Chinese gods and goddesses

Legendary Gods, Goddesses and Emperors

The earliest legendary deities in China are put into a category labeled 'Three Sovereigns and Five Sage Emperors'. The first group are deities while the second are the first legendary rulers of China.

The Three Sovereigns 三 皇 Sān huáng

This hazy collection of sovereigns/emperors/deities are bound up with the earliest legends in China. Up until relatively recent times there was no creation legend, (the legend of Pangu probably came from outside China) and there was no legend of heaven or hell. Life all started with a semi-god creation figure Fuxi and his wife or sister Nuwa. Most creation myths also include the discovery of yin & yang and then the eight trigrams.

The other two figures of the trinity of ‘Three August Ones’ varies from historian to historian, this probably reflects the fact that the legends of several tribes merged at this early date and their legends became mixed together. The most widely known set of three are Fuxi, Shennong and then the Yellow Emperor. Other candidates are Zhurong 祝融 (god of fire); Gonggong 共工 (god of water) and Suiren 燧人.



Nuwa and Fuxi, two of the Three Divine Rulers. 151CE Mural painting from the Han dynasty. Available under a Creative Commons License ➚ Artistic re-imagining of image

Fuxi 伏羲 Fú xī Fuxi is credited with many inventions, perhaps most important culturally was the eight trigrams that he saw on the back of a tortoise. These were combined with each other to form the 64 gua of the Yi Jing. Fuxi was reputedly born at Chengji, now Tianshui in modern day Shaanxi. He taught people how to fish, hunt, keep flocks, measure distance, and twist silk. Other inventions include musical instruments (made from silk threads), the calendar, marriage ceremony, characters for writing, and the cooking of food. The name means ‘hidden victim’ after his teaching of the use of nets and snares. There are many and various depictions but he is only a minor figure compared to the Yellow Emperor. He reputedly lived at Chen 陳 now Huaiyang in modern day Henan and traditional reign dates are 2852-2737BCE. He is said to have a head with four faces (probably representing the four ministries).

Nüwa 女 娲 女 娲 Nǔ wā Nuwa (also known as Nügua) is the goddess of matchmakers. She was the brother or husband of legendary Emperor Fuxi and like him has the body of a snail (or snake) with a human head. As the first couple she drew up the marriage laws that forbade incest and codified the conduct of engagements and weddings. There is a story of how she used stones of five colors to mend a rift in the sky. There are many conflicting creation fables about her, so she probably is one of the most ancient Chinese deities, she is fabled to have created music and even humanity itself. The creation of mankind by Nuwa is celebrated on the seventh day of the New Year. Fuxi and Nuwa are often depicted entwined together with snake-like bodies.



Shennong, one of the mythical emperors of China by Xu Jetian from book at the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris. Image by Szilas available under a Creative Commons License ➚

Shennong 神 农 Shén nóng

Shennong was the god of farming and medicine and the successor to Fuxi. Reputed to have lived 2953-2838BCE. He made note of the benefits and dangers of plants. He grew the five grains 五谷 wǔ gǔ and hundred grasses. He moved the capital to Qufu, Shandong and is credited with the invention of the guqin (ancient zither). By tradition he was a son of the consort of the Yellow Emperor's father, the Emperor 少典 Shǎo diǎn. He is depicted with the head of a buffalo and a dragon's face. Legendary author of the famous本草经 Běn cǎo jīng encyclopedia of medicinal plants but was probably written in the early Han dynasty. He is also considered the author of the 神农书 Shén nóng shū which is an early book on agriculture. His association with agriculture probably gives him the acknowledgment for digging the first well.

Yandi 炎 帝 Yán dì

He is the Fire or Red Emperor who may be same as Shennong and is by some considered a brother of the Yellow Emperor. There is a legend that Yandi (Red) and Huangdi (Yellow) fought great battles with each other until Huangdi eventually defeated him. Chinese people consider themselves descendents of ‘Yan’ and ‘Huang’.

Zhurong 祝融 Zhù róng

The god of fire has a number of legends associated with him. He has been dated back to a minister under the Yellow Emperor or a contemporary of Fuxi, he may also be just another name for Shennong. Legends have him as an assistant to the Red Emperor (Yandi). He is controller of fire, rather than bringer of fire, as he can put them out as easily as start them. He is associated with the warm south and is depicted riding two dragons. He may also be accompanied with other fire-related attendants: birds; serpents; fireballs and fire-wheels. He is commemorated on the 17th day of the 8th lunar month when people seek his protection from fire.

Suiren 燧 人 Suì rén

Sometimes included as one of Three Sovereigns. Introduced the knowledge of how to use fire and also the cooking of food.

Gonggang 共 工 Gòng gōng

The god of water and sometimes included as one of Three Sovereigns. Believed to be a descendent of the Red Emperor. He seems best known for taming floods.

