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Root: /* The tradition of Red Envelope and Lucky Money - HA, THI THU HANG - 201921080008 - Comparative Literature and Cross-Cultural Studies */

2021-09-18T16:56:11Z

The tradition of Red Envelope and Lucky Money - HA, THI THU HANG - 201921080008 - Comparative Literature and Cross-Cultural Studies

Root: /* Literature, Tang and Song - Guo Lu 郭露 202070080588 英语笔译 */

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Literature, Tang and Song - Guo Lu 郭露 202070080588 英语笔译

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Root: /* Chinese gods and immortals */

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Chinese gods and immortals

Root: /* Literature, Chinese Mythology, Guirou, Barthelemy, 201921080010, Comparative Literature and Cross-Cultural Studies */

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Literature, Chinese Mythology, Guirou, Barthelemy, 201921080010, Comparative Literature and Cross-Cultural Studies

Root: /* E. Terms and Expressions */

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E. Terms and Expressions

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D. Water War

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C. Fushi Taught the People

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C. Fushi Taught the People

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B. Nüwa Created Human Beings

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B. NüWa Created Human Beings

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 ===The Chinese Red Envelope and Lucky Money Tradition===
-In Chinese and other East and Southeast Asian societies, Red Envelopes, also called Red Packets, Lucky Money, or ''Hóngbāo'' ( 红包 ) in Chinese, ''Li shi'' / ''Lìxì'' in Vietnamese are popular monetary gift given during holidays or special occasions or festivals such as weddings, graduation, senior people's birthday parties or the birthday of a child, visit a newborn baby, etc in China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and some other Asian countries, especially widely seen during the Lunar New Year Festival. During the Lunar New Year, the adult, parents and grandparents gift with the red envelops for kids, which have money stuffed into. It is a traditional way to wish good luck and share blessings.
+In Chinese and other East and Southeast Asian societies, Red Envelopes, also called Red Packets, Lucky Money, or ''Hóngbāo'' ( 红包 ) in Chinese, ''Li shi'' / ''Lìxì'' in Vietnamese are popular monetary gifts given during holidays, special occasions or festivals such as weddings, graduations, senior people's birthday parties or the birthday of a child, the visit to a newborn baby etc. in China, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and some other Asian countries, especially widely seen during the Lunar New Year Festival. During the Lunar New Year, the adult, parents and grandparents give kids red envelops with money in it as a present. It is a traditional way to wish good luck and share blessings.
-The Lucky Money tradition began in the Han Dynasty. Rather than real money, they were small collectibles in the form of coins to ward off evil spirits. Auspicious phrases and symbols were engraved onto the surface. "worldwide peace" ( 天下太平 / ''Tiān xià tài píng''), “longevity and fortune” ( 千秋万岁 / ''Qiān qiū wàn suì''), dragons and phoenixes were common.
+The Lucky Money tradition began in Han Dynasty. Rather than real money, they were small collectibles in the form of coins to ward off evil spirits. Auspicious phrases and symbols were engraved onto the surface. "worldwide peace" ( 天下太平 / ''Tiān xià tài píng''), “longevity and fortune” ( 千秋万岁 / ''Qiān qiū wàn suì''), dragons and phoenixes were common.
-These coins were tied together with red string. The practice transitioned to be wrapped in Red Paper and now, put into Red Envelopes.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
+These coins were tied together with a red string. The practice transitioned to be wrapped in Red Paper and now, put into Red Envelopes.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
 ====The Legend====
-In China, during the Qin Dynasty, the elderly would thread coins with a red string. There was a kind of little demon called ''Sui'' ( 祟 ) in ancient times. Whenever it is on New Year's Eve, it will appear quietly, touching the head of a sleeping child. The child who was being touched will be scared and cry, and also will have a headache. Therefore, in order to prevent against the sui, people in the past did not dare to sleep on New Year's Eve, and all the lights were called ''Shou Sui'' ( 守祟 ).
+In China, during the Qin Dynasty, the elderly would thread coins with a red string. There was a kind of little demon called ''Sui'' ( 祟 ) in ancient times. Whenever it was New Year's Eve, it will appear quietly, touching the head of a sleeping child. The child who was touched will be scared and cry, and also will have a headache. Therefore, in order to prevent against the sui, people in the past did not dare to sleep on New Year's Eve, and all the lights were called ''Shou Sui'' (守祟 ).
-One tale of the folklore, once upon a time, there was a couple who were over 50 years old had just given birth to a little boy. In that Lunar New Year, 8 fairies visited their house and knew that there would be a monster coming to hurt him. To protect the baby, the 8 faires transformed into 8 coins which were then wrapped in red cloth and laid beside the boy when he was sleeping. Thanks to these coins, which were the fairies, the boy was unharmed by the monster. The old couple was so thankful and gradually everyone in the village knew about the stories. Since then, when Lunar New Year comes, people will give children "red paper wrapped copper money" with a belief that the money will protect children from being harmed.
+One tale of the folklore goes like this: Once upon a time, there was a couple which was over 50 years old, had just given birth to a little boy. In that Lunar New Year, 8 fairies visited their house and knew that there would be a monster coming to hurt him. To protect the baby, the 8 faires transformed into 8 coins which were then wrapped in red cloth and laid next to the boy when he was sleeping. Thanks to these coins, which were the fairies, the boy was not harmed by the monster. The old couple was so thankful and gradually everyone in the village knew about the story. Since then, when Lunar New Year comes, people will give children "copper money wrapped in red paper" with the belief that the money will protect children from being harmed.
-There are also other legends about this custom related to the son of Yang Guifei of the Tang Dynasty - China and the Qin Dynasty. But in general, the New Year's blessing of the lucky money all originates with the meaning of giving happy money to children, wishing them to grow up their money so they can pass the new age with good things and luck.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
+There are also other legends about this custom related to the son of Yang Guifei of Tang Dynasty and related to Qin Dynasty. But in general, the New Year's blessing of lucky money all originates from the idea to give happy money to children, wishing them to grow their money so they can pass the new age with good things and luck.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
 ====The Tradition====
-The Chinese custom of Lucky Money is called ''Hóngbāo'' ( 红包 ). Chinese people really like red, so the Lucky Money is always red, symbolizing luck and happiness. The Red Envelope is called ''Yāsuìqián'' ( 压岁钱 ), which means "suppressing ghosts money". Those who receive a Red Envelope are wished another safe and pea. Sending Red Envelopes is a way to send good wishes another safe and peaceful year, and luck (as well as money). The amount of money in the Chinese Lucky Money must avoid the number 4 ( 四 / ''si'') and be sealed - that means no 4, 40, or 400 amounts - as the pronunciation of four in Chinese sounds like the word for death ( 死/ ''si''). However, amounts including the number 8 ( 八 / ''ba'') will bring good luck and prosperity ( 发财 / ''fa'').
