Many traditional Chinese beliefs and practices seem strange to people of today, especially Westerners. Why, for example, do some Chinese consult geomancers or fortune-tellers regarding dates and times for marriage ceremonies or house warmings? And why is so much significance placed on when a person is born?
The interpretation of Chinese myths and superstitions is perplexing but interesting. Incredible forces of nature have dominated China's history. Floods, earthquakes, droughts and fires have brought death and destruction in their wake.
Through the centuries, the Chinese have learned to read the signs indicating the possible release of such forces. Could it be that fear of these destructive forces led to methods of predicting the future, based on careful observation of Nature; or are the predictions based on mere superstitious beliefs?
This book is not an academic account of Chinese beliefs, but rather a light-hearted representation of some of the fantasies and superstitions in which these beliefs are shrouded. It is hoped that readers will enjoy the interesting text and humorous illustrations.