Five Legendary or Sage Emperors 2696-2100BCE

Following the Three Sovereigns the golden age of the Sage Emperors began with the Yellow Emperor and followed by Zhuanxu; Ku; Yao and Shun . These are more like super-humans than gods. The Five Emperors (五帝 wǔ dì) ruled with perfect wisdom and is often referred back to in poems and literature as a lost Golden Age which everyone should seek to recreate. The end of the era comes with the foundation of the first historical dynasty - the Xia in around 2100BCE. Many of the stories about these early figures were collected by the great historian Sima Qian's famous ‘Records of the Grand Historian’ each is said to have made some important contribution to Chinese culture (tea, silk, agriculture, administration, fishing, weiqi, calendar, Yi Jing, medicine etc.).

Yellow Emperor or Huangdi 黄 帝 Huángdì [2718 BCE - 2598 BCE Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor ➚ ] is credited with inventing many of China's key technologies including copper-ware, the wheel, armor, boats and pottery. He is the god of architecture. His wife, the Empress Leizu, is said to have pioneered innovations such as silk production. The traditional numbering of years starts at the year of the Yellow Emperor's birth. He is considered the founder of the nation of China and all Chinese Emperors and people claim descent from him. At the end of his reign the phoenix and qilin appeared to indicate their approval for his wise reign. He is the both the last of three sovereigns (三皇 San Huang 'three august ones') of a legendary demi-god status and the first Sage Emperor. The term ‘yellow’ comes from the name of the time period in which he lived, each period was named according to the cycle of Daoist five elements and ‘yellow’ is associated with the ‘earth element’. His capital was at Jingshan near Kaifeng, Henan. His burial place is reputed to be at Huangling north of Xi'an.

Emperor Zhuanxu 颛顼 Zhuān xū Chuan Hsiu WG

Emperor Zhuangxu had a spirit of fire and served as minister to Yellow Emperor. He was a grandson of the Yellow Emperor. Traditional reign dates 2513-2435 B CE.

Emperor Ku 帝 喾 Dì kù

The third Sage Emperor was Ku, succeeded Emperor Zhuangxu and was a great grandson of Yellow Emperor but not a son of Zhuanxu. He lived at Bo (present day Kaifeng) in Henan.

Emperor Yao 尧 Yáo 2333 - 2234 BCE After a miraculous birth Yao took the throne in 2357BCE and after ruling wisely for 70 or so years abdicated in favor of Emperor Shun 帝舜 who was the model of filial piety. He is said to have had eyebrows of eight different colors. Some say he was the great-grandson of the Yellow Emperor. He ruled over a period of peace so long that cockerels were found on top of war drums as they had been cast away - and so a cockerel on a drum became an emblem of peace. Yao is attributed as the inventor of writing/painting brush. He is said to have lived simply and wore animal skins. He had ten sons but he chose Shun as a more worthy successor than any of them. Shun is said to have proved his skills by escaping from a forest during a storm. This made the important precedent of choosing on basis of skill rather than family relationship. Emperor Yao is credited with devising the calendar and a system of rituals. He is regarded as the Model Emperor against whom all other emperors were measured and found lacking. Confucius frequently mentions Yao as the example of the correct way to rule. He is also known as 唐尧 Táng yáo, with given name 放勋 Fàng xūn. He renamed his kingdom Tang with capital at Pingyang 平阳 píng yáng (now Linfen) in Shanxi. By his time social customs established and grades of Imperial officials had been created.



Emperor Shun performs divination in the palace. Made by Jiang Tingxi c.1725. Available under a Creative Commons License ➚

Emperor Shun 虞舜 Yú shùn 2294 - 2184 BCE Said to have been born near Mount Yumu, Hengyang in Hunan, Shun had semi-barbarian origin, but grew to be a respected king. He was disliked by his blind father who favored another son but Shun still remained exemplary filial to him. At age 20 he served Emperor Yao who then made his heir and have given him two of his daughters in marriage. He had great mental and physical qualities and is said to have had double pupils in his eyes. He ruled the kingdom which he named 'Yu' with capital at Pingyang, Shanxi. The rulers of the kingdom of Chen claim descent from him. On his death he was canonized as Yudi Shun.

Yu the Great 大 禹 Dà yǔ 2123 - 2025 BCE

Yu the Great was a legendary Emperor who succeeded Emperor Shun as the founder of the Xia dynasty. Some say his place of birth was Shiquan, Sichuan. He worked under Emperor's Yao and Shun to save China from a great flood by diverting the flow of rivers. The flood, often compared to the Noah's Biblical flood ➚ lasted 13 years with waters to the tops of mountains. While building flood protections he saw a tortoise with the first writing on its back which led to moral teaching and knowledge of the secrets of unseen. He then became the first emperor of Xia dynasty around 2205BCE. He is said to introduced the concept of the nine cauldrons that represented the nine regions of China and the right to rule all of China. He chose Bo Yi as his successor but Yu's son Qi killed Bo Yi and usurped the throne. His grave is said to be at Yuling near Shaoxing, Zhejiang.

A knowledge of the Chinese traditional gods and goddesses (deities) is particularly useful when visiting ancient temples or reading ancient texts. Many of the traditional gods started off as mere mortals and some went on to have a particular festival dedicated to them. These deities are often seen as sculptures in temples but they may also appear in other forms of decorations, some have a symbolic meaning, for more on these see our extensive symbolism section.