+The Chinese custom of Lucky Money is called ''Hóngbāo'' ( 红包 ). Chinese people really like red, so the Lucky Money is always red, symbolizing luck and happiness. The Red Envelope is called ''Yāsuìqián'' ( 压岁钱 ), which means "suppressing ghosts money". Those who receive a Red Envelope are wished to stay safe and peaceful. Sending Red Envelopes is a way to send good wishes for another safe and peaceful year, and luck (as well as money). The amount of money in the Chinese Lucky Money must avoid the number 4 ( 四 / ''si'') and be sealed - that means no 4, 40, or 400 amounts - as the pronunciation of four in Chinese sounds like the word for death ( 死/ ''si''). However, amounts including the number 8 ( 八 / ''ba'') will bring good luck and prosperity ( 发财 / ''fa'').
-There are rules on how to properly receive an Envelope. Traditionally, children would kneel to receive their ''Hóngbāo'' from older family members, and this is still practiced in some areas of China. Red Envelopes are also always given and received with both hands, and should never be opened immediately and in the presence of the present-giver. After receiving the Lucky Money, the children have to put it all under the pillow after about a week to open it. The meaning of this is for the Lucky Money to protect the kids from the bad things that can happen in the new year. This is also the source of the traditional Chinese Lucky Money.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
+There are rules on how to properly receive an envelope. Traditionally, children would kneel to receive their ''Hóngbāo'' from older family members, and this is still practiced in some areas of China. Red Envelopes are also always given and received with both hands, and should never be opened immediately and in the presence of the present-giver. After receiving the Lucky Money, the children have to put it all under the pillow after about a week to open it. The meaning of this is for the Lucky Money to protect the kids from the bad things that can happen in the New Year. This is also the source of the traditional Chinese Lucky Money.--[[User:HATHITHUHANG2|HATHITHUHANG2]] ([[User talk:HATHITHUHANG2|talk]]) 16:33, 19 December 2020 (UTC)
 '''Alipay and WeChat Red Envelope'''
@@ Line 1,641: / Line 1,641: @@
 [[File:chinese-new-year-red-pockets.jpg|300px|thumb|Right|Red Envelope - How much to give who - [[https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/red-envelop.htm]]]]
-Moving on from the traditional Red Envelope, in the 21st century, many people exchange digital Red Envelopes instead of the traditional paper ones. These are virtual packets of very real cash, transferred directly to friends' and family's smartphones. Users can even send digital ''Hóngbāo'' to their favorite celebrities using apps such as Alipay, WeChat and the Weibo Red Envelope. WeChat Red Packet is an online money transfer with a colorful message via WeChat (a messaging Chinese app). In recent years, it has become popular among young people to send "Red Envelopes" via WeChat as a greeting. It has become a new way to greet friends or relatives during the Chinese New Year period.
+Moving on from the traditional Red Envelope, in the 21st century, many people exchange digital Red Envelopes instead of the traditional paper ones. These are virtual packets of very real cash, transferred directly to friends' and family's smartphones. Users can even send digital ''Hóngbāo'' to their favorite celebrities using apps such as Alipay, WeChat and the Weibo Red Envelope. WeChat Red Packet is an online money transfer with a colorful message via WeChat (a Chinese messaging app). In recent years, it has become popular among young people to send "Red Envelopes" via WeChat as a greeting. It has become a new way to greet friends or relatives during the Chinese New Year period.
 While the tradition centers on children, Red Envelopes are given to friends, family, colleagues and many other relatives - and different amounts of money are customary for each relation. For example, parents and grandparents get the most, but employees and even casual acquaintances can expect a Red Envelope.
@@ Line 1,650: / Line 1,650: @@
 [[File:LunarNewYearinVietnam.jpg|250px|thumb|Right|Lunar New Year: ''Lì xì'' in Vietnam]]
-In Vietnam, Lucky Money is called ''Lì xì/Tiền mừng tuổi'' and very typical. On the first day of the Lunar New Year - one of the great holidays of the year, both adults and babies wear new clothes to celebrate the New Year relative. After that, the adults will give Lucky Money to the children with the message of good luck, good care and good study. Today, the tradition of Lucky Money in Vietnam is also expanded in the direction that children give Lucky Money to celebrate the age of grandparents and parents. This is a human custom that is increasingly promoted by the Vietnamese people.
+In Vietnam, Lucky Money is called ''Lì xì/Tiền mừng tuổi'' and very typical. On the first day of the Lunar New Year - one of the great holidays of the year, both adults and babies wear new clothes to celebrate the New Year. After that, the adults will give Lucky Money to the children with the message of good luck, good care and an encouragement for good study. Today, the tradition of Lucky Money in Vietnam is also expanded in the direction that children give Lucky Money to celebrate the age of grandparents and parents. This is a human custom that is increasingly promoted by the Vietnamese people.
 [[File:Otoshidama.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Otoshidama'' in Japan]]
-In Japan, Lucky Money is called ''Otoshidama'' (お 年 玉). Unlike other countries, the amount of Japanese Lucky Money depends on the child's age, the relationship of the family. ''Otoshidama'' Red Envelopes are usually white in color, not as common in red as other countries. The special thing about the Japanese Red Envelopes is that the envelopes are always sealed, symbolizing the privacy, not packaging. Moreover, the name of the person receiving the Lucky Money will be written on the Red Envelope to show respect for the recipient. The message of each ''Otoshidama'' Red Envelopes is a wish for a warm, peaceful and lucky New Year.
+In Japan, Lucky Money is called ''Otoshidama'' (お年玉). Unlike other countries, the amount of Japanese Lucky Money depends on the child's age, the relationship of the family. ''Otoshidama'' Red Envelopes are usually white, not red as common in other countries. The special thing about the Japanese Red Envelopes is that the envelopes are always sealed, symbolizing the privacy, not packaging. Moreover, the name of the person receiving the Lucky Money will be written on the Red Envelope to show respect to the recipient. The message of each ''Otoshidama'' Red Envelopes is a wish for a warm, peaceful and lucky New Year.
 [[File:Sabae.jpg|200px|thumb|right|''Sabae'' in Korea]]
-In Korea, Lucky Money is called ''Sabae''. On the New Year's day, children in traditionally dressed families perform the ritual of bowing to their seniors to show gratitude for birth and nurturing. After this ceremony, the children will receive Lucky Money together with wishes for health and peace in the New Year. The Lucky Money in Korea is more diverse than other countries, not only with money but also gold, pearls, gems, etc.
+In Korea, Lucky Money is called ''Sabae''. On the New Year's day, children in traditionally dressed families perform the ritual of bowing to their seniors to show gratitude for birth and nurturing. After this ceremony, the children will receive Lucky Money together with wishes for health and peace in the New Year. The Lucky Money in Korea is more diverse than in other countries, not only money but also gold, pearls, gems etc.
 [[File:Green Envelope-giving.jpg|200px|thumb|left|''Green Envelope-giving'']]
@@ Line 1,681: / Line 1,681: @@
 . Do you know the origin of giving Lunar New Year's Lucky Money to children?
-. Is the Lucky Money tradition exist in other countries than China?
+. Does the Lucky Money tradition exist in other countries than in China?
-. What are the rules on giving-receiving Red Envelopes?
+. What are the rules on giving and receiving Red Envelopes?
-. On what occasions people giving-receiving Red Envelopes?
+. On what occasion people give and receive Red Envelopes?
-. Do you ever receive a Red Envelope? On what occasion?
+. Did you ever receive a Red Envelope? On what occasion?
 ===Answers===
-. It began in the Han Dynasty and to protect children from being harmed.
+. It began in Han Dynasty to protect children from being harmed.
 . Yes. It is very polupar in Vietnam (''Lìxì''), Japan (''Otoshidama''), Korea (''Sabae''), and some other Southeast Asian countries.

