The Anthropology of Righteousness in Chinese Mythology

Abstract

The article examines righteousness in the Chinese traditional mythological system. The main emphasis is placed on understanding the virtues, qualities, essence and inner world of the righteous, their difference from ordinary people. The evolution of understanding the criteria of righteousness is also considered, starting from the period of the genesis of Chinese mythology and up to its popularization among the masses during the Han Empire. This era is highlighted as the final part of the study, since subsequent dynasties up to the Qing Empire were significantly diluted by the influence of the culture of neighboring nomadic peoples, which will not allow an objective assessment of righteousness in the natural Chinese cultural environment. Despite the transformations and influence of various religious systems,  the Chinese value system retained common features of continuity in the aspects of righteous and virtuous individuals. In the course of transformation, they acquired a more mundane role, and historical figures who influenced the evolution of the Han civilization became a model of righteousness and an example for all social strata.