Subject
Folklore -- China Books
Best books
Cheng'en Wu
西遊記
"西遊記" by Cheng'en Wu is a Chinese novel published in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty. It follows the legendary journey of Buddhist monk Xuanzang as he travels to India to obtain sacred scriptures, accompanied by supernatural disciples including Sun Wukong, a magical monkey born from stone. This fantastical tale blends Buddhist and Taoist mythology with folk tales, creating an enduring adventure that is simultaneously comic entertainment, political satire, and spiritual allegory.
Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie
Myths of China and Japan with illustrations in colour & monochrome after paintings and photographs
"Myths of China and Japan" by Donald A. Mackenzie is a scholarly exploration of the mythologies rooted in the cultures of China and Japan, likely written in the early 20th century. This volume aims to provide insights into the origins and evolution of these civilizations, delving into the intertwining influences from across ancient cultures and the complexities of their belief systems. The book seeks to unravel how cultural ideas have spread and merged over time, shaping the rich tapestry of myths in the Far East. The opening of the volume lays a comprehensive foundation for understanding the significance of mythology within Chinese and Japanese cultures, revealing the interconnectedness of their respective mythologies with other ancient civilizations. It discusses the consequences of cultural contact and exchange, illustrating how myths are not isolated but rather products of a broader human experience that transcends geographical boundaries. Mackenzie critiques the notion of complete cultural isolation in China and Japan, emphasizing that many beliefs, practices, and symbols found in these cultures have evolved through the assimilation of ideas from diverse influences, suggesting that a thoughtful examination of mythology ultimately reflects the shared heritage of humanity.
Unknown
The Chinese Fairy Book
"The Chinese Fairy Book" edited by Dr. R. Wilhelm is a collection of traditional Chinese fairy tales and legends compiled in the early 20th century. This anthology features seventy-three stories encompassing a wide range of fables, nursery tales, ghost stories, and historical legends that showcase the fantastic and supernatural elements typical of Chinese folklore. The book invites readers of all ages to immerse themselves in a world filled with enchanting characters, moral lessons, and vivid imagery. The opening of the collection introduces the reader to the essence of Chinese fairy tales, rich with fantasy and profound cultural motifs. It begins with a tale of two brothers and highlights themes of jealousy, greed, and the consequences of one’s actions through allegorical storytelling. The fables further illustrate human emotions and moral dilemmas, using characters like the Roc, a mythical bird, and everyday people. The colorful illustrations and varied themes provide not only entertainment but also insights into the values and beliefs of Chinese society, setting the stage for the myriad of tales that follow in this captivating anthology.
N. B. (Nicholas Belfield) Dennys
The folk-lore of China : $b and its affinities with that of the Aryan and Semitic races
"The folk-lore of China : and its affinities with that of the Aryan and Semitic…." by N. B. Dennys is a scholarly comparative folklore study written in the late 19th century. It surveys Chinese popular beliefs, superstitions, rituals, and legends and sets them alongside Aryan and Semitic traditions to show striking parallels and probable common roots. Organized systematically from life-cycle rites to omens, charms, ghosts, dragons, nature lore, legends, fables, and proverbs, it argues that Chinese folk-belief is unusually pervasive across all classes and institutions. The work aims to be both a compendium of practices and a comparative argument about shared myth-making across cultures. The opening of the work explains that it compiles earlier articles, acknowledges limited access to sources, and thanks contributors, then makes the case that China is a vast, under-studied field for folklore, whose beliefs closely resemble Western ones in principle but dominate daily life from emperor to peasant. The introduction reviews European scholarship, urges a systematic plan (birth–marriage–death, days and seasons, omens, charms, the supernatural, legends, fables), notes the role of almanacs and cheap print in preserving lore, and advances the idea of a common origin with Aryan traditions, illustrated by courtly astrology and ubiquitous geomancy. Early chapters sample practices around birth (hour-of-birth charts and verses, fertility shoes or flowers from a child goddess, demon-frightening rites, taboos like not rocking an empty cradle, postnatal talismans), marriage (rings and betrothal tokens, sieving garments over fire, veils, symbolic altar objects, honeyed wine, candle omens, cakes, threshold rites, shoe symbolism, playful contests of dominance), and death (coffin customs, lights and “saining”-like rites, roof holes for the soul, white cock emblems, vigil beliefs, paper offerings, earth on the coffin, feng-shui graves, white mourning, and dread of disturbing burials). It then outlines lucky and unlucky days and seasons (a marked weekly “rest” day of Persian derivation, the moon festival, tabulated day-qualities, New Year “first-foot” and first-words omens, and a Chinese analogue to St. Swithin), before beginning a section on portents from daily mishaps and animals (oil spills, crows, magpies, dogs, cats, crowing hens, swallows, bats, owls).