@@ Line 1,421: / Line 1,421: @@
 ====Chinese mythology system====
-Chinese mythology is a mythology that has been passed down in oral form or recorded in literature, including many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions. Many myths involve the creation and cosmology of the universe and its deities and inhabitants. Some mythology involves creation myths, the origin of things, people and culture. Some involve the origin of the Chinese state. Some myths present a chronology of prehistoric times, many of these involve a culture hero who taught people how to build houses, or cook, or write, or was the ancestor of an ethnic group or dynastic family. Mythology is intimately related to ritual. Many myths are oral associations with ritual acts, such as dances, ceremonies, and sacrifices.(Lü & Gong 2014, p. 71 )
+Chinese mythology is a mythology that has been passed down in oral form or recorded in literature, including many varied myths from regional and cultural traditions. Many myths involve the creation and cosmology of the universe and its deities and inhabitants. Some mythology involves creation myths, the origin of things, people and culture. Some involve the origin of the Chinese state. Some myths present a chronology of prehistoric times, many of these involve a culture hero who taught people how to build houses, or cook, or write, or was the ancestor of an ethnic group or dynastic family. Mythology is intimately related to ritual. Many myths are orally associated with ritual acts, such as dances, ceremonies, and sacrifices. (Lü & Gong 2014, 71)
-Chinese mythology is far from monolithic, not being an integrated system. Along with Chinese folklore, Chinese mythology forms an important part of Chinese folk religion. There has been an extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Chinese mythology is a myth in a broad sense, which combines the Ancient mythology system, the Taoist mythology system, and the Buddhist mythology system. Among them, ancient mythology is not very systematic, and most of its records are fragmented and scattered; Taoist mythology has its own system; Buddhist mythology originated from India.(Yang, An & Turner 2005, p.4)
+Chinese mythology is far from monolithic, not being an integrated system. Along with Chinese folklore, Chinese mythology forms an important part of Chinese folk religion. There has been an extensive interaction between Chinese mythology and Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism. Chinese mythology is a myth in a broad sense, which combines the Ancient mythology system, the Taoist mythology system, and the Buddhist mythology system. Among them, ancient mythology is not very systematic, and most of its records are fragmented and scattered; Taoist mythology has its own system; Buddhist mythology originates from India.(Yang, An & Turner 2005, 4)
-The Ancient mythologies are myths about the origin of man or the creation myths. It begins in ancient times (pre-Xia dynasty). There is not a book specializes in recording all of those myths in history, not even being an integrated system like Western mythology. The Ancient myths are written in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Book of Songs, the Songs of Chu, Zhuangzi, Huai Nan Zi and other books, and can be divided into four categories: the creation myths (Pangu Separating the World, Goddess Nüwa Greating Human Beings), myths of heroes (Hou Yi Shooting Down the Suns), myths about Tribal war (the Battle of Zhuolu), and myths about human and nature(Kuafu Chasing the Sun, Great Yu Who Controlled the Waters).1987.(Bai 1987, pp. 34-40)
+The Ancient mythologies are myths about the origin of man or the creation myths. It begins in ancient times (pre-Xia dynasty). There is not a book specialized in recording all of those myths in history, not even being an integrated system like in Western mythology. The Ancient myths are written in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, Book of Songs, the Songs of Chu, Zhuangzi, Huai Nan Zi and other books, and can be divided into four categories: the creation myths (Pangu Separating the World, Goddess Nüwa creating Human Beings), myths of heroes (Hou Yi Shooting Down the Suns), myths about Tribal war (the Battle of Zhuolu), and myths about human and nature (Kuafu Chasing the Sun, Great Yu Who Controlled the Waters). (Bai 1987:34-40)
-Taoism can be defined as pantheistic, given its philosophical emphasis on the formlessness of the Tao and the primacy of the "Way" rather than anthropomorphic concepts of God. Through time Taoist Theology created its own deities. Similar to deities of Hinduistic beliefs these deities attributed certain qualities. Deities who take part in the Dao are arranged in a hierarchy. The supreme powers are three, the Three Pure Ones, and represent the centre of the cosmos and its two modalities of manifestation (yin and yang). The main classics of Taoism include Zhuangzi and many other scriptures. It creates many gods and immortals in their texts and gives most of them official posts, showing Chinese ancestor's emphasis on practical application. For example, Tudishen（土地公）, the God of the Soil and the Ground, is a tutelary deity of a locality; Sanxing（三星）, Three Stars, is a cluster of three astral gods of well-being, including Fuxing, Prosperity Star, the god of happiness, Luxing, Firmness Star, the god of firmness and success in life and examinations, and Shòuxing, Longevity Star, who stands for a healthy and long life.(Olson & Stuart 2002, pp. 27-28)
+Taoism can be defined as pantheistic, given its philosophical emphasis on the formlessness of the Tao and the primacy of the "Way" rather than anthropomorphic concepts of God. Through time Taoist Theology created its own deities. Similar to deities of Hinduistic beliefs these deities attributed certain qualities. Deities who take part in the Dao are arranged in a hierarchy. The supreme powers are three, the Three Pure Ones, and represent the centre of the cosmos and its two modalities of manifestation (yin and yang). The main classics of Taoism include 'Zhuangzi' and many other scriptures. Many gods and immortals are created in their texts. Most of them are given official posts, showing Chinese ancestor's emphasis on practical application. For example, Tudishen (土地公) the God of the Soil and the Ground, is a tutelary deity of a locality; Sanxing (三星) Three Stars, is a cluster of three astral gods of well-being, including Fuxing, Prosperity Star, the God of happiness, Luxing, Firmness Star, the God of firmness and success in life and examinations, and Shòuxing, Longevity Star, who stands for a healthy and long life. (Olson & Stuart 2002:27-28)
