|
Guan
Yu, also called Guan Kung or Wu Di (emperor of kung-fu),
is truly the Chinese god of warriors.
Guan
Yu lived in the third century AD during the era of Three
Kingdoms. “San
Kuo Yen Yi”, a novel written in the Ming Dynasty,
describes clearly how Guan Yu met Liu Pei and Chang Fei in
the peach orchard and swore to remain as brothers forever.
These three friends faithfully undertook their oath
of loyalty until death.
In the story, Guan Yu is portrayed as an omnipotent
hero who followed his master, Liu Pei, devotedly in spite
of all difficulties.
Guan
Yu was captured and executed in AD 219, but his fame
continued to grow as rulers conferred successively greater
titles upon him and folklores romanticized him as a god of
justice. Thousands of temples were constructed, each
bearing the title Wu Miao (Warrior Temple) or Wu Sheng
Miao (God of Warrior Temple).
It
is generally believed that Guan Yu possesses control over
evil spirits and even actors playing his role share part
of his power. Adored
by soldiers for his strength, Guan Yu is also worshiped by
various trades and professions for his faithfulness
towards his master.
Ming
Dynasty Large Wood Carving of Guan Yu H. 30"
|
