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Chinese Mythology - Introduction
Date:
CHINESE MYTHOLOGY INTRODUCTION TEST
1. Animism
a. The belief that vegetation and everything that relates to the land has supremacy over humans
b. The belief that animals rule the world and that man is just another animal
c. It is derived from the Latin word, "anima" and relates to the belief that plants and inanimate objects have souls.
2. Therianthropic (no dictionary definition)
a. playful human characters who pretend to be animals
b. characters with both human and animal characteristics
c. animals who mock the human world through pretending to take on human characteristics
3. What are the things that Chinese mythology have been influenced by in their creation?
a. religion, philosophy, conflicts between religions and philosophy and fear of outsiders
b. nature, Celtic invaders and emperors
c. inventions, exploration and trade
| Write in the best letter that defines the vocabulary term on the left. | ||
| _____ 4. Taoism | A. teaches that elimination of the self is the route to enlightenment | |
| _____5. Confucianism | B. based on fundamental principles underlying the universe, incorporating the principles of yin and yang and advocating humility and religious piety - searches for immortality | |
| _____6. Buddhism | C. concerned with the principles of good conduct, practical wisdom, and proper social relationship - concerned with order | |
7. In the Pangu myth, what is similar to the Greek creation myth?
a. In the beginning Chaos rules. In the Greek version Chaos gives birth to Gaia, Mother Earth. In the Chinese version within the darkness where Chaos ruled an egg was formed.
b. Pangu is like Zeus in that they both have a creator they most overthrow in order to become supreme rulers
c. Pangu is the source of all love, like Eros in Greek myths
8. How does the Pangu myth explain the many different ethnic groups who ended up populating earth?
a. The Pangu myth, coming from the yin and yang philosophy/religion, postulates that different ethnic groups arose from separate parts of the world.
b. The Pangu myth reports that the different ethnic groups developed from the different parasites on Pangu's body.
c. Pangu sneezed that the particles formed life and the life forms were all different.
9. In the Pangu myth, what is similar to African myths?
a. The idea that life came from an egg
b. The belief in animals taking on human forms
c. The conflict between men and women
10. Why is it important in Chinese mythology to develop an appreciation for nature?
a. To recognize the smallness of the human in contrast to the beauty, power and lasting wonder of nature can lend the human personality some semblance of balance and humility, important qualities in Chinese culture.
b. The Chinese believe god inhabits nature and is the supreme ruler over their fate.
c. Nature is a gift from a god who demands appreciation.