Chinese women have different deities to worship. These may include Xi Wang Mu, Guan Yin, Miao Shan, or Kwun Yum. These goddesses are often revered in the same way, but each has a different role. Let’s explore a few different ones.
Xi Wang Mu
The Chinese maternal grandmother deity Xi Wang mu is a powerful female goddess associated with immortality and the west. She rules the western paradise of the immortals. She was originally described in early Chinese myths as a vicious tiger woman, but after converting to Daoism, she was made a benign goddess. In later myths, she was also linked to the Jade Emperor.
The Taoist Xi Wangmu is a divine teacher and initiator of mystic seekers. She is also a guiding force in Taoist practices such as meditation, breath and movement practices, herbal medicines, and internal alchemy. Her teachings can be found in the Taoist scriptures.
In Chinese tradition, Xi Wangmu has an entourage of shamanic spirits and emissaries. They provide nourishment and guard the yin essence. In her role as fertility goddess, Xi Wangmu also grants gifts during stellar festivals and the Double Seven festival. This goddess is enthroned on the axis of heaven and earth, and rests on a raised stool. She is also attended by three green birds.
Xi Wang Mu is regarded as a protector of fertility and agriculture, but the goddess also has the ability to cause great destruction and famine. She is also believed to be a cause of cosmic catastrophes such as famine, plagues, and deforestation.
In Chinese mythology, Xi Wangmu is the Queen Mother of all the elements. She rules over the five bushels, the yin and yang, the cauldron of creation, and the afterlife. In addition, she is the guardian of the vast cosmic cycles.
Kwun Yum
Kwun Yum, the Chinese maternal grandmother deity, is revered and worshipped in China. She is also the goddess of the underworld, caring for the souls in purgatory. She is most commonly invoked in post-burial rituals. The goddess is more popular in the south of China than in the North. The goddess is most revered on the 19th day of the second or sixth moon.
The goddess is worshipped by both Buddhists and Taoists. She is regarded as the ultimate symbol of Chinese spirit, and crosses all doctrinal boundaries. Kwun Yum’s popularity also opened the door for Christianity in China, as early converts were able to transform her into the Virgin Mary. In the meantime, Kwun Yum remains a universal symbol of Chinese spirit.
Kwun Yum was originally known as Guanshiyin, but this name was changed under the Tang Emperor. Her name is pronounced as Kan-on, but the modern Japanese pronunciation of Guanyin is Kwon-eum. It is also known as Phra Mae Kuan-eum in Thailand, because of the influence of the Chinese population in the country. In Guangdong Province, her name is pronounced Kun Yum.
Despite her ancient origin, the story of Kwun Yum was interpreted in various ways, including by the Quanzhen Taoist sect, who combined elements of Buddhism with Taoism to form their own philosophy. This reinterpretation of the goddess as a Buddhist bodhisattva combines Buddhism and Taoism.
Temples dedicated to Kwun Yum can be found in Tai Po, Hong Kong. Located at 18-20 Station Lane, the temple is popular and busy. The monastery also houses the second-largest bronze statue of the deity. The statue was built by controversial businessman Li Ka-shing.
Guan Yin
Guan Yin, the Chinese maternal grandmother deity, is a mythical being from the Eastern culture. She is often depicted with a child, either in her arms or near her feet. The name “Guan” means “to bestow.” Her robes are white, and she is often accompanied by two attendants. Lung-wang Nu, the daughter of the Dragon-king, is another popular image of Guan Yin.
Guan Yin is a female deity, but she can take on many forms. She can be portrayed as both a male and female bodhisattva. She often carries a water vase in her right hand and a willow branch in her left. She also holds a vase, which is a Buddhist symbol of good fortune and contains the nectar of life. Her image may be accompanied by an image of the Buddha Amitabha. She is also sometimes depicted with a vase filled with pure water, which forms bubbles. A willow branch is also often included, as it is a symbol of life and fertility.
Guan Yin is also known as the Buddha’s “Mother of Mercy.” Her name means “Compassionate One,” and she is the embodiment of compassion and mercy. As an all-seeing, all-hearing goddess, Guan Yin offers protection to those who suffer. She was introduced to China during the 1st century AD. Her veneration spread from China through Korea, and it was only in the seventh century that it spread to Japan and other countries.
There are many depictions of Guan Yin in Chinese art. Most depict her meditating by the ocean shore while holding an infant. Others depict her sitting atop a mountain, enthroned in the Sea of Japan.
Miao Shan
Miao Shan is considered a heavenly being who helps women overcome the trials of life. Miao Shan was born the third daughter of a king and queen. Although her parents wanted her to marry a wealthy lord, she chose a different path. Ultimately, she chose a religious life.
Miao Shan’s early life prepared her for her sacrifice. Her sisters pleaded with her to end their suffering and bring happiness into the world. This sacrifice was voluntary and conscious. Then, she ascended into heaven. Today, Miao Shan is a highly venerated goddess of maternal love in China.
Miao Shan is the patron deity of fishermen and sailors and is revered by both men and women in China. In ancient times, this goddess was worshipped more frequently in the South than in the North. She is often invoked during post-burial rituals. Women worship this goddess on the 19th day of the second and sixth moon.
In Chinese mythology, Miao Shan, the goddess of motherhood, is said to protect the earth from evil spirits. She is also a guardian of children. She helped protect them during times of turmoil. Her presence on Earth has also brought peace to the earth. While a powerful and wise goddess, she helps humanity through hard times.
Miao Shan’s story combines the Confucian and Buddhist concepts of filial piety. Giving is one of the six perfections of bodhisattvas, and giving up one’s own body is the ultimate gift. The bodhisattvas are often said to give up their bodies in order to save or feed sentient beings. Her parents, however, did not want her to become a Buddhist.
Doumu
In Chinese mythology, Doumu is the feminine counterpart of Tian. Both are related to the origin of creation and are important to cosmic balance. She offsets Tian and provides the needed balance between the male and female forces. In Chinese cosmology, the Doumu is often seen as a mother figure.
She has many names, including the mother of the Big Dipper, Mother of the Great Chariot, and the mother of the Big Dipper. She is often represented with sixteen arms, each holding a different religious symbol. Her face is round, and she is often depicted as a loving figure.
Many Chinese believe in the existence of departed spirits. They also believe that days are lucky, and the moon and sun are eaten by dragons. In addition, rainbows are believed to be the result of impure sun vapours meeting the earth. These beliefs are important to the well-being of Chinese people, but they are not the only source of Chinese mythology.
The Hall of Shangdi is a place of worship in China. In some Taoist cosmologies, this deity is the originating principle of the universe. The Hall of Shangdi is located in Zhouzhuang, Jiangxi.