Mary Hayes Davis
Chinese fables and folk stories
"Chinese Fables and Folk Stories" by Mary Hayes Davis and Chow-Leung is a collection of 37 tales published in 1908. Billed as the first book of Chinese fables printed in English, this compilation emerged from an unexpected collaboration between a Chicago journalist and a Chinese reverend. The work captures ancient stories scattered across classical texts, bringing them to Western readers for the first time. Folklore scholars later recognized it as one of the most reliable collections of Chinese folktales published before 1937.
Norman Hinsdale Pitman
A Chinese Wonder Book
"A Chinese Wonder Book" by Norman Hinsdale Pitman is a collection of illustrated stories rooted in Chinese folklore, written in the early 20th century. The book weaves enchanting tales about the nature of virtue, loyalty, and the complexities of life through fantastical elements and characters. Each story draws on traditional themes and wisdom, making it a delightful exploration of cultural narratives. At the start of the book, we are introduced to various characters and tales, beginning with Widow Wang and her son Ming-li, whose struggles with poverty take a magical turn when a kind priest gifts them a golden beetle with the ability to summon food. As they revel in their newfound fortune, they unwittingly attract the envy of their neighbors, leading to trials and tribulations. The opening sets a whimsical tone, filled with hardship that morphs into hope through magic, inviting readers to engage with the enchanting and moralistic world that unfolds in the subsequent stories.
Isaac Taylor Headland
The Chinese Boy and Girl
"The Chinese Boy and Girl" by Isaac Taylor Headland is a collection focused on the cultural aspects of childhood in China, written during the early 20th century. The work provides insights into the lives, games, and rhymes of Chinese children, emphasizing the similarities and differences between East and West in early childhood experiences. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of Chinese child life, explaining that a genuine understanding can only be achieved by breaking down cultural barriers. The opening segments highlight the rich tradition of nursery rhymes and games, comparing them to familiar Western counterparts, showcasing the affection parents have for their children, and pointing out the diverse array of toys popular among youngsters. The narrative introduces various characters, including the aged nurse who shares nursery rhymes and the children engaged in games, indicating that children in China have vibrant, multifaceted lives, much like those in other cultures.
Jia Wang
拾遺記
"拾遺記" by Jia Wang, Qi Xiao, and Zhi Ping Qi is a historical account written in the early 4th century. The work comprises a collection of records that chronicle ancient Chinese myths, legends, and the deeds of early emperors and deities. It focuses on the origins of these figures and the foundations of civilization, intertwining mythology with the historical narrative. The opening of "拾遺記" introduces various legendary figures such as the Spring Emperor Pangu, the Flame Emperor Shennong, and the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, framing their narratives within a context of cosmic beginnings and intricate myths. Each character is described with rich detail, highlighting their significance and contributions to cultural practices, governance, and the establishment of societal norms. The text sets the tone for a comprehensive exploration of China's foundational myths, suggesting a tapestry of intertwined legends and historical occurrences that shape the cultural landscape.
active 1573 Wugenzi
海遊記
"海遊記" by Wugenzi is a fictional narrative that appears to have been written in the late 16th century. This work is a tale that intertwines adventure and existential musings through its main characters, 信天翁 (Xintian Weng) and 管城子 (Guanchengzi), as they navigate a world rich with interactions and bizarre encounters. The opening of "海遊記" introduces readers to a hermit, who has forgotten his own name, living in isolation due to dangers from nearby wildlife. He embarks on a journey by boat, where he encounters an old man named 管城子 who asks for passage across the river. Their meeting leads to a sharing of stories and the forging of a brotherly bond, as they discuss life's peculiarities and hardships. Through their conversation, the foundation is set for a journey filled with exploration and the quest for knowledge in a fantastical world, mixing themes of survival, camaraderie, and the search for purpose.
Nellie Naomi Russell
Gleanings from Chinese folklore
"Gleanings from Chinese Folklore" by Nellie N. Russell is a collection of stories and folklore written in the early 20th century. The work reflects the rich narrative tradition of Chinese culture, showcasing tales that range from heroic accounts to moral lessons derived from everyday life. The collection likely serves as both a tribute to the author's experiences in China and a means of sharing these captivating stories with a Western audience. The opening of the book sets the stage for the author's dedication to Nellie N. Russell, emphasizing her life as a missionary in China and her passion for the local communities she served. It outlines her significant contributions and the deep connections she formed throughout her mission work. Through the initial chapters, we are introduced to various characters and narratives, such as the brave Liu Chin Ting, likened to Joan of Arc, and the touching tale of a daughter’s love for her father, illustrating the themes of sacrifice, courage, and the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of adversity. This rich opening not only reflects the tales themselves but also captures the essence of Russell's heartfelt commitment to the culture she embraced.
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