Motifs in Legend of Hua Po Goddess of the Zhuang Tribe

Abstract

          This documentary research aimed to study motifs in eighteen legends of Goddess Mu-liu-jia (Hua Po Goddess) of the Zhuang Tribe. Research findings are reported as a descriptive analysis. There are three major motifs. 1) For the motif of character, Goddess Mu-liu-jia is the female ancestor of Zhuang people, who creates the world; establishes rules and laws; prescribes births; and protects, blesses and assists the Zhuang. 2) For the motif of object, namely flowers and rock are symbols of the beginning and the end of life. 3) For the motif of event, there are creation of the world, births, blessing, and person assistance. From the aspect of cultural study of motifs, Goddess Mu-liu-jia is the original belief of the Zhuang tribe, while beliefs of flowers and rock connote the birth and death of life. At present, the status, duties, and power of Goddess Mu-liu-jia are regressed, according to social changes of the Zhuang, which is turning from matriarchal to patriarchal.