The Enchanting World of Chinese Folklore

Despite the perception of China being irreligious, its people have a plethora of religious figures. Apart from Buddha, Taoism, and Confucian temples, ancient Chinese mythology is rich with diverse deities and folk tales.

There are many Chinese myths and legends worth noting, but one enduring folk tale is about the Chinese God in Heaven, Nuwa. Nuwa is the goddess who created humanity due to loneliness and is said to hold a significant role in the creation myth. Another well-known Chinese folklore is the story of the Yellow Emperor, considered to be the first emperor of the Chinese people, who is believed to have ruled for a century.

China as a unified country came into existence on October 1st, 1949 when Mao Zedong united the various states under one banner. However, even before that, the country's 58 recognised ethnicities shared common folk tales and mystical beliefs with neighbouring tribes. This shared heritage makes figures like the Yellow Emperor significant to all Chinese people, not just the Han Chinese mainly because it became a symbol of unity during attempts to overthrow the Qing Dynasty.

Historians, archaeologists, Sinologists and qilin mythology experts dedicate their lives to unravelling and understanding the deep history and mysteries of Chinese culture. As Chinese culture boasts a continuous history spanning over 5,000 years, it is a pursuit that is vast and complex. While written records date back over 3,000 years, Chinese myths and legends fill in the gaps to connect various periods of conflict and transition with their shared belief systems.

Ancient Chinese mythology has played a vital role in uniting people through major historical events which include wars, invasions, and changes in dynasties. Regardless of whether one has a deep love for Chinese culture or is simply curious, exploring Chinese folklore is a captivating journey. Whether you are interested in qilin mythology or other Chinese myths and legends, it is a sure way to gain insight into the country’s rich heritage.

Chinese myths and legends differ from Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology as it is sparsely populated with gods, mainly consisting of great folk heroes, like the hero in qilin mythology, rather than traditional deities. Unlike the complex lineages of other famous myths, ancient Chinese mythology is straightforward, with no convoluted relationships. For instance, the Chinese God in Heaven, Shang Di, had no offspring, unlike Zeus in Greek mythology. In Chinese mythology, Nuwa married her brother to repopulate the earth, in this story their roles were purposeful and distinct, and not driven by the carnal desire seen in other mythology.

In the Chinese creation myth, the foundation gods play a central role. These include:

• Shang Di, the supreme emperor and god in heaven (though not represented as a being);
• Tian, an intangible entity symbolising the sky or heaven;
• Pangu, the first sentient being;
• Nuwa, the mother of all humanity and a supreme goddess; and
• Huang Di, the Yellow Emperor, is seen as the first ruler with divine authority.

As mentioned, this mythology doesn't follow a hierarchical structure like most Western mythologies or religions. Instead, alongside these foundation gods and one goddess, there are the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, all revered for their wisdom, benevolence, and piety, however, none are considered to be gods themselves.

Defining Chinese Folklore

In many ways, Chinese myths and legends mirror many Western ones: there are ancient tales of deeds that explain how the world and everything in it came about. One major difference is the lack of the supernatural. For the most part, there are miracles even though they too embrace the concept of a perfect afterlife.

At its heart, it is a belief system that is built on myths and folk tales.

Despite common perception, dragons are not a prominent aspect of Chinese mythology, although the deity Fuxi could shape-shift into one. Other mythical beasts like the phoenix possess mystical properties but do not feature prominently either.

While tales of dragon-slaying are scarce, the Chinese New Year myth, which is about an ordinary man, not a deity, who bravely confronts and scares off the yearly-terrorising dragon, leads to celebratory customs characterised by firecrackers, red and gold decorations, and gong banging.

Another aspect of Chinese mythology that is different from Western religion or mythology is that it lacks clear duality of good and evil. Chinese deities are indifferent to such concepts, embodying the philosophy of "it is what it is."

Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism are more philosophical than religious in Chinese mythology. While people visit and pray at temples dedicated to these beliefs, there's no invoking of gods; rather, offerings and rituals are made as a gesture of reverence.

These figures understand the human experience as more of an organic whole that emphasises living in the moment and oneness with one’s environment.

This is why Taoism, for instance, is not considered a part of Chinese mythology. Having said this, several deities have been attached to their stories which does make them mythical in a sense.

The Importance of Chinese Myths and Legends  

Throughout millennia, China which has been known as the Celestial Empire has boasted emperors who are believed to be ordained by the gods. More specifically, they are viewed as sons of heaven and direct descendants of the Yellow Emperor, who are destined to rule. Although not regarded as gods, these ancient rulers have served as role models rather than divine figures.

For the Chinese culture, ancient mythology holds immense importance because it shapes the national pride and identity of the people. It is fundamentally and deeply ingrained into daily life. In addition, ancestral worship is also a fundamental part of the Chinese culture which is focused on honouring individual family ancestors as well as the ancestors of the entire country. This can include emperors, warriors, mothers, and children.

Unlike other countries with holiday traditions, China follows a hybrid solar-lunar calendar, which accommodates occasions like Christmas while it maintains its traditional calendar of commemorations too. For instance, Lunar New Year, Chinese Valentine's Day (Qixi), and the Dragon Boat Festival are celebrated on one calendar, while other occasions like Qing Ming are calculated differently.

As mentioned, Chinese gods are not supernatural beings but rather relatable folk heroes, like the one typically found in qilin Chinese mythology. Most have remarkable accomplishments that evoke inspiration and storytelling. For instance, the Chinese creation myth reflects human experiences of loneliness, anger, and encounters with natural phenomena rather than an omniscient and miraculous figure.

In Chinese mythology, gods are accessible and equitable figures that form the foundation of the Chinese national identity and its ideals. They inspire piety and hard work, without commanding absolute loyalty or threatening eternal damnation. Instead, they offer comfort through prayers and enjoyable celebrations and contribute to the rich tapestry of Chinese cultural heritage.

In modern China, ancient mythology continues to have a significant impact on various aspects of daily life. Here are some practical, modern examples of how the people of China interact with their ancient mythology:

1. Festivals and Celebrations: Chinese festivals, such as the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) and the Dragon Boat Festival, are deeply rooted in ancient myths and traditions. Here, people engage in various rituals and customs like offering sacrifices to ancestors.
2. Ancestor Worship: Here, families often visit ancestral graves during the Qing Ming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) to pay respects to their forebears. This practice emphasises the reverence for ancestral spirits, which are significant elements of Chinese mythology.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine: Many aspects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are rooted in ancient myths and beliefs. Concepts such as the balance of yin and yang, the five elements, and the flow of energy (Qi) are deeply ingrained in TCM practices.
4. Architecture and Art: Chinese mythology continues to inspire architectural design and art with temples, pagodas, and traditional Chinese buildings often featuring mythological symbols and figures.
5. Folklore and Literature: Folktales, legends, and mythological characters are frequently featured in modern literature, movies, and television shows as a way of preserving and perpetuating these ancient narratives.
6. Martial Arts and Performances: Traditional martial arts, like Tai Chi and Kung Fu, often draw inspiration from mythological tales and legendary figures, while local Chinese operas and dance performances also incorporate elements of ancient myths.
7. Cultural Education: Chinese schools continue to teach students about their country's ancient mythology, ensuring that younger generations understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.

Overall, the practical interactions with ancient Chinese mythology demonstrate how it continues to be interwoven into the fabric of modern Chinese society.

These connections, which foster a sense of pride in the country's rich history, serve as a reminder of the enduring relevance of mythological beliefs that continue to shape various aspects of contemporary life.

Finally, one of the best ways to understand Chinese culture is to bear in mind that Chinese people are in constant, daily communion with their gods, which is why the myths, legends and folklores of China are so important.