Subject:
Sacred Coils: Symbolism of the Snake in Chinese Folklore (Jun 19, 2025)
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In Chinese mythology, the snake is far more than a creature of the wild—it is a shapeshifter, a deity, a creator, and sometimes, a destroyer. Slithering between the realms of heaven and earth, snakes occupy a central place in the Chinese mythological imagination, symbolizing duality: both life and death, fortune and disaster, harmony and chaos.To get more news about snakes in chinese mythology, you can citynewsservice.cn official website.One of the most revered serpentine figures is Nüwa, the mother goddess and creator of humanity. Often depicted with a human head and a snake’s body, Nüwa embodies fertility, restoration, and celestial balance. According to legend, after a cosmic catastrophe shattered the pillars of heaven and cracked the earth, Nüwa used five-colored stones to repair the sky and stop the floods. Her snake-like lower body represents a primordial link to the earth and nature’s regenerative power.Her brother and consort Fuxi, also portrayed as half-human, half-snake, is credited with introducing civilization to humanity—teaching writing, fishing, and ritual. Together, Nüwa and Fuxi are often shown entwined in a mystical embrace, echoing the yin-yang concept of balance and interconnectedness. Their serpentine forms emphasize their divine origins and connection to cosmic forces.On the opposite end of the moral spectrum lies Xiangliu, a malevolent nine-headed serpent god known for spreading floods, disease, and devastation. Associated with chaos and destruction, Xiangliu is a cautionary figure, showing the dangers of unchecked power. According to the “Shan Hai Jing” (Classic of Mountains and Seas), he was a servant of the tyrant Gong Gong and met his end at the hands of the heroic Yu the Great, who worked to tame the rivers of China.Snakes also appear in Daoist and folk traditions as spiritual protectors, often guarding hidden knowledge or sacred mountains. They are frequently linked with transformation and immortality—perhaps due to their ability to shed their skin. In Daoist alchemical practices, the coiled serpent represents the power of internal cultivation and rebirth, echoing beliefs found in other ancient cultures.The zodiac snake, the sixth animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle, is imbued with intelligence, elegance, and secrecy. People born in the Year of the Snake are said to possess sharp intuition and an alluring mystique. The snake’s graceful but elusive nature captures an ideal of wisdom laced with mystery.Over centuries, the symbolic meanings of snakes in Chinese culture have evolved but remained potent. In feng shui, snake imagery is used for protection and prosperity, while in traditional medicine, snake-derived ingredients are believed to heal. Even today, temple carvings and festival lore continue to feature serpentine motifs, underscoring their enduring place in the Chinese imagination.The snake in Chinese mythology defies a single definition. It is a sacred creator and a malevolent force, a harbinger of destruction and a symbol of healing. Above all, it reflects the ancient Chinese view of the universe as a space of intertwined opposites—where harmony arises not from eliminating conflict, but from balancing it.
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