Source 1 - Shows a sculpture- the Dragon's Nine Sons. Dragons were very important in Ancient China because they played a very important part in mythology. Most Ancient Chinese artworks, sculptures and myths are based around them. The Nine Sons each have certain personalities.
Haoxian - An adventurous and reckless dragon. He is mostly seen carved into walls.
Yazi - An aggressive and courageous dragon. He is mostly seen on the hilts of swords.
Chiwen - A dreamy dragon. He is seen carved into pinnacles.
Baxia - A great swimmer. He is seen decorated on bridge archways and piers.
Pulao - A loud dragon. He is often seen carved into bells.
Bixi - A carrying dragon. Always seen on baskets.
Qiuniu - A music loving dragon. Mostly seen imprinted on stringed instruments.
Suanmi - A smoke and fire loving dragon. He can be seen on incense burners.
Jiaotu - A secretive dragon. He is seen carved on doors.
The Ancient Chinese respected these dragons and placed them everywhere.
Source 2 - Shows a sculpture of a Buddha. It would be located in a temple of worship. Buddhism was another religion in Ancient China. Buddha was born in Nepal. Using the Silk Road, he traveled to Ancient China to spread his beliefs. Buddhism was the belief of rebirth after death. It is the longest remaining foreign religion in Ancient China. Buddhism still remains in China today.
Source 3 - Shows a picture of candles. These candles are used in folk worship. The Ancient Chinese worshipped numerous gods. Some are:
God of Mountains and Rivers
God of Nature
God of living Necessity
God of Fortune
The candles are offerings to the gods to keep away evilness. Other means of getting rid of unbalance in the world is to stick a picture of a god to your door. The Ancient Chinese believed that this would keep away bad spirits.
Ancient China had many different beliefs and values, some of which are still used today. Daoism, Buddism and Confucianism were some methods to connect with the gods and live a happy life. Some Ancient Chinese beliefs include; the number four and the crane.
Daoism: Daoism was the belief to live in harmony with nature. The people that believed in this lead a very simple and poor life.
Some rules of Daoism are:
Don't do anything.
No use of money or power allowed.
Don't speak even if you know the answer to a question.
You can never be bad or good.
Buddism: Buddism was the belief that if a mind is skilful it will avoid actions that will cause sadness or suffering.
Some rules of Buddism are:
Don't kill any human being.
No telling of lies.
Don't accept anything given to you.
Make peace with your past.
Respect each other.
Confucianism: Confucianism was the belief of making full use of his/her intelligence, mind and society to help the world.
Some rules of confucianism include:
If the emperor is a good role model and kind, the people will look up to him/her and do the same.
If you use your mind you will rule. If you use your strength or money people will rule you.
Treat others as you would expect to be treated.
Everyone has there own place. No-one can replace you.
The Number Four The number four was seen as unlucky in some parts of Ancient China, it was so unlucky that it was left off elevator numbers and tall high-storey buildings. It is strongly disliked because in some languages it means death.
In some other parts of China the number four is seen as lucky. Four can also mean fortune and wealth.
The Crane The crane is a symbol of harmony and long life. It brings luck and good fortune. 1000 cranes are commonly placed at places of burial to symbolise sympathy and peace.
If you are still interested click the link below to find more information on beliefs and values.