Myths and Legends of Wenchang

Sichuan
🎧  Listen to Introduction

The myths, legends and stories of Wenchang gradually emerged and developed in the process of Zhang Yazi, the Emperor of Wenchang, becoming a god from a human, and then evolving from a local minor god to a national Taoist god. In the integration process from the Zitong God to the God of Wenchang, many scholars and even ordinary people, through the methods of Zhang Yazi's support of the phoenix and his dream, created a large number of scriptures and folk legends, and continued to deify Zhang Yazi. As Zhang Yazi's influence continued to expand and people's belief in Wenchang continued to deepen, a large number of myths, legends and stories about Wenchang's life, Wenchang's rescue of the dying and the wounded, and his good deeds and virtues were produced. Because of the promotion of Taoism and the continuous conferment of titles by rulers, Zhang Yazi, the Emperor of Wenchang, was worshipped by more people, and the scope of the spread of Wenchang myths, legends and stories became increasingly widespread, especially in northern Sichuan. Through the myths, legends and stories of Wenchang, we can see that people's belief and worship of Wenchang is not just a simple religious belief, but also reflects the ancient people's pursuit and yearning for beauty. Because in these myths, legends and stories, the noble virtues of Wenchang Zhang Yazi, who saved the dying and the wounded, did good deeds and accumulated virtue, helped the poor and the needy, and believed in friends and filial piety, were reflected to a greater extent. For example, stories such as "Borrowing Water to Attack Xuzhou" and "Wenchang Saves His Mother" reflect Wenchang's filial piety to his parents. Stories such as "Making Meritorious Service with a Crime" and "Dong Zhuangyuan Repairs Wenchang Temple" are concrete manifestations of Wenchang's saving the dying and the wounded, doing good deeds and accumulating virtue. In short, these myths, legends and stories reflect the ideological connotation of Wenchang culture from one aspect. In addition, these myths, legends and stories also provide important oral materials for the current study of Wenchang's life experience, Wenchang beliefs and the related Wenchang culture; and because some stories reflect the folk customs of Zitong, we can also see some shadows of the folk customs of the imperial hometown. Information source: Mianyang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (no pictures yet, welcome to provide.) Information source: Mianyang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center (no pictures yet, welcome to provide.)

Intangible culture related to the heritage

China tourist attractions related to the heritage

World heritage related to the heritage