People familiar with the Egyptian, Greek or Roman pantheon of gods will be disappointed when considering the Chinese deities. There is no consistent framework or hierarchy, it is more of an assorted collection, suggesting the stories come from different places at different times. The ‘Supreme’ deity Shangdi 上帝 does not feature in many tales and does not interact with other gods, and so can not be compared to Zeus or Jupiter. The chief reason for this is that Confucianism has generally been the dominant philosophy, and that is firmly rooted in rationality and the here and now. So the mythological figures were not considered suitable subjects for scholars, it was mainly the illiterate who kept the stories alive by oral tradition. Perhaps as many are half are based on historical figures who became ‘gods’ to honor their deeds and virtues. History has a long tradition for accuracy in China; the impartial recording of facts is at odds with creative imaginings. However the ancient deities of folk religions have always been cherished by the people so they can get together and enjoy festivals in their honor. In a large city like Beijing every day there was bound to be a commemorative festival at one of the thousands of temples dedicated to different deities.



A Chinese door god ( 门 神 ménshén) is a Chinese decoration placed on each side of an entry to a temple, home, business, etc., to keep evil spirits from entering.

Deities A-Z

The remaining deities are listed in alphabetical order.

Avalokiteshvara

The Avalokiteshvara is a 'future Buddha' entering enlightenment who has chosen to stay in this world to help mankind. In China this deity has merged with the deity Guanyin. Many depictions are found in Buddhist temples, the original form when it come from India is distinctly male while in later centuries the form became female.

Bao Zheng 包 拯 Bao is a historical figure who lived 999-1062CE in the Song dynasty . He was a revered figure with temples dedicated to his honor at Kaifeng, Henan and elsewhere. He passed the Imperial Examinations but instead of taking up a lucrative post at court went home to look after his parents (another example of filial piety). He eventually took up posts as a magistrate, governone and emissary. His claim to fame was his incorruptibility; he was an honest and upright judge. He is also known as 包青天 Bāo Qīng tiān. He offered access to justice to all and stamped out corrupt practices, even in his own family. He lived modestly and he is held up as the model for all officials to try to follow. He is a common figure in operas and popular TV series have been made about him.

Bixia Yuanhun 碧霞 元 君

The first Princess of the Purple and Blue Clouds is associated with childbirth. One deity of this name came from Fuzhou, Fujian and was the daughter of a great magician. She moved to a palace on the seas. The other deity of this name is the daughter of the God of Taishan mountain, Shandong. The legend talks of Jiang Taigong who ruled so well and so virtuously that no storms came. As the Princess needed storms in order to travel through the kingdom he had to move out of his kingdom so that the Princess could pass. She is easy to confuse with the Queen Mother of the West but can be distinguished by having three phoenixes in her headdress.

Cai shen 财 神 The ‘God of Riches and Prosperity’ is an important and highly regarded deity. There are at least three candidates for the title. One of them Zhao Gongming who lived for a while as a hermit on Emei mountain at the time of the fall of the Shang dynasty. He rode a black tiger and had magic pearls that would explode as grenades. Jiang Ziya defeated him by making an effigy of Zhao and shooting it with arrows. Zhao fell dead but the Jade Emperor took pity and made him the god of wealth. Sometimes the god of riches is represented by a pair of figures, one of them is the ‘god of war’ Guandi or the ‘heavenly twins’ He-he. Some think the different incarnations represent different departments of the heavenly Treasury. Many Chinese homes will have a statue or two of him - he is shown with a gold ingot and ruyi. The 15th day of the 3rd lunar month is his festival date but he also honored on the fifth day of the New Year. He is the closest to Santa Claus in the pantheon of Chinese deities.

Cao Guojiu 曹 国 舅

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

China's Space Mission Modern History China is putting a great deal of money and effort in building a space exploration program. Already missions have put people into orbit around the Earth and landed robots onto the Moon. Plans exist for a large space lab and manned landings on the Moon and even missions to Mars. In a race to put people on Mars it could well be China that gets there first. Read more…

Chang'e 嫦娥 The Goddess of the Moon Chang’E (or Chang Er) stole the potion of immortality from her husband the Archer God Hou Yi and fled to the Moon. There she is kept company by the Jade Rabbit. Her husband visited her and built a palace there, they meet at full moon each month. Another legend says she changed into a tortoise that can be seen as a marking on the moon. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebrates Chang’E and her story. [For information about China’s voyages of exploration to the moon read here; the lunar modules have been named Chang’E in deference to the goddess.]

Cheng Huang 城 隍

This deity defends cities and so is master of moats and ramparts. He is also regarded as the supreme minister of justice. Each town had its own version of Cheng Huang ➚.

Da Fan Tian Wang 大 梵 天 王

The Chinese name for Buddhist Brahma ➚, the ‘Father of all Living Things’. He is also considered the Soul of the Universe who hatched the Cosmic Egg.

Feng Bo 风 伯

The Duke of the Winds is depicted as an old man with a large sack, a white beard, yellow coat and red and white cap. Winds issues forth from his mouth.

Next Festival Thursday 1st October 2020

Mid Autumn Festival (Zhōngqiūjié 中秋节) There are many other joyful festivals spread throughout the year.

