Chinese Mythology

Visit the links to learn about Chinese myths related to objects in the sky, the Earth, and aspects of their world.

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In ancient times, Chinese people believed that there were twelve Moons as there were twelve months in one year. It was believed that the Moons were made of water. The name "mother of moons" is associated with that of <a href="/mythology/moon_china.html&edu=high&dev=1">Heng-o</a>. This image shows the detail of an eighteen-century embroidered emperor's robe including a white hare, which was believed to have lived in the moon.<p><small><em>Image courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.</em></small></p>

Explore Chinese Mythology

The Ten Suns

Antique inscriptional documents tell us how during the time of the Chou dynasty (c. 1027-221 ...Read more

The Moon: Heng-O

In ancient times, Chinese people believed that there were twelve Moons as there were twelve ...Read more

The Creation: Pan-Ku

According to a primitive Chinese myth, at the beginning of time only chaos existed. The universe ...Read more

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Did you know?

Did you know that ancient people were sometimes frightened by solar eclipses?

Did you know that lunar eclipses are produced by the Earth casting its shadow on the Moon?

 

Earth and Space Science Concept of the Day

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Tide
xTide : A tide is the regular rising and falling of the ocean's surface caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun on the ocean and the Earth's rotation.

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Research Highlights

New Findings Indicate Sediment Composition Affected the Strength of Sumatran Earthquake

Sumatra experiences frequent seismic activity because it is located near the boundary of two of Earth's tectonic plates. Earthquakes occur at 'subduction zones,' such as the one west of Indonesia, when...Read more


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