Gou Mang (句芒) is the god of wood, spring, and the east in ancient Chinese folk mythology, in charge of the germination and growth of trees, and faithfully assisting Fu Xi. The sun rises from Fu Sang every morning, and the sacred tree Fu Sang is under the control of Gou Mang, as is the area where the sun rises. Gou Mang was so important in ancient times that it was part of the annual spring festival. Legend has it that its original face was a bird, which had a bird body with a human face and rode on two Longs, but later it had no influence at all. You can see it in the rituals and annual paintings, it becomes the spring riding cattle herd boy, head with two buns, hand holding a willow whip, also known as Mang Tong.
Gou Mang is the grandson of Huang Di （黄帝）.
His father is Shao Hao （少昊）.
Shao Hao is the eldest son of Huang Di.
Gou Mang is one of the four seasonal gods.
Together with Zhu Rong （祝融） the summer god, Ru Shou （蓐收） the autumn god, and Yu Qiang （禺强） the winter god, he controls the changes of the four seasons.
Gou Mang has a unique appearance, with a bird’s body and a human face, and he travels by riding on two dragons.
This symbolizes the vitality and energy of spring.
Later, in folk legends, Gou Mang became a little cowboy riding a cow.
He wears a bun on each side of his head and holds a willow whip, also known as Mangtong.
Gou Mang is in charge of the sprouting and growth of plants.
He also guards the divine tree Fusang in the east.
When spring comes, Gou Mang flies down to earth and calls for everything to awaken.
Under his call, seeds sprout and trees turn green.
Gou Mang ensures that the sun rises from Fusang （扶桑）, bringing light and warmth.
He can awaken sleeping seeds and plants, making spring arrive as scheduled.
Therefore, Gou Mang is the guardian god of agricultural production.
On the beginning of spring, Gou Mang drives a spring cart to flatten the winter earth and brings the gospel of spring.
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