Read more...

Fo Tuo 佛陀 or Da Fo 大 佛

Fo Tuo is the Chinese name for the Buddha. The full name Amitābha in Sanskrit is transliterated as 阿弥陀佛 Āmítuófó.



Daoist deities bringing happiness; prosperity and long life. They are shown in order Fu, Shou and then Lou.

Fu, Lou and Shou Fu Shen; Lou (or Lu) and Shou 福禄寿 Fú Lù Shòu form a trinity of deities giving good luck, respectively: Happiness; Prosperity and Longevity. They are often portrayed together in statues; ornaments and paintings. Collectively they are also known as the Three Star Gods. They are associated particularly with Feng shui and Daoism. Fu Shen 福神 (Happiness) is usually depicted with a scroll, and sometimes with children. The good luck character fu 福 is a representation of him as the ‘God of Happiness’. Historically he was a judge in Hunan who rebuked the Liang dynasty Emperor Wudi for his predilection for making dwarfs work as jesters and slaves at court. In gratitude people began to worship his as God of Happiness, he is often shown wearing lucky red colored clothes. Lu or Lou (Prosperity) wears a Mandarin's outfit. Shou (Longevity) holds a walking stick and has a large bald forehead and often carries a peach of immortality. Lu is particularly associated with luck in passing examinations which were the traditional passport to prosperity as a government official. Sometimes he is mounted on or stands beside a stag and may be Chinese 'medicinal' mushrooms 灵芝 líng zhī (associated with immortality) carpet the ground.

Fuxi

The first of the Three Sovereigns, considered the creator of China, see section on the Legendary Era.

China's Armed Services The active armed services of China numbered 2.3 million in 2016, the largest force in the world, but due to China's huge population it is only 114th on a per capita basis well behind most industrialized nations.

Read more…

Guan Yu 关 羽 or Guan Di The ‘God of Righteous Action’ comes by several names including 关公 Guān gōng 'Lord Guan'; Wu di and Guan Di. Guan Yu was a war hero of the Three Kingdoms period and appears in the famous novel 'The Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. He swore loyalty to Zhuang Fei and Liu Bei. He was captured and executed by Sun Quan. The Ming Emperor Shenzong elevated him to the status of a Daoist god. He is one of the most widely represented Chinese deities. Although termed a ‘god of war’ he is really about strategy, dignity and loyalty rather than aggression and violence - so ‘God of Righteous Action’ is a better description. The Qing Emperors took steps to lionize Guanyu and raise his stature. As well as the patron of all soldiers he was noted for his scholarship and is venerated for his knowledge of diplomacy and acquisition of riches. He is often portrayed in opera as a general on horseback with a red face and green robe. His birthday is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the fifth month.

Guanyin 观 音 The Buddhist Goddess of Mercy ➚ listens to any who will seek her help. She steers the boat carrying souls to paradise. According to legend Guanyin was the third daughter of Miao Zhuangwang; she soon decided she wanted to become a Buddhist nun. Her father continued to maltreat her and tried to break her will; when at last he lost patience, he commanded that she should be killed with a sword, but the sword broke into many pieces. Not giving up, he had her suffocated but she was rescued and re-incarnated on Putuo Island off Zhejiang. She then used a part of her own arm to heal her sick abusive father who recovered and, suitably chastised, erected a statue in her honor. She is the protector of children and often shown surrounded by them. She is the goddess who protected the travelers in the famous tale ‘The Journey to the West’. The statue has many (sometimes a thousand) eyes and arms apparently because the order describing the desired form was misheard. She is often portrayed sitting on a lotus and accompanied by a boy with a bottle and a girl with a willow twig. In some ways she is similar to the Blessed Virgin Mary ➚ in Christian theology - she is compassionate and pure. The origin is probably from the youthful Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva of Indian Buddhism, the Dalai Lama is considered a reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara- the original god became a goddess in the Chinese tradition.

Han Xiangzi 韩湘 子

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.



Guardian of Chinese Buddhist Temple in Singapore

He-he Heavenly twins 和 合 二 仙 The Heavenly twins are shown as two boys carrying a box and a lotus which symbolizes a wish for peace: 'hé' 和 (box) and harmony 荷 hé (lotus). One may also be holding a bowl over which fly five bats for good luck; it represents a wish for family peace and harmony. They may be based on the story of Shi de 拾得 the eccentric friend of the legendary poet Han Shan 寒山.

Heng and Ha 哼哈 二 将 Generals Heng and Ha are frequently depicted as statues guarding Buddhist temples. The legend is that they lived at the time of the foundation of the Zhou dynasty and were given magical powers by Duè Zhenrèn who lived in the Kunlun mountains. General Heng could emit deadly rays from his nose. General Ha had been given the power to exhale a lethal gas. The two generals fought each other valiantly and they were rewarded for their prowess by being canonized by Emperor Jiang Ziya.

