Regional Reception of Early Chinese Mythology and Chinese Cultural Identity

Abstract

Early Chinese mythology refers to primordial myths originating in the regions along the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, known as the Central Plains. They are the very source of the Central Plains culture. As the Central Plains culture sphere expanded, its myths were gradually embraced by regions beyond the Central Plains and thereby contributed to the formation of a widespread Chinese cultural identity. During their regional reception, the early Chinese mythology integrated with local landscapes and cultural features, historical developments, and folk customs of the receiving regions, thereby acquiring unique regional characteristics. When these adapted myths were recognized as indigenous narratives by local communities, a sense of cultural belonging to the broader Chinese civilization naturally emerged. This process of regional reception has enriched and refined early Chinese mythology, resulting in more complex plots and diverse characters. This evolution illustrates a distinctive developmental trajectory—from fragmented, concise narratives to cohesive and intricate systems—while also reflecting a historical trend: As diverse populations collaborated with the Central Plains people in shaping Chinese mythology, they progressively cultivated a shared cultural identity. The regional reception of early Chinese mythology was driven by multiple factors, including the ideological influence of the great unity concept, large-scale tribal migrations, and the compatibility between the Central Plains myths and local cultures. It demonstrates the inherent logic behind the development of early Chinese mythology and the inevitable trend toward a unified Chinese cultural identity across regions during this process.

Keywords

early Chinese mythology / regional reception / localization / cultural identity

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Higher Education Press