-At the end of the Western Han Dynasty, Indian Buddhism was introduced into China and merged with the local culture, creating many new myths. Buddhism thinks that everything is equal, and there is no hierarchy, but in fact, there are quite differences according to the level of their Buddhist understanding and practice. The one with the highest practice is the Buddha. The founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, is the most familiar Buddha to Chinese people. Amitabha, also known as Amida or Amitāyus, is a celestial buddha and the principal buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Bodhisattva has a lower level of Buddhism practice than Buddha. Guanyin is the Chinese translation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. She is often referred to as the "most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity" with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her.(Buddhism, p37)
+At the end of Western Han Dynasty, Indian Buddhism was introduced into China and merged with the local culture, creating many new myths. Buddhism thinks that everything is equal, and there is no hierarchy, but in fact, there are many differences according to the level of their Buddhist understanding and practice. The one with the highest practice is the Buddha. The founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni, is the most familiar Buddha to Chinese people. Amitabha, also known as Amida or Amitāyus, is a celestial buddha and the principal buddha in Pure Land Buddhism. Bodhisattvas have a lower level of Buddhism practice than Buddha. Guanyin is the Chinese translation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. She is often referred to as the "most widely beloved Buddhist Divinity" with miraculous powers to assist all those who pray to her.(Buddhism, p37)
 ====神 shén, 帝 dì and 仙 xiān====
-Chinese traditional religion is polytheistic; many deities are worshipped in a pantheistic view where divinity is inherent in the world. In Chinese language there is a terminological distinction between 神 shén, 帝 dì and 仙 xiān. Although the usage of the former two is sometimes blurred, it corresponds to the distinction in Western cultures between "god" and "deity". dì, sometimes translated as "thearch", implies a manifested or incarnate "godly" power. During the time of Zhou dynasty to the Warring States, dì is used to refer to those who have great moral cultivation and merits. And then it becomes a term of emperor since Qin dynasty. The latter term 仙 xiān refers to a person or similar entity having a long life or being immortal, similarly to the Western idea of "hero".(Hu, 2020)
+There is another difference between Chinese gods and immortals. The gods usually have their own position and take charge of different things in Daoist theology. While immortals, unlike gods, have no official positions. It is that certain humans develop the ability to live indefinitely, avoiding death, and becoming divine xiān. Such humans generally also are said to develop special powers and always live leisurely. So since ancient times, many people are longing to become an immortal and live a carefree life (Fowler & Jeanine 2005:200-201)
 ====Eight immortals====
-The Eight Immortals are a group of legendary xian ("immortals") in Chinese mythology. Each immortal's power can be transferred to a vessel that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight vessels are called the "Covert Eight Immortals". Most of them are said to have been born in the Tang or Shang Dynasty. They are revered by the Taoists and are also a popular element in secular Chinese culture. They are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, which includes Mount Penglai.(Yang,Deng & Wang 1987, pp. 40-45)
+The Immortals are Lü Dongbin (呂洞賓), He Xiangu (何仙姑), Zhang Guolao (張果老), Lan Caihe (藍采和), Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), Zhongli Quan (鍾離權), Han Xiangzi (韓湘子), Cao Guojiu (曹國舅), representing man, woman, the old, the young, the poor, the humble, the rich and the noble. Among them, Lü Dongbin is considered to be their leader. Unlike many other Taoist gods and immortals, the Eight immortals all come from the human world and have colorful and varied experiences before they become immortals. Their images that are entirely different from the usual scared deities make them very popular with people. They are not born as immortals. Among them are a general, royal court members, Taoists or even beggars etc. All of them have certain shortcomings, like Lü Dongbin is frivolous, and Li Tieguai is a drunkard. (Yang, Deng & Wang 1987:45-50)
-The Eight Immortals are considered to be signs of prosperity and longevity, so they are popular themes in ancient and medieval art. They were frequent adornments on celadon vases and also the subject of many artistic creations, such as paintings and sculptures. There is a famous saying comes from the myth of them-- "The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each reveals its divine powers" (八仙過海，各顯神通) indicating the situation that everybody shows off their skills and expertise to achieve a common goal.(Little, Stephen 2000,pp. 313, 319–334)
+The Eight Immortals are considered to be signs of prosperity and longevity, so they are popular themes in ancient and medieval art. They were frequent adornments on celadon vases and also the subject of many artistic creations, such as paintings and sculptures. There is a famous saying that comes from the myth of them -- "The Eight Immortals cross the sea, each reveals its divine powers" (八仙過海，各顯神通) indicating the situation that everybody shows off their skills and expertise to achieve a common goal. (Little, Stephen 2000:313, 319–334)
 ===Terms and Expressions===