He Xiangu 何 仙 姑

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Hou Yi 后 羿 The Divine Archer is associated with the sun and is the husband of Chang'e of the moon. His skill was discovered by Emperor Yao in 2436BCE when he claimed that he could hit a tree on a distant hill. Not only did he accomplish this but he rode the air to retrieve the arrow. Houyi ➚ (also known as Shenyi) was also skilled in carpentry, and built a palace for Chang'e on the Moon and one for himself on the Sun. Some legends say that rather like Zhinu and Nuiling, he can only visit Chang'e at the Mid-autumn moon festival. He is said to have shot and killed nine of the ten sun ravens that threatened to burn up the Earth.

Huang Di 黄 帝

The Yellow Emperor - see section on Legendary Emperors.

Ji Gong 济 公

The popular figure Ji Gong was a very clever Buddhist monk who took delight in wrong-footing the corrup and helping the poor. He was a maverick, choosing to eat meat in defiance of normal Buddhist practice. He is often shown as somewhat intoxicated with wine, holding a fan or leaning against a tree. The real life figure lived during the Southern Song dynasty but after his death he was imbued with magical powers. He was popularized by a TV series ➚ in 1988.

Kongfuzi 孔 夫 子 Kǒng fū zǐ or Confucius

The leader of the Confucian religion - See Confucius.

Kuixing 奎 星 kuí xīng The god of literature is associated with a star in Ursa Major (the Big Dipper). There are other historical figures who are sometimes called Kuixing for example Zhong Kui and Wen Chang - it is all a bit confusing. He is portrayed with an ugly face - large eyes and a square chin often in a pose based on the configuration of the pointer stars in the Big Dipper (as they point to the North pole star). His ill looks resulted in the emperor refusing to give him his just reward in the examinations, in response he threw himself in a river in despair. As god of the examinations his figure is a popular gift for aspiring students.

Lan Caihe 蓝 采 和

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Laozi 老 子 Lǎo zǐ or Lao tzu

The leader of the Daoist (Taoist) religion - See Daoism.

Proverb 木 人 石 心 Mù rén shí xīn Body of wood, heart of stone A heartless person or also someone who is unwaveringly determined to carry out a task and will not be distracted Heart of stone All about Chinese proverbs

Lei Gong 雷 公

The Duke of Thunder Lei Gong, is depicted as a hideous looking black demon with bat's wings; a monkey's face and an eagle's beak. In one hand he holds a steel chisel while in the other a hammer with which he beats numerous drums.

Lei Zhenzi 雷 祖

Lei Zhenzi is separate from Lei Gong but is also associated with thunder. He has three eyes, an extra one in his forehead from which a ray of light emerges. He rides a black unicorn which covers huge distances in no time. The associated rain makes him a popular god for farmers; grain merchants and inn keepers.

Liang Shanbo 梁 山 伯 and Zhu Yingtai 祝 英 台

This couple figures in one of the most famous romances in Chinese tradition and are often termed the ‘Butterfly Lovers’ or the ‘Chinese Romeo and Juliet’. Zhu Yingtai is said to have gone way to study in the house Liang Shanbo disguised as a boy. On parting Zhu promised the hand of 'his' friend to Liáng Shānbó in marriage. When Liang completed his studies and passed the exams he went to see Zhu but she at this time had been forced to be engaged to marry another man by her father. Liang pined away in grief and died. Some time later on Zhu's wedding day her carriage stopped during a great storm and she noticed the grave of Liang. In distress the ground opened up and the two were united in death, the story ends with a pair of strange butterflies emarged from his tomb.

Li Tie Guai 李 铁 拐

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Liu Hai 劉 海 Liu Haior Liu Haichan is another Daoist god of wealth often depicted with a string of coins and accompanied with a three legged toad. Various tales are told about him. The magical toad was said to be able to transport him anywhere he wished. He may have been an official during the Jin dynasty and actually an alchemist called Liu Xuanying. China has some large toad statues that are associated with wealth and many people offer him coins for good luck.

Long Wang 龙 王 The Dragon King is the chief of all the dragons and controls all the waters: sea; rivers; lakes and streams. He was defeated by the combined talents of the Eight Immortals.

Lu Ban 鲁班

The God of Carpenters and Craftsmen is based on the tale of a man who lived in the Shandong province in the Spring and Autumn Period. He was given the ability to rise in the air unsupported and ride the clouds. An alternative story is that he lived in Gansu and built a kite that could lift him from the ground.

Lü Dongbin 吕洞宾

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Symbols and Motifs Culture Chinese arts and handicrafts are full of hidden symbols. Bats, goldfish, peonies and bees all give a specific meaning to a painting or decoration. Exploring the world of Chinese symbolism opens up a whole new layer of appreciation. Read more…

Luo Han 罗 汉

A Luo han or (阿罗汉 a Luó hàn) is the Chinese name for an arhat ➚, a Buddhist who has achieved enlightenment (nirvana) and is freed from all earthly cravings and so leaves the cycle of rebirths. An arhat works for personal enlightenment compared to a Pu Sa (Bodhisattva) who works for the general good of all. There are considered to be 18 identified Luohans each with their own object or attendant by with they can be identified in pictures and figurines.

