Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to introduce Mandarin to your children? Don’t hesitate any longer! In this article, we’ll explore 3 Chinese folktales that are sure to fascinate and entertain your children as they learn Mandarin.
1.The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl: A Celestial Romance
Once upon a time in ancient China, there lived a young cowherd named Niulang. He led a simple life in the countryside, tending to his cows and living in harmony with nature. One day, as he rested by a river, he encountered a mesmerizing young woman named Zhinü, who happened to be a celestial weaver.
Love blossomed between Niulang and Zhinü, and they decided to get married. Their love was pure and genuine, crossing the boundaries between the mortal world and the heavens. However, their happiness was short-lived as the Queen Mother of the West, the ruler of the heavens, disapproved of their union and separated them.
Zhinü was forced to return to the heavens, leaving Niulang heartbroken and alone. But love knows no boundaries, and with the help of a magical ox, Niulang embarked on a quest to find his beloved wife. Eventually, he reached the heavens and was reunited with Zhinü, but their time together was limited.
The Queen Mother of the West created a vast river of stars called the Milky Way to keep them apart, allowing them to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. On this auspicious day, magpies form a bridge across the Milky Way, allowing Niulang and Zhinü to reunite briefly. This day is known as the Qixi Festival, often referred to as Chinese Valentine’s Day.
2.Chang’e Flying to the Moon: Lunar Beauty and Immortal Longing
In ancient China, there lived a beautiful young woman named Chang’e. She was married to the legendary archer, Houyi. Their love for each other was so profound that it became the talk of the entire kingdom. However, their blissful life was soon to be disrupted by an unexpected turn of events.
One day, the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, became infuriated with the unruly behavior of ten suns. To restore balance to the earth, he commanded Houyi to shoot down nine of the suns. With his exceptional archery skills, Houyi successfully completed the task, earning him the admiration and respect of all.
As a token of gratitude, the Jade Emperor bestowed upon Houyi a bottle of elixir of immortality. However, Houyi did not consume it immediately. He cherished the love and companionship of his wife, Chang’e, and wanted to share eternal life with her. They decided to keep the elixir safe until the time was right.
News of the elixir spread throughout the kingdom, reaching the ears of an evil, power-hungry man named Feng Meng. Consumed by greed, he devised a plan to steal the elixir from Houyi and become immortal himself.
One fateful day, when Houyi was away, Feng Meng broke into their home and demanded the elixir from Chang’e. Realizing the danger it posed, Chang’e knew she had to protect it at all costs. In a desperate attempt to prevent Feng Meng from obtaining the elixir, she swallowed it herself.
To her surprise, instead of becoming immortal, she felt weightless and began to float towards the sky. Higher and higher she ascended until she reached the moon, where she would reside forever. From that day on, Chang’e became the Moon Goddess, forever separated from her beloved husband.
Legend has it that on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, the moon shines the brightest, and Chang’e’s presence is at its strongest. People celebrate this day by offering sacrifices and praying to Chang’e for good fortune and happiness.
3.Pangu Creating the World: The Birth of Harmony
Long before the existence of heaven and earth, there was chaos, a formless void. From this void, a divine being named Pangu emerged. Pangu possessed immense strength and wisdom, and with his tremendous powers, he set out to create order in this chaotic world.
Pangu began his task by separating the chaotic elements. With a mighty swing of his giant axe, he cleaved the chaos into two halves, creating the heavens and the earth. The lighter elements rose to form the heavens, while the denser elements sank to become the earth.
To prevent the heavens and the earth from reuniting, Pangu stood in the middle, stretching his body to keep them apart. Day by day, he grew taller, and the distance between the heavens and the earth increased. After 18,000 years, Pangu’s body became the pillars that supported the sky, and his breath transformed into the winds and clouds.
During Pangu’s long slumber, the forces of nature began to take shape. His body hair grew into lush forests and verdant meadows. His sweat formed the rivers and lakes, while his tears turned into gentle rain. The fleas on his body transformed into animals, and the parasites became birds and insects. Thus, the world became teeming with life.
After completing his monumental task, Pangu’s energy was depleted, and he knew that his time had come. Before his final breath, he left a parting gift to humanity. From his body, he created the first humans, bestowing upon them his wisdom and the ability to continue his work of creation and cultivation.
These stories not only entertain but also offer profound insights into the cultural tapestry of China. Let us embrace the joy and wonder these tales bring and continue to cherish and pass on these treasures to future generations.
If you are interested in having your kid learn Chinese, sign up for a free trial class via the form on this page, and we will be happy to help.