The origin and legend of Zhong Kui: Zhong Kui is a mysterious figure in Chinese folklore and is considered one of the best gods of Taoism. There are many versions and variants of Zhong Kui's origins and legends, and here is one of the common ones.
Zhong Kui is a well-known figure in traditional Chinese culture, and is revered as "Zhong Kui the Great" or "Zhong Gong". There are many legends and stories about the origin of Zhong Kui. According to one of the common sayings, Zhong Kui, whose original name was Zhong Liquan, was a famous figure in the Tang Dynasty written by the great writer Lu Xun. In the legend, he was an upright and brave ** during his lifetime, serving justice for the people, punishing evil and promoting good. Because of his loyalty and justice, he was posthumously named "Zhong Kui the Great" and became a god who guarded justice and warded off evil spirits. He is a deity with magical powers, and Zhong Kui is widely regarded as a deity who can ward off evil spirits and evil spirits. He is worshipped and worshipped by the people, hoping to be protected and blessed by him, to eliminate **, and to bring good luck and peace.
About Zhong Kui's life legend, "Zhong Kui's Biography" records: "Fu Zhong Kui, surnamed Zhong Mingkui, ancient Yongzhou Zhongnan people, born in Zhongnan and living in Zhongnan, civil and military training, leopard head and eyes, iron face and sideburns, strange appearance, full of economy, upright, not afraid of evil, treat people with integrity, liver and gall, won the first champion of the tribute, defense to no avail, no way to serve the country, sacrifice life to take righteousness, angry to the temple pillar died, the emperor was buried with the title of the champion, the dream to drive away the ghost to cure the illness of the Tang Ming Emperor, the title of "blessed town house holy monarch", the edict to the world, all over the hanging " Zhong Kui blessed the town house map" to protect the blessing and dispel the evil charm to bless peace. Therefore, it is famous all over the world! ”
The records of the "Immortal Tongjian" are very similar: Zhong Kui is a native of Zhongnan, Shaanxi, and he was talented when he was young. During the Tang Wude period, he went to the capital to take the exam, but he was defeated because of his ugly appearance, and he was angry and hit the palace steps. When the emperor heard this, he gave him a red robe for burial. In the Tianbao years, it is said that Tang Xuanzong Li Longji occasionally suffered from spleen disease in Lintong Lishan, and could not be cured for a long time. The Great Han claimed that he was "a Jinshi who failed to pass the palace test, Zhong Kui", and the emperor woke up from a dream and immediately recovered from his illness. So, Tang Xuanzong ordered Wu Daozi to make a picture of Zhong Kui's ghost hunting scene in his dream and hang it in the palace to ward off evil spirits and suppress demons.
Taoism respects Zhong Kui as the god of the door, and named him the judge of exorcism and evil, and gives him the honorific title of "Blessing the Holy King of the Town". This has made Zhong Kui one of the most familiar deities in Chinese folk beliefs.
Folks often hang Zhong Kui's portrait on the portal to ward off evil spirits and drive away ghosts, and also hang Zhong Kui's portrait in the middle hall to ward off disasters and dispel demons. In addition, Zhong Kui also appeared in the ceremony, playing the role of a fierce general who dominates ghosts and slays demons.
The worship of Zhong Kui also gave rise to various forms of cultural expression, such as Zhong Kui opera and Zhong Kui pictures. Zhong Kui opera is a traditional form of opera based on Zhong Kui's image and story, and is often performed during celebrations or rituals. Zhong Kui's picture is a painting of Zhong Kui's image, which is often used for worship and sacrifice.
These forms of expression and cultural practices all reflect people's reverence and belief in Zhong Kui, hoping to use Zhong Kui's power to drive away evil spirits, pray for blessings and diseases. Zhong Kui's position and influence in Chinese folk beliefs continue to this day.