Ma Gu 麻 姑

Magu or Lady Ma is an auspicious Daoist deity often shown with a bamboo staff and a boy carrying a peach of immortality or a basket of herbs. Often she is accompanied with a deer and the Queen Mother of the West. She is regarding as having lived in the Han dynasty and many temples, caves and mountains are named after her. She is most associated with having long fingernails, indeed legend has it that the Emperor wished Magu would scratch an irritating itch he had with her nails, he was punished by being whipped by a demon. A back-scratcher is often named after her in reference to this event.

Mazu 妈 祖 The Daoist goddess Mā zǔ is of importance along the coastline of Southern China as she is associated with the sea and there is considered the Queen of Heaven. Many temples have been built so fishermen and seafarers can seek Mazu's help in procuring good weather and a safe voyage. She is said to have 千哩眼 qiān lǐ yǎn 'eyes that see a thousand miles' and 顺风耳 shùn fēng ěr 'ears for favorable winds'. She is honored on the 23rd day of the third lunar month. There is a famous temple to her at Macau and the name 'Macau' may have its origin in her name. There is a number of cross-overs with the Buddhist goddess Guanyin.



Golden laughing Buddha, Xi'an, Shaanxi Mi Le Fo 弥勒佛 The fat, laughing figure is often seen on Chinese paintings and as sculptures. The 'Laughing Buddha' represents the hope of future happiness. He is Maitreya, the Bodhisattva that will be the next to come after the Shakyamuni Buddha ➚. A legend says he came to live in Zhejiang province in the tenth century where he helped the poor and needy. He is full of boundless love for mankind. He is usually shown seated near the entrance to Buddhist temples and represents na?ve geniality.

Mulan 木 兰 Mulan is the exception to the rule that warrior heroes of Chinese history are male. Mù lán is an ancient tale of a fearless young woman who took the place of her elder brother to serve in the army for years. The Emperor wished to honor her great valor in battle, but she chose to return home rather than take riches or a title. Only when she returned home to her father did she reveal she was a woman.

September Quiz 2020 Every month we are adding a new quiz to our ever increasing range of quizzes about China. Each monthly quiz has 15 general questions. We now maintain a league table so you can add your own score and amaze your friends! Try quiz...

Nezha 哪吒 No Cha WG

This legendary hero (also known as Nuozha) of the Shang dynasty is portrayed as a youth wielding a magic gold bracelet that he could increase in size at will. He also bears a spear and rides a fire chariot. He is mentioned in the famous book the ‘Journey to the West’. He was able to stave off the attack of the Dragon King. In one tradition the layout of the city Beijing is based on the form of his body.

Nuwa

The wife or sister of Fuxi, the first of the Three Sovereigns, considered the creator of mankind, see section on the Legendary Era.

Pan Gu 盘 古

The creator of the Universe according to tradition in China is Pangu. He was the child of 'yin' and 'yang' and is shown as a dwarf in a bear skin. Other legends give different stories including one where Pan gu is the primal egg (盘 pán can mean shell of egg) from which he and then all life hatched. He holds a hammer and chisel and fashions the cosmos out of solid rock. He is the great architect and is helped by qilins; tortoises; phoenixes and dragons. The creation took 18,000 years and after that his body 'decayed' to become the heavenly bodies; mountains; humans and other part of the world. This legend seems to have appeared as late as 220CE and may have come from India. It is important among some of the ethnic people of Southern China.

Pengzu 彭 祖

Pengzu is reputed to have reached 800 years old, at the age of seventy he was said to still look like a baby. The quest for immortality in China goes back a long way, and is particularly associated with Daoists. It was considered that by careful control of the qi 'life essence' an age of 120 could be achieved, by knowing the dao 'way' an even greater age could be reached. Pengzu is the emblem of this dream and is often depicted praying and burning incense surrounded by children. When portrayed on a gift he symbolizes a wish for long life.

China The Chinese name for their own country is 中 国 zhōng guó meaning central country or middle kingdom based on the ancient belief that China was geographically and culturally the center of the known world.

Read more…

Pu Sa 菩萨

The term Bodhisattva ➚ is transliterated in Chinese as 菩提萨陀 Pú tí sà tuó in Chinese which can be further abbreviated to just Pu sa. A Bodhisattva is an enlightened Buddhist that continues in the cycle of rebirth to work for the good of others.

Pu Xian 普 贤

The Buddhist God of Universal Benevolence (Samantabhadra ➚ 普贤菩萨) is usually portrayed riding a white elephant. Puxian is particularly associated with the sacred Mount Emei Sichuan. He wears a yellow robe with a red collar and often carries a lotus. He is one of top Buddhas and often displayed in prestigious places in Buddhist temples.

Qing Long and Bai Hu 青 龙 ; 白 虎

The blue dragon qīng lóng and white tiger bái hǔ perform the same duties for Daoist temples as Heng and Ha do for Buddhist ones, they act as guardians. Bái hǔ Deng Jiugong of the Shang dynasty was a general and wounded by Heng becoming the spirit of the Blue Dragon star. Yin Chengxiu was an official who went as an emissary to Jiang Ziya but was executed by him. His son then went to avenge his death and was killed to be later canonized as the spirit of the white tiger.