@@ Line 1,349: / Line 1,349: @@
 ===B. Nüwa Created Human Beings===
-[[File:Picture 2.jpg|thumb|right|Fushi and Nüwa]]
+[[File:Picture 2.jpg|thumb|right|Fuxi and Nüwa]]
 Nüwa was created out of earth from Panku flesh. She was a goddess in Chinese mythology or viewed as old grandmother with a body of snake and human face. She was the creator and ancestor of human beings who appeared in the world after Pangu’s death (Su Shuyang 2010, 5).
@@ Line 1,355: / Line 1,355: @@
 As she was the only human living being in the world, by the passing time, she felt lonely and decided to create human to her image in order to feel more comfortable in her world. Thus, she sat down thinking about her new project of creating human beings and finally she got an idea. Then she created human beings by kneading mud with human forms and then these “mud figures” became alive. They started walking, speaking, singing, dancing, laughing and were endowed with human beings' capacity. Nüwa was very happy with her news creatures who surrounded her and cried "Our Mum!". Then, she continued to create humans days and nights during a long period until she got tired. Hence, they were spread out everywhere; on the mountains, on the hills, near the rivers, on the straight spaces etc. During a long period of years, Nüwa and her creatures were living together without any particular distinction of man and woman and without any marriage. As time was passing; people were getting old and dying one after the other, so, Nüwa started to worry about her offspring, what the world will be after all the men would have died. Nüwa then divided men and women and taught them marriage and how to reproduce themselves between couples in order the lineage of mankind which never ends. She gave her best wishes and advices to human beings, and since then, people continue to marry and give birth. (Su Shuyang 2010, 5, 6).
-===C. Fushi Taught the People===
+===C. Fuxi Taught the People===
-In Chinese mythology, it is generally said that the rulers were half-gods and half humans and they could change their shapes of state, either in animal or in human being. According to Chinese myths; the rulers didn’t die, when their time on the earth expired, they ascended to the heavens to have a rest. Fushi was the first who taught to people how to survive on the earth. Her teachings included: hunting, using fire, writing etc. In some stories Fushi was the husband of Nüwa, whereas in some other stories he wasn’t. Anyway they are important figures of Chinese civilization. (Irene Dea Collier, 2001, 33)
+In Chinese mythology, it is generally said that the rulers were half-gods and half humans and they could change their shapes of state, either in animal or in human being. According to Chinese myths; the rulers didn’t die, when their time on the earth expired, they ascended to the heavens to have a rest. Fuxi was the first who taught to people how to survive on the earth. Her teachings included: hunting, using fire, writing etc. In some stories Fuxi was the husband of Nüwa, whereas in some other stories he wasn’t. Anyway they are important figures of Chinese civilization. (Irene Dea Collier, 2001, 33)
-Fushi noticed that the new world (people) couldn’t cope with the difficulties of life and decided to help them thanks to his supernatural powers. He taught them how to make a fish net by twisting plants fibers and form ropes. With these ropes, he wove a fish net to fish fishes in water and feed people, and with these ropes also people could cross mountain peaks to search food. Then, before people were eating raw meat or fish Fushi showed them how to use fire by twirling two willow sticks together. Moreover, Fushi taught them many things including agriculture, breeding, security, music, healing and many more. As time was passing; Fushi got old, and he knew that he could not live forever. Then he decided to create a system of writing, the "trigrams", in order that people can learn and remember about his teachings for a better life. He designed some kind of marks onto turtle shells, bamboo sticks and animal bones which became later words and numbers. This "trigrams" were also a mean to interpret future and consult an oracle about the right ways to follow. (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 35, 36)
+Fuxi noticed that the new world (people) couldn’t cope with the difficulties of life and decided to help them thanks to his supernatural powers. He taught them how to make a fish net by twisting plants fibers and form ropes. With these ropes, he wove a fish net to fish fishes in water and feed people, and with these ropes also people could cross mountain peaks to search food. Then, before people were eating raw meat or fish Fuxi showed them how to use fire by twirling two willow sticks together. Moreover, Fuxi taught them many things including agriculture, breeding, security, music, healing and many more. As time was passing; Fuxi got old, and he knew that he could not live forever. Then he decided to create a system of writing, the "trigrams", in order that people can learn and remember about his teachings for a better life. He designed some kind of marks onto turtle shells, bamboo sticks and animal bones which became later words and numbers. This "trigrams" were also a mean to interpret future and consult an oracle about the right ways to follow. (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 35, 36)
-Finally, Fushi gave his last gift (music), so that people could live in harmony and peace after him. So, Fushi taught them how to make musical instruments and how to use it, a "pipa" (lute). That is why music has a great importance in Chinese history. Each time we play music, it reminds us of Fushi's great teachings. Fushi’s time ended on the earth and finally he ascended to heavens hoping that his disciples (humans) live in peace. (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 39)
+Finally, Fuxi gave his last gift (music), so that people could live in harmony and peace after him. So, Fuxi taught them how to make musical instruments and how to use it, a "pipa" (lute). That is why music has a great importance in Chinese history. Each time we play music, it reminds us of Fuxi's great teachings. Fuxi’s time ended on the earth and finally he ascended to heavens hoping that his disciples (humans) live in peace. (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 39)
 ===D. Water War===
@@ Line 1,389: / Line 1,389: @@
 . Why an egg a good symbol for the beginning of the world?
-. Why Nuwa decided to create human beings?
+. Why Nüwa decided to create human beings?
-. What did Fushi taught to people?
+. What did Fuxi taught to the people?
 . What was the cause of Gong and Zurong’s war and who won?

