The Afunti is an important Chinese deity, as she is the protector of humans. She created humans from the mud of the Yellow River and breathed life into them, then gave them knowledge of fire and the ocean, so they could reproduce. She also gave humans the ability to write and use divination, so they could make wise decisions.
Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang are two of the four fundamental elements in Chinese philosophy. They represent the balance of the earth and heaven and manifest themselves in various forms. These energies carry qi and bring about the transformation and completion of different kinds of things. They also extend to the deepest parts of the universe. Yin begins as emptiness and gradually becomes full and boundless.
Yin and Yang are complementary forces that interact to create harmony. The balance between these two forces can be felt in various objects depending on the perspective of the observer. Yin is the feminine principle, represented by the moon, while Yang is the masculine force represented by the sun and heat. Together, these forces create manhood and womanhood.
In the earliest mythology, yin and yang were created from chaos and existed at the center of the earth for 18000 years. During this time, they balanced and created the first human being, Pangu. They also gave birth to the first gods. Confucianists and Taoists have different perspectives on the yin and yang, with the former emphasising reclusion and the latter focusing on engagement with life.
In the yin and yang, every advance and retreat is balanced by an opposite force. Every rise and fall will eventually come to a point when the yang takes over and the yin loses its balance. Similarly, the seed in the earth grows upward towards the sky, but it will eventually fall when it reaches its full potential height. Similarly, the top growth seeks light while roots grow in darkness.
In Chinese tradition, yin and yang are two fundamental principles of the universe. They represent opposites and complement each other. The concept of yin and yang was developed during the ancient Chinese culture. It is believed that all things have opposite characteristics, and that each side represents a different aspect of nature.
Chang’e
In Chinese folklore, Chang’e is one of the most revered deities. In fact, the Mid-Autumn Festival is still celebrated in Chang’e’s name. However, it is important to distinguish this goddess from another one known as Changxi, the Mother of the Twelve Moons.
Chang’e’s original name was Henge. It was later discovered that the personal name of the Chinese emperor Wen Liuheng included a homophone of the goddess’s name, Chang’e. Traditionally, the name of an emperor was supposed to be unique, and having a name so similar to another cultural figure was considered inappropriate.
This occurrence is also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when people place fruits and other offerings on an open-air altar for the goddess. Mooncakes are also usually decorated with motifs of Chang’e and her pet rabbit. Interestingly enough, Chang’e was even referred to on the Moon during a lunar exploration mission. At the time, astronaut Michael Collins was told about Chang’e and her white rabbit, and he replied that he would keep an eye out for her.
Chang’e’s origin myth goes back to the 5th century BC and covers the Warring States period. Chang’e is said to have stolen an elixir of immortality from Xi Wang Mu, Queen Mother of the West. Afterwards, he flew to the moon and became the moon’s spirit. Various versions of this myth exist today. The most popular version shows a mortal couple in the beginning. The basic premise of these myths is the same, but the unique part of the tale comes at the end.
Chang’e is a goddess of immortality in Chinese mythology. She is often represented in paintings floating toward the moon, with a palace in the background. Her right hand usually holds a moon disk, and her left hand is held upward. In some versions of the story, the Hare is also present, preparing the drug of immortality.
Nu Wa Nuwa
Nu Wa was an earth-creating deity who was lonely and created animals to help her with her task. When the earth was first formed, Nu Wa picked up clumps of yellow earth and moulded them into human figures. Her creation soon came to life and began dancing around her. Nuwa was so pleased with her creation that she named it “human” and started creating more of them.
According to legend, Nuwa is a combination of human and serpent forms. He is believed to have filled a rift in heaven by creating humans and other animals. He is revered by many minority groups in South-Western China. The ‘Water-Splashing Festival’ is a tribute to his sacrifices.
Nuwa is associated with creation, marriage, and fertility. As such, Nuwa encouraged marriage and childbirth by making the first humans of yellow clay. She also used a rope to separate people based on their social status. The blobs were the common people, while the handcrafted ones became the nobility. This way, Nuwa was able to save humanity from annihilation.
Nuwa is sometimes depicted as a woman in traditional Chinese hanfu, but there are many differences in her appearance. In one myth, Nuwa was born after the daughter of the Flame Emperor Yan Di drowned in the sea. In another myth, Nuwa was a woman who was changed into a bird. Although the two stories share some similarities, they are very different. In addition, the myths of Nuwa feature a similar concept – a mother-daughter relationship.
Nuwa is also known as the first of the Three August Ones and the First of the Five Emperors. She was also associated with her husband, Fuxi. In addition, she is often depicted holding a carpenter’s square and a moon with a divine frog inside. Her relationship with Fuxi is a common theme in creation stories, and she is often associated with Fuxi, who is the creator of all creatures. In addition, Nuwa and Fuxi are also regarded as the parents of humanity and patrons of marriage.
Xiwangmu
The Afunti Chinese deity Xiwangmu is associated with wildcats and tigers. In fact, he initially had a leopard’s tail and teeth. He is believed to have kept these animals as companions. His other attributes include being associated with the moon. In addition to being associated with the moon, Xiwangmu is frequently shown alongside a moon rabbit pounding an elixir of immortality. He is also associated with the moon goddess Chang-e.
According to tradition, Xiwangmu bestowed divine fruits on Chinese emperors. During the Western Jin period, the Chinese emperor Wu of Han had an ardent desire to become immortal. To help him realize this desire, Xiwangmu sent an embassy of white deer to Han.
Xiwangmu is believed to have great power over health, longevity, and fertility. She was also worshiped for a good harvest and rain. These are typically associated with other deities, but Xiwangmu was a powerful goddess.
In the Five Element Theory, Xi Wangmu rules all the elements, including yin and yang and the cauldron of creation. She has a particular connection to the west, and is connected with the afterlife. She also serves as a guide to the vast cosmic cycles. Her shamanic form resembles that of a tiger. She has a tail and tiger teeth.
According to legend, Xiwangmu once visited the emperor on the seventh day of the seventh month. This date is celebrated as the Qixi Festival. This festival is also known as the ‘Evening of the Sevens’, and is associated with the festival of Qixi.
Yellow Emperor
The Yellow Emperor is an important Chinese deity with many roles and functions. He is responsible for improving the lives of nomadic peoples, by teaching them how to build shelters, tame wild animals, and cultivate the Five Grains. The Five Grains are credited to Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor is also credited with the invention of carts, boats, and clothing. He is also responsible for the invention of the sexagenary calendar, musical pitch pipes, and the Chinese script.
The first description of the Yellow Emperor was found in the Shanhaijing. According to the Shanhaijing, the Yellow Emperor lived in the waters and jades of Mt. Mishan Mi Shan. The Yellow Emperor is also mentioned in the Daoist book Zhuangzi Zhuang Zi. According to this book, the Yellow Emperor sought the “Way” instruction and was taught by the Daoist master Guangchengzi. This book also tells the story of Yellow Emperor’s encounter with the imperial disciple Wu Shi Wu Ting.
The Yellow Emperor is a Daoist deity who was a descendant of Qin. The Yellow Emperor had obtained immortality by invoking his Daoist gods. Moreover, he ascended to Heaven. He also brought offerings to “Central Yellow” on Mt. Dongdai Dong Dai. The Yellow Emperor’s life is depicted as an ideal one. The Emperor ruled for many years before his death.
The Chinese people consider the Yellow and Red emperors to be their ancestors. The Five Emperors are seen as a symbolic representation of the real Chinese emperors. The name Huangdi is a combination of the words for “yellow” and “emperor.” Huangdi is also known as the Yellow God of the Northern Dipper.