San Qing 三 清 The Three Pure Ones (Yu Qing 玉清: Jade Azure; Shang Qing 上清: High Azure and Tai Qing 太清: Supreme Azure) are a triad of Daoist gods that rule over the three traditional divisions of the sky. Yu Qing is the Jade Emperor while Shang Qing governs yin and yang while Tai Qing is the celestial form of Laozi himself.

Shangdi 上 帝 Shangdi is the Supreme sovereign and ancestor, it is he that gives power to the Emperor. He punishes the bad and rewards the good. He is omniscient and omnipresent and acts through his ministers Guan Yu; Cheng Huang and Tu di. The belief in this ancestral god somewhat faded by the time of the Han dynasty; he is venerated mainly by followers of Confucius. The Emperor was thought of as his representative on Earth and only the Emperor could worship him, he was the only conduit to heaven.



Demon punishing the sinful at Dazu caves, Chongqing

Sheji 社祭

The god of Earth and cultivation passes on his power to good rulers with the result of a bounteous harvest.

Shengren 圣 人

People who have lived exceptional lives are canonized and called shengren (similar to a western ‘saint’ and ‘sage’) and live in the Yu Jing (Jade Azure) part of the sky.

Shennong

One of Three Sovereigns, god of agriculture and medicine, see section on the Legendary Era.

Shenshu 神 荼 and Yulü 郁垒

According to the Shanhaijing ➚ the Jade Emperor ordered Shēnshū and Yùlù to guard peach trees which were being attacked by demons. They are widely depicted as door guardians to ward off evil.

Emperor Shun

One of the Sage Emperors, see section on the Legendary Era.

Si Da Tianwang 四 大 天 王

The four Celestial kings Sì dà tiān wáng are guardians of the Universe. They act as Temple guardians and are also associated with the four seasons and four elements (Fire; air; earth; water). Li carries a pagoda; Ma a sword; Zhao two swords and Wen a pointed stick.

Sun Wukong 孙 悟 空 The Monkey King Sūn Wùkōng is the hero of the famous book ‘Journey to the West’ which tells the story of Xuanzang and his followers travel to India. He is endearingly dismissive of authority and loyal to his friends. He wields a cudgel stick that can grow to any size he chooses. He is mischievous but very clever and full of energy. A famous TV series was made about his antics in the 1980s and remains one of the most popular Chinese deities. He is the god of official messengers.

Tianhou 天 后

Tianhou is the Daoist Empress of Heaven, and is another name for the goddess Mazu 妈祖 and somewhat akin to the Buddhist Guanyin. In Hong Kong she is called ‘Tinhau’.

Tudi Gong 土 地 公

The guardian of the rural countryside and wild places is Tudi. The similar deity Sheji has jurisdiction only to cultivated areas of land.

Village deity

Each village had its own deity, worshiped at the village temple. There would be at least one big festival held each year in its honor. As neighboring villages had different festival days a district would have some sort of village fair going on all year round. At the fair, many stalls would be set out selling all kinds of goods and produce. Gambling games would be held. Acrobats, local opera and shadow theaters would perform to the delight of the visitors. It was one of few opportunities to socialize outside the home (often family) village.

Wen Chang 文 昌 王 The God of Culture and Literature is based partly on the life of an exceptional Tang scholar Zhang Ya born in Zhejiang. He moved to Zitong, Sichuan where he was worshiped as a god after a mysterious disappearance. He is often associated with a wise serpent. Other legends base Wen Chang on Zhong Kui who although exceptionally talented was so ugly that the Emperor refused to hire him. In despair Kui threw himself in the sea but was rescued by a sea monster. He is represented as standing on the head of a fish (carp) brandishing a writing brush. He went to heaven and forms part of the stars. Wén Chāng wáng is associated with four acolytes : a servant; the Celestial Deaf man; the Earthly Dumb man and Kuixing (a fat dwarf with a demon's face). It is Kui xing who brings luck in examinations.

Wenshu 文 殊

Wenshu, the Chinese name for Manjushri ➚, is the Bodhisattva of transcendental wisdom. The Wutai mountain, Shanxi is sacred to him.

Xi Shi 西 施 Xī shī

She was foremost of the ‘Four legendary beauties’ 四大美女 sì dà měi nǚ. She lived c. 700-600BCE and was given by Gou Jian of the Yue kingdom as a concubine to the king of Wu as part of a successful ploy to destroy the Wu kingdom. She so entranced Gou Jian that he neglected his kingly duties and he was easily defeated.

Xi Wangmu 西 王 母 The Queen Mother of the West ➚ (xī wáng mǔ) is the spirit of pure yin as the opposite of Dong Wanggong pure yang. She lives in the Kunlun mountains in far western China defended by a spirit army. She is sometimes portrayed with a panther's tail and tiger's teeth. She represents integrity and virtue. Her palace is bedecked in gold and precious stones and is the location where the gods hold their banquets. Great emperors of antiquity visited her on occasions. It is possible that she is based on an historical leader of a separate kingdom in western China a little like the Queen of Sheba ➚. She is mostly associated with the quest for immortality as the peaches of immortality grow there, and it was there that the Monkey King stole some. She was one of the most revered of Chinese deities and her worship was fanatical in the later Han dynasty. She is often attended by two young girls one with a fan and the other a bowl of the magic peaches. She flies on the back of a crane and accompanies by bluebirds and phoenixes.