@@ Line 1,375: / Line 1,375: @@
 Chinese Mythology 中国神话
-Panku 盤古
+Pangu 盤古
 Yin/Yang 陰陽 / 阴阳
-Nuwa 女媧
+Nüwa 女媧
-Fushi 伏羲
+Fuxi 伏羲
 Water War 水战

@@ Line 1,365: / Line 1,365: @@
 ===D. Water War===
-Territorial conquest or extension of a territory was a preoccupation of each ruler since the beginning of the world and still now is one of the sources of conflicts in the world. So, Gong, god of water fought against Zurong, god of fire to extend his territory.  Historically, both have terrible tempers and described as a very big giants with different shapes, Gong  shown with a snake’s body and a human face with red hair. Meanwhile Zurong shown with a massive human body  with broad shoulders, red skin, and a red beard (Irene Dea Collier 2001,44).
+Territorial conquest or extension of a territory was a preoccupation of each ruler since the beginning of the world and still now it is one of the sources of conflicts in the world. So, Gong, god of water fought against Zurong, god of fire to extend his territory.  Historically, both have terrible tempers and are described as very big giants with different shapes, Gong is shown with a snake’s body and a human face with red hair. Meanwhile Zurong is shown with a massive human body with broad shoulders, red skin, and a red beard (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 44).
-Gong poked the earth with bouts of rain and floods which caused damages included on people, houses, animals, trees and many others living beings. People and others gods asked him to stop destroying but Gong remained pitiless and severe to their inquiries. Zurong, god of fire who ruled the earth in peace before Gong, finally intervened to stop him. So Zurong challenged Gong to regain the control of  the earth. Firstly, they started to wrestle on the sky for many days, as both of them were using their supernatural powers, the sky shook with thunder, and lightning flashed across the sky. Then, they got down in the earth to continue fighting but fortunately Gong and his army were defeated and all the people and gods rejoiced Gong’s defeat. Since then, the world is full of conflicts and insecurities (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 48, 49).
+Gong poked the earth with bouts of rain and floods which caused damages included on people, houses, animals, trees and many others living beings. People and other gods asked him to stop destroying but Gong remained pitiless and severe to their inquiries. Zurong, god of fire who ruled the earth in peace before Gong, finally intervened to stop him. So Zurong challenged Gong to regain the control of the earth. Firstly, they started to wrestle on the sky for many days, as both of them were using their supernatural powers, the sky shook with thunder, and lightning flashed across the sky. Then, they got down in the earth to continue fighting but unfortunately Gong and his army were defeated and all the people and gods rejoiced Gong’s defeat. Since then, the world is full of conflicts and insecurities. (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 48, 49)
-In summary, like many mythologies, Chinese mythology has been recorded in oral form in literature from various regional and cultural traditions. China is the home of many mythological traditions which involves the creation of world, gods, deities, supernatural powers, culture, people, houses, cooking writing, ancestors etc.
+In summary, like many mythologies, Chinese mythology has been recorded in oral form in literature from various regional and cultural traditions. China is the home of many mythological traditions which involves the creation of world, gods, deities, supernatural powers, culture, people, houses, cooking, writing, ancestors etc.
 ===E. Terms and Expressions===

