When it comes to the names of Chinese deities, you’ll find hundreds of different characters to choose from. Some of the most famous names are Zhi Nu, Xuanpu, and Wangmu. Others are less familiar but still recognizable. Below, we look at the terms of a few popular deities and their meanings.
Xi Wangmu
Xi Wangmu is one of the most powerful female deities in Chinese mythology. She is the personification of the female Yin (chaos). She rules over all the deities of womanhood, protects the earth, and presides over marriage and fertility. She is also the caretaker of the Immortal Peach Garden in Heaven. Some people also refer to her as the Queen Mother of the West.
She lives on Kun Lun Mountain, where she presides over her entourage of female deities. Mortals and other gods visit her palace, and she is said to grant immortality to those seeking her. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman in intricate headdresses.
Xi Wangmu is also associated with the tiger. The Shan Hai Jing describes the tiger as a symbol of the goddess and the mountain’s shape as a road between worlds. She also is associated with snakes, which have shamanic roots in Asia. Snakes are a significant part of cross-cultural mythology. While snakes are often associated with death, they are also seen as essential to life and death.
Xian Tian
The name Xian Tian is a combination of two words that are often used together. It’s often associated with the goddess Nuwa, the mother goddess of Chinese mythology. She is the daughter of the God of Fire and the goddess of the sky. Her most famous story centers around her role in fixing a broken pillar of heaven. Nuwa also has a cameo in the Investiture of the Gods, where she plays a position at the beginning of the conflict between the Shang and Zhou civilizations. She’s also associated with the creator of the world, Pan Gu. Pan Gu created the world by separating Yang and Yin and pushing the sky above the earth. Pangu’s body then became the natural elements of earth, water, and fire.
The name Xian Tian is derived from combining the Chinese characters ‘xian’ and ‘tian.’ In other words, Xian Tian means “three.” The Chinese have long associated the word Xian with childbirth. The name is also used as a goddess of the sea.
Dongyue Da Di
Dongyue Da Di is also known as the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak. It is one of the Ten Hell Tribunals, where deceased people go through a series of judicial proceedings supervised by the king of hell. The temple has a sad and spooky atmosphere.
The earliest written mention of the Dongyue Da Di dates back to the third century B.C. when it was a popular source of information for the Chinese. Its most famous chapter is “The Three Emperors of Dongyue Da Di.” It is one of the essential texts in Chinese literature.
In ancient Chinese literature, Dongyue Da Di was considered a deity of the Mount Tai region. He was the descendant of Pangu and the highest authority of the Netherworld, and Fengdu Dadi assisted him. In the Shenyi Jing, he was also considered one of the 24 Protective Deities.
Han Xiang Zi
Han Xiang Zi is one of the most popular Chinese deities, and the name translates to “the Immortal.” Han is also the patron of flutists. His symbol is a lotus pod. He banished Tso Lan to the Netherworld, and he is the patron of musicians.
Han Xiangzi is often depicted playing a dizi. The dizi is a type of Chinese flute. Many people revere Han Xiang Zi as a flutist who is said to have composed a piece of music known as Tian Hua Yin. Another interesting fact about Han Xiang Zi is that he was the grandnephew of a famous scholar. The poet Han Yu dedicated three poems to Han Xiang Zi.
Han Xiangzi is one of the Eight Immortals in Daoism. He desired to make flowers bloom instantly and fine wine without grain. According to legend, he achieved both goals and was considered a musically gifted person.
Yuexia Lauren
Yuexia Lauren is one of the most commonly used deities in Chinese religion. She is the sailors’ patroness and has shrines throughout China, particularly in coastal areas. Her worship is prevalent in South China and South-East China, as well as in Hong Kong and Taiwan. She is often represented as a seven-and-face puppet. The figure is black because of the loss of ancestor 8, and her tongue is out because she is mourning for her.
Yuexia Lauren is a deity that has many forms in Chinese mythology. The first incarnation of this deity was believed to come from an ancient man. The Chinese believe that Yue Lao, or Lauren, is a “Chinese cupid.” A temple dedicated to him will hold a red string that symbolizes love and marriage.
Yue-Lao is the most popular deity in China and was first mentioned in the fifth century. His power has lasted throughout the centuries, and his blessing is still sought. Yue Lao’s power can preserve what fate has already put together. In addition to that, his prayer is mighty.
Mi Le Fo
Chinese deities were a crucial part of Chinese culture. They lived in castles and palaces high above the earth, and each had its particular role. Some deities were very closely connected to human life, acting as guardians for people during important events and intimate moments. Other deities were far removed from humans and tended to live on the periphery of society.
Another name for the god of the sea, Lei Zhenzi, is a separate deity from Mi Le Fo. He is associated with thunder and has three eyes, plus an extra eye on his forehead. Another important aspect of his name is that he rides a black unicorn, which can cover great distances quickly. He also brings rain and is a popular deity for farmers, grain merchants, and innkeepers.
Another Chinese deity, Pangu, is a hairy dwarf with horns. He appeared from a primordial egg thousands of years ago. He helped create the world and separated the yin and yang principles, and separated them into earth and sky. Both men and women worship this deity.