Macau Macau has overtaken Las Vegas as the top city for gambling in the world. It has the largest casino anywhere. Rich Chinese visitors come to the semi-autonomous district for short breaks to spend time and money in the casinos and at the horse races.

Read more…

Xianren 仙 人

While Buddhists seek paradise in the life after death, Daoists seek immortality. The Daoist adept will build up qi in the body until it fills the whole person, then the body metamorphoses and although seeming dead, life continues. A xianren ‘immortal person’ is someone who has reached this extreme level of perfection.

Yanluowang 阎 罗 王

Yan is the king of the fifth court of hell (地狱 dì yù in Chinese). He was demoted from the first circle for not being brutal enough. It is the Daoist equivalent to Yama ➚ the Buddhist God of Death. He judges and punishes the deceased.

Emperor Yao

One of the Sage Emperors, see section on the Legendary Era.

Yao Wang 药 王

The King of Medicine showed incredible literacy at an early age. He was initiated into the mysteries of immortality and yin and yang. The Dragon King presented him with a set of secrets to benefit mankind. He was friend and doctor to Tang Emperor Gaozong. He is depicted with two young helpers one with a gourd of pills while the other holds the leaf of a medicinal herb.

Yellow Emperor

One of the Sage Emperors and one of Three Sovereigns, considered the founding father of China, see section on the Legendary Era.

Emperor Yu the Great

One of the Sage Emperors and founder of the Xia dynasty, see section on the Legendary Era.



The Jade Emperor, who is the Supreme deity of Daoism

Yudi 玉 帝 The Pure August (Yu Huangdi) or Jade Emperor is the Daoist supreme sovereign of the Universe somewhat similar to Shangdi; there are many cross-overs with Buddhist deities too. He was able to command all sorts of spirits and genies as well as the kings of hell. He is one of the trinity of Three Pure Ones. . He came into prominence under Song Emperor Zhenzong who claimed to have contact with the Jade Emperor. This supposed connection helped stabilize his rule in troubled times.

Zao Jun 灶 君 The Hearth or Kitchen god (also known as Zaoshen and Zaowang) is an important god because Zao Jun observes the conduct of all families. With food being so important to a family he controls the health and prosperity of the home. It is on the eve of Chinese New Year that families pay particular deference so that he can relay a favorable report on the household's life to heaven for the last year - his lips are smeared with honey. Traditionally a portrait of him was hung in the kitchen which was ritually burned and replaced every New Year. Originally, before the Song dynasty, he was important as the God of Furnaces and associated with alchemy.

Zhang Daoling 张 道 陵

Zhāng Dàolíng or Zhang Ling was a sage of Daoism, born 35CE during the Han dynasty he quickly learned all about Daoist concepts of yin yang; astronomy and nature. He developed recipes for potions for immortality and alchemy. By the age of 60 he had perfected the immortality pill by uniting the blue dragon and white tiger. Eventually he moved to Yuntai in Sichuan from where he ascended to heaven in 157CE leaving a magic book and sword.

Zhang Guo Lao 张 果 老

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Zhang Qian 张 骞

Zhāng Qiān was a historical figure from the Han dynasty [164-113BCE]. He served as a diplomat and explorer of Central Asia. Over the centuries his life has gathered legends, he is said to have discovered all the animals. He journeyed all the way to the source of the Yellow River where he met the goddess Qi Nu. He became a Daoist immortal often shown on a raft and carrying a gourd.

Zhongli Quan 钟 离 权

One of the Eight Immortals - See above.

Zhenren 真 人

The ‘Perfect Beings’ are adepts at the highest level of Daoist practise who have perfect control over themselves and nature. They live in the Shang Qing High Azure heaven.

Zhinu 织 女 The Spinning Damsel Zhinu was a daughter of the sun god who was concerned that she spent too much of her time spinning and wanted her to marry his neighbor the Herdsman 牛郎 Niulang across the Milky Way. She soon followed his wishes and was married but then entirely neglected her spinning tasks in a life of dissipation. Her father was so angry that he separated Niulang from her husband. They could only meet once a year on the seventh day of the seventh month. To make a bridge over the Milky Way he commanded magpies to spread their wings. As they would only come if it was dry she earnestly prayed for rain to keep away on that day. Nowadays this event is celebrated as Chinese Valentine's Day.

Zhongkui 钟 馗 Zhōng Kuí, the Demon Queller or Ghost Catcher, is one of the most powerful deities for keeping away evil spirits. His picture is displayed at the Dragon Boat Festival (summer solstice) and also by front doors to keep out evil. He may be shown wielding a sword attacking the five noxious creatures. He is shown with wild hair, fierce eyes and a sword. His hideous looks resulted in him being denied an official position at court despite coming top in the Imperial examinations. In some traditions he is also the god of examinations Kui xing .

Proverb 神 工 鬼 斧 Shén gōng guǐ fǔ God's work and spirit's axe So skilled that workmanship presumed to be the work of a god not a human. Fantastic, superb artistry. All about Chinese proverbs