” (恭喜发财 gōngxǐ fācái). While this expression is often mistakenly viewed by Westerners as a simple New Year greeting, it is, in fact, a hopeful…
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a holistic system of health care with roots tracing back over 2,300 years. Its primary objective is to sustain or restore health by achieving a harmony between yin and yang—two fundamental forces that characterize both the human body and the cosmos. Among the myriad healing practices that TCM encompasses, acupuncture…
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Shennong, often referred to as the “God farmer” or the “God peasant”, holds a significant place in Chinese spiritual culture. He is regarded as a mythical sage, revered for his healing abilities and ruling over prehistoric China. Shennong is sometimes called the Wugushen, meaning “five grains,” or Wuguxiandi, which translates to “the first deity of…
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The Tempestuous Tale of Gong Gong and the Divine Nüwa In the realm of Chinese mythology, Gong Gong is depicted as a fierce and discontented water spirit endowed with formidable power. Typically represented as an enraged black dragon or a turbulent water monster, Gong Gong often struggled against the strict hierarchical structures that governed the…
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The Fascinating Narrative of Gonggong in Chinese Mythology Gonggong’s story as a powerful water deity represents a significant aspect of Chinese folklore. Illustrated often as a terrifying dragon or aquatic creature, his insurrection against celestial authority brought about dire repercussions in the world. A monumental battle with Zhurong, the fire god, fractured the sky, resulting…
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The Tale of Gong Gong and the Serpent Goddess Nüwa In the realm of Chinese mythology, Gong Gong stands out as a volatile and discontented water spirit known for his immense power. Often depicted as a fierce black dragon or a turbulent water creature, Gong Gong embodies chaos. In a previous discussion about the Black…
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Yan Wang: The Sovereign of the Underworld in Chinese Mythology Introduction Yan Wang, also known as Yama, is a significant figure in the realm of Chinese mythology. Regarded as the King of Hell, he governs the underworld with formidable authority. His primary responsibility involves evaluating the souls of the deceased, determining their eventual fate in…
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Yan Wang: The King of Hell in Chinese Mythology Overview In the realm of Chinese mythology, Yan Wang (閻王) stands as the supreme ruler of the underworld. Known for overseeing ten layers of Diyu (地獄), or the Chinese-Buddhist Hell, he is revered and feared as the ultimate judge of the deceased. Yan Wang’s origins can…
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The Kitchen God and Other Deities of the Earthly Sphere In the realm of Chinese folk belief, the universe is divided into three distinct areas—Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld—each filled with significant deities and spirits. Among these, the Earthly Domain is particularly notable for its diversity, housing not only everyday people but also numerous immortal…
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Overview of Zao Jun in Chinese Mythology Zao Jun, or the Stove Master, holds a significant position within Chinese mythology, acting as the guardian of domestic spaces and familial relationships. Traditionally believed to dwell within the kitchen’s stove area, Zao Jun’s annual journey to heaven on the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month involves…