Chinese traditional religion has many deities to worship. Most of these are honored in a polytheistic fashion, where they believe that divinity is inherent in everything as a deity. In this way, many gods exist, each with its unique power and a special place in the world.
Yinyanggong
Yinyanggong is the personification of yin and yang, and she is one of the four most essential deities in Chinese mythology. She is also the Xiang river goddess and Emperor Yao’s daughter. She represents the yin in human nature and is the patron of both heaven and earth. Her other names include Yinyangsi and Mugong.
Yinyanggong is essentially a Taoist deity. She is a personification of the union of yin and yang and is often associated with the arts, including weaving. In some cases, Yinyanggong is also referred to as the Queen Mother of the West.
Chinese mythology is incredibly complex, with many gods and goddesses worshipped. The majority of Chinese gods are pantheistic or have equal power. They are essentially patrons of a particular area, many of which have special meanings for specific people. Many of these gods are ancestors who became deities through heroic achievements. Others are mythological creatures, such as dragons.
Historically, Bixia’s cult was exercised in the north of China, but she has spread throughout the country and to Taiwan. In Taiwan, Bixia is regarded as the female counterpart of Dongyuedadi, the male god.
Xiwangmu
Xiwangmu is a Chinese deity who is associated with immortality. He is believed to be able to grant eternal life, and he is often depicted with a peach tree. This peach tree acts as an intermediary between the heavens and earth. Xiwangmu was also associated with the Mandate of Heaven, the divine right of an emperor to rule. This deity was worshipped and revered in ancient China.
The Chinese deity Xiwangmu is associated with wildcats and tigers and, at one point, was even associated with a tiger. He wore a tiger’s tail and teeth and was believed to keep tigers as companions. In addition to being associated with the tiger, Xiwangmu is also associated with the moon. Often depicted alongside a moon rabbit pounding an elixir of immortality, he also often accompanies a frog on the moon.
Throughout Chinese history, Xiwangmu has maintained a high position in the Taoist pantheon, second only to the Three Pure Ones. Despite this, Xiwangmu was worshipped by ordinary Chinese and was popular with the people. Its influence can be traced back to the creation of many modern-day Chinese traditions.
Xiwangmu was believed to be the goddess of longevity and wisdom. Her palace on the western slope of Mount Kunlun was a paradise for the gods. The mountain was a place where the gods could meet and communicate. The palace was a center of learning. Both men and women visited it.
Ba Xian
Ba Xian is a popular Chinese deity, represented in many artworks. Sometimes he is defined as an individual, accompanied by one of his jade handmaidens. He is also described as a group, often with his other immortals, but sometimes in his portrait. One of his most famous murals is at the Eternal Joy Temple in Ruicheng, China. Ba Xian, like all of the Eight Immortals, has different defining qualities, and his appearance in paintings is often based on his personality. Han Xiangzi, for instance, is frequently shown holding a flute, as he is a musical prodigy.
Other deities in the artwork include He Xianggu, the only female figure in the Ba Xian family. He is also portrayed as a young woman holding a magical lotus flower, symbolizing openness. Some of the Ba Xian are believed to be related to powerful ancient Chinese officials. Cao Guojie, for example, may be a descendant of the Song dynasty general Cao Bin or his younger brother Cao Jingzhi. Other Ba Xian includes Han Xiangzi, who is thought to be a descendant of the Tang dynasty politician Han Yu, and He Xiangu, who is said to be the granddaughter of the legendary poet He Tai.
The Ba Xian myth is based on the legend of the Eight Immortals. According to legend, the Eight Immortals are immortals who can bestow life and destroy evil. These deities are believed to reside on Mount Penglai, a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea. They are revered in Taoism and are prominent figures in Chinese folklore.
Bei Di
The Chinese deity Bei Di is one of the world’s most popular gods and goddesses. The deity is based on historical characters, but many of the characters have human traits and obsessions, such as anger and rage. The god is often depicted with a bronze tortoise underneath his image. This is a symbol of the eternal triumph of good over evil. This deity is also known as the “Queen of the Earth.”
In many stories, he is depicted with potions and the ability to cure people. In the movie, he appears as the supreme minister of justice and the “Soul of the Universe.” In another legend, he is the Jade Emperor’s son and the Buddha’s grandson. Some scholars believe that the character of the deity was modeled after the historical figure Li Erlang, a water engineer during the Warring States period. He helped to develop irrigation in Sichuan.
Another Chinese deity, Guanyin, is a goddess of mercy and compassion. While she can appear in several forms, her most common appearance is as a robed woman holding a halberd. She is also a patron of martial righteousness and wealth.
Xuan Wu
The Chinese deity Xuan Wu is revered by many martial artists. His name translates to “True Warrior” and “Truly Valiant.” He is also known as the “Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven.” He helped the Chinese conquer the Fengdu region and subdue the demon kings who had become powerful during his reign. He is regarded as the patron of the northern provinces of Hebei, Manchuria, and Fujian.
The deity is often represented holding a sword in his hand. The blade is one of the most potent emblems of prosperity. It is said to help its destined owner fight evil forces and achieve career triumphs. The seven-star sword is believed to also assist the owner in making great leaps in business.
According to Chinese mythology, Xuan Wu was once a butcher who tried to purify himself of his sins by killing a turtle. However, he lost his stomach and bowel in the process. Because of this, he gained immortality. The resulting black mass then formed into Xuan Wu, the guardian of the north.
Xuan Wu is also called Xuan Tian Shang Ti. He is believed to have helped the Yongle Emperor build his Taoist monasteries in the Wudang Mountains. Xuanwu is one of the Four Symbols in the Chinese constellations. He represents the north and winter seasons. Usually, he is depicted as a turtle with a snake. He once worked in a butcher’s shop but eventually stopped and began cultivating the Tao.
