The Chinese Myths

Ancient myths and legends are deeply embedded in the fabric of day-to-day life in contemporary China. Throughout this expansive nation, people unite to observe festivals dictated by the traditional lunar calendar. From the Yuanxiao Festival held early in the year, where vibrant lanterns illuminate the streets to chase away the darkness, to the Shousui tradition, where families stay awake all night to usher in the New Year, these customs are rich with historical significance. Tao Tao Liu masterfully intertwines elements of Chinese history and philosophy, bringing to life the mythical characters and tales that continue to thrive in popular customs and beliefs.In her work, Liu delves into Daoism, China's oldest philosophical tradition, and introduces the creator deities: Pangu, who shaped the cosmos and distinguished Yin from Yang, and Nuwa, who molded humanity from the yellow clay of China. Readers encounter the Three Sage Kings, Yao, Shun, and Yu, classical figures who exemplified the Confucian ideals of moral integrity and respect for elders. The arrival of Buddhism in China in the first century CE also left a significant mark, inspiring enduring stories such as "Journey to the West," among the most celebrated literary works in Chinese culture.Liu traces these myths' origins, as they were immortalized in the classical texts of the Han dynasty and the novels of the Ming dynasty, uncovering a rich tradition meticulously handed down through countless generations over millennia.