Abstract:We live on this planet and enjoy everything from nature. In the process of the continuous development of the civilization, we look back at history and think about the glory of the past.
We are always interested in our own origins, just like child minders force manure for candy. Therefore, there are different myths of making people around the world. These myths of humanity have merged in the long years, laying the foundation for the understanding of the word “human”. “Myth” is a concept that was introduced to China in modern times. It comes from the Greek word, meaning myth, legend, fiction, and contains the meaning of words, and science. As a collective creation of the people of all ethnic groups, mythology has been able to multiply in the early days of primitive society and class society. It is the initial expression of peoples’ understanding of natural phenomena and fantasy. (冯天瑜, 1984: 3)
After browsing through the different myths of creation in China and the West, and after conducting comparative analysis, the author has learned many reasons for the differences between the Chinese and Western creation myths. These different aspects have both simple life and complex cultural heritage; both geographical and astronomical factors; both good wishes and cruel inequalities. All of these constitute the understanding of myths, and also have a deep impact on people life.
Key words: Nv Wa; God; human beings in creation; cultural differences
Contents
Abstract
中文摘要
Introduction-1
I.-A Brief Introduction of the Two Mythologies-3
A. Human Beings in Creation by Nv Wa-3
B. Human Beings in Creation by God-4
II. The Differences in Creation between Chinese and Western Mythology-5
A. Different Creators-5
B. Different Materials for Creation-6
C. Different Reasons for Creation-7
III. The Cultural Differences Reflected in Creation of Human Beings-9
A. Education-9
B. Marriage-10
C. Family-11
IV. Causes of Different Cultures-14
A. External Causes-14
B. Internal Causes-14
Conclusion-16
Bibliography-17
Acknowledgements-18