Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Graciella Perez, jade-emperor,…
Ancient Chinese Pantheon of Gods by Graciella Perez
The Deep History of Chinese Religion
Origins
The first signs of an organized religious system was during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 - 1046 BCE)
Origins of Chinese deities can be traced back to the birth of civilization in China.
Ancestor worship and animistic beliefs were intertwined with cosmological concepts of the universe, which set the stage for the pantheon that would later emerge.
These ides were further developed during the Zhou Dynasty (1046 - 256 BCE)
Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism
During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) the philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism began to take root.
Confucianism has an emphasis on respect for authority and ancestors, which reinforces the hierarchical nature of the heavenly court.
Taoism has an emphasis on natural harmony and spiritual immortality, which introduced a multitude of gods, immortals, and supernatural creatures into the pantheon.
The introduction of Buddhism was from India during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
The Most Important Chinese Gods and Goddesses
Jade Emperor
The Jade Emperor is also known as Yù Huáng or Yù Dì.
The Jade Emperor is the ruler of Heaven and all of the realms of existence below, which includes Earth and Hell.
Yù Dì is often portrayed as a wise and benevolent ruler.
Yù Dì is the ultimate administrative authority in the celestial bureaucracy.
Guanyin
Guanyin is also known as Kuan Yin or Quan Yin.
Guayin is the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion.
Quan Yin is a bodhisattva who vowed to attain Buddhahood only after all sentient beings have reached enlightenment.
Guanyin was originally a male deity in Indian Buddhism, that evolved into a female figure in China.
Nuwa
Nuwa can also be spelled as Nüwa.
Nuwa is mainly associated with creation and restoration myths.
Nuwa is a key figure in Chinese Mythology, because of her role in famous tales.
In one of the most famous tales she saves the world from chaos by repairing the pillar of heaven when it was damaged.
Fuxi
Fuxi can also be spelled as Fúxī.
Fuxi is often depicted alongside Nuwa.
Fuxi is known as a culture hero and the originator of many human institutions, such as hunting, fishing, and domestication.
Fuxi is also associated with the invention of the I Ching, which is an ancient divination text.
Shennong
Shennong can also be spelled as Shénnóng.
Shennong is also known as the Divine Farmer.
Shennong is thought of as the creator of agriculture, herbal medicine, and market trade.
Shennong is believed to have taught humans these skills, and by doing so contributing significantly to the development of civilization.
Zhong Kui
Zhong Kui can also be spelled as Zhōng Kuí.
Zhong Kui is a deity that is often invoked for protection against evil spirits and demons.
Zhong Kui is known as the Ghost King.
Despite his menacing appearance, he is considered a beneficent figure.
How Chinese Mythology and Cosmology works
Concepts of Heaven, Earth, and Underworld
In traditional Chinese cosmology, the universe is divided into three realms.
The Jade Emperor rules Heaven, while other deities have specific domains within these realms.
Yama is the ruler of the Underworld.
The three realms are: Heaven, Earth, and the Underworld.
Creation Myths
There are many creation myths that could explain the origins of the universe and life on Earth.
The most widely recognized narrative involves the primal being Pangu.
Pangu, after awakening in a cosmic egg seperated Yin and Yang creating the Earth and the Sky.
Another famous myth involves the goddess Nuwa, who created humans from yellow earth.
Yinyang and the Five Elements
The concepts of Yinyang and the Five Elements help support Chinese cosmology.
Yinyang represents the dual forces of the universe: complementary, interdependent, and in constant flux.
The Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth, and Water are seen as fundamental constituents of the universe.
Each of these have associations with different gods, seasons, directions, and aspects of life, which forms a comprehensive cosmological system.
The Heavenly Bureaucracy
Chinese cosmology often mirrors the earthly realm, which is most evident in the concept of the Heavenly Bureaucracy.
The deities included are all responsible for different aspects of the cosmos and human affairs.
This celestial hierarchy includes various deities.
The Jade Emperor is at the top of this hierarchy.
Karma and Reincarnation
Influenced by Buddhist thought, the idea of karma and reincarnation plays a significant role in Chinese beliefs.
Those beliefs are ones about life, death, and the afterlife.
This cycle of death and rebirth is overseen by deities such as the Ten Kings of Hell.
The Ten Kings of Hell judge souls and determine their future reincarnations.
How to Worship and Honor the Chinese Gods
Household Worship
Most Chinese households keep a shrine dedicated to various deities.
It is at these shrines where daily offerings of food, tea, and incense are made.
These shrines often house images and/or statues of the deities.
Prayers are offered for blessings, protection, and guidance.
Temple Festivals
Temples dedicated to specific gods or goddeses hold festivals, which are often on the deity's birthday.
These events can involve elaborate rituals.
Some common rituals include offerings, music, dance, and sometimes opera performances.
The Hungry Ghost Festival and Qingming Festival are examples of such occasions.
Divination Practices
Divination is a common practive in Chinese Spirituality.
Divination is used to seek guidance from the gods.
This can involve many difference methods.
Some examples are casting lots or interpreting the I Ching, often performed at temples.
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages to sacred mountains or temples are a significant aspect of religious practice.
Mount Tai, for example is associated with the Jade Emperor.
Mount Tai has been a site of imperial worship and pilgrimage for centuries.
Ancestor Veneration
Ceremonies dedicated to ancestors, who are revered as protective spirits are crucial.
These ceremonies often involve offerings of food or the burning of joss paper.
These usually occur during occasions like the Qingming Festival.
Buddhist and Taoist Ceremonies
These ceremonies include a range of practices such as meditation and recitation of scriptures.
Participation in rituals show your honor and respect to deities.
Participation in rituals can also be done to seek spiritual progress.
Life Cycle Rituals
Deities are invoked during crucial life events, such as births, marriages, and deaths.
These ceremonies and rituals serve not only as acts of worship but also as a means of preserving cultural values and traditions/
They do so with specific ceremonies to seek their blessings and protection.
They create a sense of community, remind individuals of their roles within the societal structure, and foster a sense of harmony between the human, natural, and divine realms.
