The Ancient Chinese, much like any other culture of the time, believed in a vast array of different myths and legends.
Unlike other cultures, however, the Chinese were notorious for recording all of their traditions and beliefs, meaning that much of what the Ancient Chinese believed is still around to this day.
For those wanting to learn more about the myths surrounding the fascinating world of Ancient China, these are some of their best-known legends, and great to know before heading to China, whether it’s to see the sights or to stay in one of their luxury resorts with a game of bet365 NZ or other local entertainment.
1. The Monkey King
Sun Wukong is certainly the most popular monkey in China. He is one of the primary protagonists in The Journey to the West, a Chinese epic. Sun Wukong is a very rude ape at first, willing to take over the earth, and it takes a lot of effort from Buddha to tame him.
Later, on his adventurous trip from China to India and home, he becomes a faithful partner to monk Xuanzang.
2. Chang’s And Hou Yi
Hou Yi had a potion to become immortal, but only one was enough. He didn’t want to leave his dear mother Chang’e, so he took care of her for the potion. One day his student Feng Meng tried to steal the potion from Chang’e when Hou Yi wasn’t home.
She knew it wasn’t possible to overcome him, so she sipped it. The potion produced her float to the moon where she is still observing the earth today. When the moon is the brightest, you can attempt to find her up there during the Chinese Moon Festival.
3. The Weaver Girl
Another rather sad love story is that of a goddess’s daughter, the weaver boy Zhinü, and cowherd Niulang. They fell in love with each other, married and had kids. But when the goddess discovered them, she banned them from the Milky Way on both sides. Magpies, however, will assist out once a year and build a bridge between the two enthusiasts.
The day is marked as the Valentine Day of China. Who would have believed that magpies could be so kind in the Western world? They are even a sign of love and happiness in China.
4. Nian
There’s a tale to show why a lot of noise celebrates the Chinese New Year. Once there was a hideous, frightening man called Nian who arrived from the hills frequently to chase individuals. The farmers were so scared of it that on the days it was coming they closed themselves in their buildings.
A wise old man in the village proposed that if they stayed together and removed the monster, it would be better. So they did, with the sound of fireworks and drums. The monster was so alarmed and scared it raced around until it was totally tired and the villagers could kill it. This is how the first festival of the Chinese New Year began. In Chinese, the monster’s name, “Nian,” also known as “year.”