@@ Line 1,357: / Line 1,357: @@
 ===C. Fushi Taught the People===
-In Chinese mythology, it is generally said that the rulers were half-gods and half humans and they could change their shapes of state, either in animal or in human being. According to Chinese myths; the rulers didn’t die, when their time on the earth expired they ascended to the heavens to have a rest. Fushi was the first who taught to people how to survival on the earth such as: hunting, using fire, writing etc. In some stories Fushi was the husband of Nuwa, whereas in some other it wasn’t. Anyway they are an important figures of Chinese civilization (Irene Dea Collier,2001, 33).
+In Chinese mythology, it is generally said that the rulers were half-gods and half humans and they could change their shapes of state, either in animal or in human being. According to Chinese myths; the rulers didn’t die, when their time on the earth expired, they ascended to the heavens to have a rest. Fushi was the first who taught to people how to survival on the earth such as: hunting, using fire, writing etc. In some stories Fushi was the husband of Nuwa, whereas in some other it wasn’t. Anyway they are an important figures of Chinese civilization (Irene Dea Collier,2001, 33).
 Fushi noticed that the new world (people) couldn’t support to the difficulties of the life and decided to help them thanks to his supernatural powers. He taught them how to make a fish net by twisting plants fibers and form ropes. With these ropes, he wove a fish net to fish fishes in water and feed people, and with these ropes also people could across mountain peaks to search food. Then, before people were eating raw meat or fish but Fushi showed them how to use fire by twirling two willow sticks together. Moreover, Fushi taught them many things including agriculture, breeding, security, music, healing and many else. As time was passing; Fushi getting old, and he knew that he could not live for ever , then he decided to create a system of writing "trigrams",  in order people can learn and remember about his teachings for better life. He designed some kind of marks onto turtle shells, bamboo sticks and animal bones which became later words and numbers. This "trigrams" was also a mean to interpret future and consult oracle about the right ways to follow (Irene Dea Collier 2001, 35, 36).

