The Research Of Water Culture In The Vietnamese Chinese Myths And Legends

Vietnam is an area which has abundant water resources, a beautiful scenery, and is rich in natural resources judging both from the regional areas of ancient and modern Vietnam. The living and cultural activities of the Vietnamese benefit a lot from the abundant water resources and favorable water environment. A lot of water-related myth and legend stories come out since the ancestors advocated "the concept of animism", and they thought the water environment is given by the gods. Water gave birth to these myth stories, so these myth stories are quite significant in culture, which can be found in the Vietnam national psychology, social culture, folk culture and other aspects. Based on the myths and legends in LING NAN ZHI GUAI and YUE DIAN YOU LING, the thesis tries to explore the construction of the water mythology in Vietnamese Chinese myths and legends. It mainly clarifies the theme and the content of the water-related legends, with emphasis on the background, the plot and character analysis of water-related stories. Meanwhile, it also attempts to excavate the implied cultural tradition of Vietnam, particularly clarify the custom ceremony and religion activities related to water. By analyzing the cultural connotation in Vietnam Chinese myths and legends, the thesis shows Vietnamese’s pursuit of being harmonious with nature, revealing the effect of "water" culture on national development and national consciousness. And it also confirms the truth that it is "water" culture that gave birth to the Vietnamese’s outstanding characters, such as morality and loyalty. At last, tracing the source according to the history, current environment and social condition of Vietnam, the thesis excavates the relationship of ancient Vietnam’s cultural tradition and Chinese culture, exploring the absorption and reception of Chinese culture during the development of Vietnam literature and culture, especially the influence of Confucianism on Vietnam.