Ancient Chinese Culture
Archive for category Chinese Myths
Chinese God of Prosperity – Cai Shen
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Myths on July 29, 2010
Cai Shen is the Chinese name of the god of prosperity. People believed that Cai Shen are able to control the fortune and wealth for the mortals.
According to the folk legend, usually Cai Shen refers to Zhao Gongming who is called the orthodox god of prosperity.
According to Feng Shen Bang, a book about Chinese myth for the investiture of gods, Zhao Gongming has magic power and is in charge of wind, thunder and rain. Later, he becomes a general of millions of ghosts. He is always depicted had a black face, riding a black tiger and carring a golden rod.
It is said that, the fifth day of the first lunar month is the Cai Shen’sbirthday. In order to win his blessings, people attach importance to worship the god and celebrate his birthday. During the Spring Festival，portraits of Cai Shen can be found everywhere and people even prepare food and burn incese to welcome him.
Nine Sons of the Dragon – Taotie
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Myths on July 10, 2010
Taotie is the 5th son of the dragon. Sometimes it looks like a wolf but sometimes it looks like a tiger. Ancient Chinese believed that it is very fond of eating.
Its image usually appears on the bronze vessels from the Shang (16th-11th century BC) and Zhou Dynasty (11th Century BC-221 BC). Some even believe that the design of its image can date back to Neolithic jades of the ancient Yangtze River Liangzhu culture (3310-2250 BCE).
There are different versions about the meaning of its image. Some people believe that it has the power to bring wealth. Its image can often be found on ancient tableware and vessels as it can ensure the continuous supply of abundance. Some people believe that it has something to do with the death and the afterworld as its image is commonly found on the vessels used for sacrifices. Some even believe that it guards the entrance to the afterworld.
Nine Sons of the Dragon – Bi An
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Myths on June 9, 2010
Bi An, also called Xianzhang, is the fourth son of the dragon. He looks like tiger and is believed to have great power.
He is revered for his sense of fairness and impartiality. People believed that he defends justice and upholds the laws. Therefore, his image is usually can be found on the doors of prisons and the entrances of law courts.
Nine Sons of the Dragon – Pulao
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Myths on May 5, 2010
Pulao is the third son of the dragon. Compared with his brothers, he is smaller in size. He lives on the beach and fears the whale most. He always makes loud voice whenever he’s attacked by a whale. As he can make loud voice, he is the dragon that is most often carved onto temple bells, drums and musical instruments that produce loud sounds.
Pulao first appeared in Chinese literature during the Tang Dynasty (618–907). During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it was in the influential list of fantastic creatures which appeared in architecture and applied art.
Nine Sons of the Dragon – Chiwen
Posted by ancient chinese culture in Chinese Myths on April 13, 2010
Chiwen is the second son of the dragon. He looks like a lizard without a tail. With great sight, he is fond of gazing in the distance. It is believed that he has the ability to swallow fire and spray wave to cause rainfalls. Therefore, his image can always be found at the corners and ridges of a hall as well as on the roofs.
As he can control water and safeguard against fire hazards, he is always invited to protect the family who live in a geographical location that is susceptible to typhoon, flood, earthquake, forest fires, etc.
-
You are currently browsing the archives for the Chinese Myths category.
Follow Me