@@ Line 1,347: / Line 1,347: @@
 At that moment the sky and the earth was very close and Panku couldn’t fully stand on his limbs, then Panku pushed the sky with his two hands farer away. As time was passing, the sky and earth become more distant from each other and the size of Panku was increasing within. The size of Panku became enormous, 90,000 "li" (45,000 kilometer) was the high distance between the sky and the earth, that is why today we talk about “ Nine - Layer Sky.” For many centuries Panku pushed the sky with all the forces of his body to avoid the chaos, hence, he cried for help but no one helped him because he was alone in the universe. He struggled for ten thousand years until the sky and earth were completely separated into the forces of yin (dark) and yang (light). Slowly, he became weaker and older, and then he felt down on the ground and his body became a mighty crash. Thus, his right eye became the moon and his left eye became the sun; his head and limbs became mountains; his blood vessels became seas and rivers, his flesh became fertile lands; his hair became trees, grass, flowers; his teeth and bones became treasures (gold, metals, silver, copper...); his sweat and tear became rain; his voice became thunder and lightning and his breath became winds and clouds. Finally; he finished his work, Panku, the creator of the world was dead and left behind him a beautiful landscape (Su Shuyang 2010, 4).
-===B. NuWa Created Human Beings===
+===B. Nüwa Created Human Beings===
-[[File:Picture 2.jpg|thumb|right|Fushi and Nuwa]]
+[[File:Picture 2.jpg|thumb|right|Fushi and Nüwa]]
-Nuwa, was created out of earth from Panku flesh, was a goddess in Chinese mythology or viewed as old grandmother with a body of snake and human face. She was the creator and ancestor of human beings who appeared in the world after Pangu’s death (Su Shuyang 2010, 5).
+Nüwa was created out of earth from Panku flesh, was a goddess in Chinese mythology or viewed as old grandmother with a body of snake and human face. She was the creator and ancestor of human beings who appeared in the world after Pangu’s death (Su Shuyang 2010, 5).
-As she was the only human living beings in the world, by the passing time, she felt lonely and decided to create human to her image in order to feel more comfortable to her world. Thus, she was seated down thinking about her new project of creating human beings and finally she got an idea. Then she created human beings by kneading mud with human forms and then these “mud figures” became alive. They started walking, speaking, singing, dancing, laughing and endowed with a human beings capacity. Nuwa was very happy with her news creatures who surrounding him by crying our Mum. Then, she continued to create days and nights during a long period until she got tired. Hence, they were spread out everywhere; on the mountains, on the hills, near the rivers, on the straight spaces etc. During a long period of years, Nuwa and her creatures were living together without any particular distinction about man and woman and any marriage. As time was passing; people were getting old and dying one after other, so, Nuwa started to worry about her offspring, what the world will be after all the men would have died. Nuwa then divided men and women and taught them marriage and how to reproduce themselves between couples in order the lineage of mankind will never end. She gave her best wishes and advises to human beings, and since then, people continue to marry and give birth.(Su Shuyang 2010, 5, 6).
+As she was the only human living beings in the world, by the passing time, she felt lonely and decided to create human to her image in order to feel more comfortable to her world. Thus, she was seated down thinking about her new project of creating human beings and finally she got an idea. Then she created human beings by kneading mud with human forms and then these “mud figures” became alive. They started walking, speaking, singing, dancing, laughing and endowed with a human beings capacity. Nüwa was very happy with her news creatures who surrounding him by crying our Mum. Then, she continued to create days and nights during a long period until she got tired. Hence, they were spread out everywhere; on the mountains, on the hills, near the rivers, on the straight spaces etc. During a long period of years, Nüwa and her creatures were living together without any particular distinction about man and woman and any marriage. As time was passing; people were getting old and dying one after other, so, Nüwa started to worry about her offspring, what the world will be after all the men would have died. Nüwa then divided men and women and taught them marriage and how to reproduce themselves between couples in order the lineage of mankind will never end. She gave her best wishes and advises to human beings, and since then, people continue to marry and give birth.(Su Shuyang 2010, 5, 6).
 ===C. Fushi Taught the People===