Guanyin
Known in various regional forms, Guanyin is an important figure in Chinese religion. She is often depicted on the beach, holding an infant. She also sits on a mountain, enthroned in the Sea of Japan. Several prominent temples are dedicated to the Chinese deity, including the famous Potala Palace in Tibet.
The earliest reference to Guanyin appears in the 7th century. The monk Xuanzang, who had traveled to India with the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures, is credited with bringing an early form of the deity to China. Xuanzang translated Avalokitesvara’s name into Chinese, Guanshiyin, which means “perceiving sounds in the world.” Later, the name of the deity was shortened to Guanyin and Taizong.
The story of Guanyin’s birth is believed to have a mystical origin. Legend has it that a disabled boy from India named Shancai met a Buddhist teacher on an island in the middle of the sea. On this island, he met a mysterious deity, Guanyin. Guanyin tested Shancai’s resolve to learn Buddhism. She appeared in an illusion of three sword-wielding pirates and then dashed off to the edge of the rock.
Guanyin is also revered in Tibet as Chenrezig. While the deity is usually portrayed as a female in East Asia Buddhism, Chenrezig is revered in a male form. Guanyin’s female cast resembles the female buddha, Tara or boddhisattva Tara. Both are part of the Padma Akula family of buddhas.
Change
Change is a deity from the Chinese culture. In Chinese mythology, Change is the mother of twelve moons. She is often depicted as a beautiful goddess. She is often associated with a benevolent or malevolent emperor, the elixir of life, and the moon in Chinese legend. She may have derived some of her characteristics from the Hindu god Chandra.
The Change was initially called Heng’s, but her name was considered personal, so the Chinese emperor Liu Heng wanted to avoid naming the goddess after his name. Therefore, he changed her name to Change. Changing the name of a god, such as Change, is a common practice among Chinese royalty.
The story of Change’s elixir of immortality needs to be clarified. There are many versions of the story, but the main idea is that the goddess had a purpose. In ancient times, Change had a protective role over the Earth. She could use her elixir of life to help people and the Earth.
After rescuing Hou Yi from a deadly enemy, Change returned home at night. She was so enraged that she ran to kill Peng Meng, but the two had already escaped. She shouted, “Change!” and a silhouette of the goddess appeared.
Caishen
A complex deity in Chinese mythology, Caishen represents wealth and prosperity. In Chinese New Year, his name is often invoked. He is generally depicted riding a black tiger and holding a golden rod. Sometimes, he is also seen having an iron tool. Although his incarnations are varied, most stories agree that he lived in the early Qin dynasty.
The Chinese believe Caishen is a vital deity, and he can enter the home and join the family for a New Year’s feast. Some people prepare a special dinner for the Creator and someplace the statue at the head of the table during the Chinese New Year.
Statues of Caishen are located throughout mainland China. Many of these statues greet people at the entrance to businesses. Small models are also commonly found in restaurants and hotels. The figures are surrounded by fruit, joss sticks, and incense. Some statues are kept on the floor, while others are perched on reception counters.
While the Chinese deity time has become an essential part of Chinese culture, Nestle’s claim that it is unrelated to the company’s business was rejected by the Chinese IP Court. However, it is essential to note that Caishen was long integrated into Chinese culture and has long been a critical symbol of traditional Chinese culture.
Yue Lao
Chinese deities like Yue Lao often appear at night. You can pray to them for luck by wearing a red string, making a small prayer, and offering money. The temple is open until 10 pm and is close to the famous night market on Huaxi Street. Yue Lao’s symbols include a marriage book and a red string.
Wei Gu, a province governor, asked Yue Lao to help him find a suitable wife for his daughter. He was pleased but noticed a scar between his daughter’s eyebrows. When he enquired about the spot, he discovered that his new wife had been stabbed. This led him to realize that he had married a girl with a disability. He eventually married her and had three children.
There is a notice board dedicated to Yue Lao in Taiwan. He is considered the god of marriage and love. However, his name is also known as the Gay Rabbit God. Therefore, you should be careful in selecting a name and address if you visit him in person.
The ancient Chinese believed that fate was a genuine force. Even though they had some control over their lives, the overall path was predetermined. The book of fate also included names of future couples. Yue Lao was the person responsible for pairing up these couples. A red string was used to bind the pairs together. Attempts to break these bonds led to tragic consequences.
Lu-Ban
Lu-Ban is the Chinese patron of craftsmen, builders, and engineers. He is regarded as a living god and was a man of great inventions. In ancient China, he was revered as the patron god of carpentry. He is also credited with inventing many tools and equipment. Some historians believe that he was a disciple of Confucius and embodied Confucian philosophy.
Legends also attribute the invention of the saw to Lu Ban. The saw’s design was attributed to Lu Ban, whose wife was concerned about his condition. Lady Yu, the wife of Lu Ban, spread her husband’s genius to other family members. Lady Yu, the wife of the carpenter Lu-Ban, crafted a portable pavilion for Lu-Ban to use.
The origins of the Lu Ban myth go back to the Zhou dynasty. Lu Ban was born in Lu, a province in the Zhou dynasty. Although he was not a diligent student, he gained a reputation as an outstanding carpenter and an inventor.
Lu-Ban also became an engineer. He learned his craft from his master Bao Laodong and later worked for Chu State, creating naval and siege warfare tools. His inventions helped his people win battles. His tools were made from wood, considered a cheap and convenient building material.
