1. Introduction to Fuxi and Nüwa
Fuxi: Depicted as a human-headed snake holding a ruler, surrounded by eight trigrams. He invented the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), knot-tying records, and fishing tools.
Nüwa: A human-headed snake with a compass, carrying multicolored stones. She created humans from clay and mended the sky.
2. Origins
According to Shanhaijing, Fuxi and Nüwa were born from the union of Huaxu and a thunder god, symbolizing the integration of nature and humanity.
3. Key Myths
(1) Bagua Creation
Fuxi observed natural patterns and created the Bagua, forming the basis of I Ching.
(2) Clay Human Creation
Nüwa shaped humans from clay, later using a rope to splash mud for efficiency.
(3) Sibling Marriage
After a flood, they married to repopulate humanity, tested by stone grinding and needle-passing.
(4) Sky Mending
Nüwa melted multicolored stones to seal a celestial crack, using turtle legs as pillars.
4. Relationships
- Siblings/Partners: Often seen as siblings in myths, they represent the balance of yin and yang.
5. Cultural Legacy
- Literature: Recorded in Huainanzi and Fengsu Tongyi.
- Art: Their intertwined figures symbolize life cycles in Han Dynasty stone carvings.
- Festivals:
- Shangsi Festival (3rd day of 3rd lunar month): Rituals for Fuxi and matchmaking.
- Nüwa’s Birthday (20th day of 1st lunar month): Temple fairs with “Sky-Mending Cakes.”
6. Historical Impact
- Fuxi: Transitioned society from hunting to farming, influencing Chinese philosophy.
- Nüwa: Established marriage systems and maternal values in matriarchal societies.
7. Business Insights
- Innovation: Fuxi’s Bagua inspires strategic thinking.
- Crisis Management: Nüwa’s sky-mending story emphasizes decisive problem-solving.
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