The Eight Immortals are eight gods and goddesses widely used in Chinese folklore, representing different cultural meanings and values. In the story of the Eight Immortals, we can see some interesting myths and legends, and we can also learn about the cultural and historical background of ancient China. This article will introduce a few of the eight immortals and their significance and value in the culture. Stories of Chinese mythological characters
1. Tie Guan Li
Tie Guan Li is the eldest of the eight immortals, he is unkempt and bearded, huge eyes and frank belly pacing, ugly appearance, golden hoop hair, iron crutch pacing, often carrying a medicine gourd, wandering the rivers and lakes, practicing medicine and healing, after the completion of the merit, was named the immortal by the Jade Emperor. Tie Guan Li was born in poverty, was once disabled by a quack doctor, and walked in a strange manner, but he had a benevolent heart to help the world and save people. He often carried a medicine gourd on his back to wander around the world to treat the people.
Second, Han Zhongli
Han Zhongli is an immortal in Chinese folk and Taoist legends, and the ancestor of the mainstream of Taoism in the world. Han Zhongli's original name was Zhong Liquan, and it is said that when he was born, it was the hot summer of June, and Zhongli was lying in the cradle crying, and his little face was red and hot. His parents wiped his whole body with a cold towel, but it didn't work, so he sought medical treatment everywhere. Later, in a dream, the immortals lit up, "This child will suffer from water misfortune in the future, and he should be named 'Han Zhongli'". When he grew up, he offended Huayang Zhenjun with his essays and fell into exile with Tie Guan Li. Huayang Zhenjun saw that he had the quality of the Immortal Dao, and ordered him to abandon Wen Congwu, change his name to Zhong Liquan, and Xi Dao Law and martial arts. In the end, he became an immortal in Zhongnan Mountain.
Third, Zhang Guolao
Zhang Guolao is the eldest immortal among the eight immortals, named "Zhang Guo", because he often holds a cane, rides a crane, and is fascinated, so he is also called "Zhang Guolao". Zhang Guolao was originally a fortune teller and alchemist in the Tang Dynasty, who once offered pills to Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and was named "Yinqing Guanglu Doctor". In Chinese folklore and Taoist legends, Zhang Guolao is depicted as a god wearing a gauze hat and a Taoist robe, carrying a large gourd full of rare treasures. He often roamed around on a white or black donkey, which could travel thousands of miles in a day.
Fourth, Lu Dongbin
Lu Dongbin is the patriarch of the mainstream of Taoism in the world, with the name "Yan" character "Dongbin" and the Taoist name "Pure Yangzi". He is one of the most famous of the Eight Immortals. In Chinese folklore and Taoist legends, Lü Dongbin is portrayed as a handsome, dashing, and graceful man. He holds a sword or a dust whisk and other magic weapons, and often appears in front of people on the road. He is good at swordsmanship and spells such as spells, and is able to dispel demons and monsters, ** diseases.
Fifth, He Xiangu
He Xiangu is the only woman among the Eight Immortals, and there are different theories about her life experience. According to legend, she was a woman named He Xiugu during the Tang Dynasty. She has been intelligent since she was a child, with elegant manners, and does not like meat. He Xiugu often went to the mountains to collect medicine, bathe in mountain springs, and practice Taoism. It is said that after her cultivation is successful, she will be able to ** the future and predict good and bad fortunes. In the story of the Eight Immortals, He Xiangu is portrayed as a beautiful and dignified woman.
Lan Caihe is the nephew of Han Yu, a famous writer in the Tang Dynasty. He often appears in front of people as a torn blue shirt, a torn belt, and a beggar with a clapper in his hand. Lan Caihe's way of begging is very special, he beats the wooden fish and sings on the clapper board while walking. The image of Lan Caihe is depicted in Chinese folklore and Taoist legends as a short, dark-complexed but adorable immortal.
Han Xiangzi is the grandnephew of Han Yu, a famous writer in the Tang Dynasty. He is handsome, likes to play the flute, and is a very active one of the Eight Immortals. In Chinese folklore and Taoist legends, Han Xiangzi is depicted as a beautiful young man with a dashing and lovely image holding a bamboo flute or flower basket. He is good at playing the flute, and the sound of the flute can move all things, make the plants and trees wither, and the ghosts and gods cry for it.
Uncle Cao Guo is one of the eight immortals in Taoist legends, and he was a ** during the Song Renzong period. Although he was in a high position, he was deeply loved by the people because of his honesty and generosity. In Chinese folklore and Taoist legends, Uncle Cao is portrayed as a dignified and majestic immortal. He holds a jade plate or a wat board and other ritual instruments, and often wears a jade pendant on his body, which is noble and solemn.
The Eight Immortals are an important part of traditional Chinese culture, and their stories and images have a wide influence in both Chinese folk and Taoism. Their images and stories represent not only the wisdom and courage of the Chinese people, but also the diversity and richness of Chinese culture. In today's era of globalization, we should cherish and inherit these precious cultural heritages even more, so that they can continue to flourish in the new era and contribute to the development of human civilization.
Fei Wenzhong. December 13, 2023 in Suzhou Kongdeju.
Nuwa: The goddess of creation and cultural treasures of the Chinese nation [click to view].It's not easy to create, if you like my article, you can click aboveAdd a "follow", and you can receive the article push as soon as you become a fan. If you want to know about the public lectures of Chinese culture and the "Three Styles" of the Xi, click on the homepage**stream.