Page:The Mythology of All Races Vol 8 (Chinese and Japanese).djvu/30

6 realm of Chinese civilization in the T'ang dynasty, and that this event was the beginning of their ordered life under established government.

There was no attempt among the early annalists of China to trace their national origin to a divine or supernatural source. The nearest approach to such extravagance is in the account of the birth of the legendary founder of the Chow dynasty. Hou-chi, to whom sacrifices were offered by the House of Chow, was the son of Chiang Yüan. His mother, who had been childless for some time, trod on a toeprint made by God, was moved thereby to become pregnant, and later gave birth to Hou-chi. This wonderful son was reared with the aid of sheep and oxen who protected him with loving care. Birds screened and supported him with their wings. He was able to feed himself at an early age by planting beans and wheat. It was he who gave to his people the beautiful grains of the millet which was reaped in abundance and stacked up on the ground for the support of his dependent people. This tale has been recognized in historical times as a fable, and treated with good-natured tolerance, though not with belief. There has been a surprising lack of Interest among Chinese writers concerning this subject of the origin of their race, and It will be noted In this account of Hou-chi that nothing is said about the origin of his mother. The keen common sense of the Chinese race, which has been one of their most prominent characteristics