159.Interesting Chinese Culture——The Ten Most Beloved Deities.

When we open the vast historical scroll of China, or walk through those ancient temples across Asia, surrounded by curling incense smoke, one very unique cultural phenomenon immediately catches our eye. The Chinese system of gods is completely different from the monotheistic systems found in many other civilizations around the world. Here, there is no one and only creator who excludes all other gods, and there is no abstract deity standing high above, completely separated from human emotions. The Chinese world of gods and immortals is more like a huge, well-organized cosmic government, full of human warmth. In this system, the gods have clear duties. They have emotions similar to human beings, such as joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Some even have detailed life stories and records of promotion. Many figures who truly existed in history were placed on the altar by ordinary people after their deaths because of their outstanding contributions or noble character, and they received worship and incense for generations.