In ancient Chinese mythology, plants and flowers can cultivate spiritual awareness over centuries, transforming into demons or immortals. Journey to the West features such beings, notably in Chapter 64, where tree spirits—including the Apricot Immortal—play pivotal roles.
In Chapter 9 of Journey to the West, significant space is devoted to a philosophical exchange between a fisherman named Zhang Shao and a woodcutter named Li Ding.
In Journey to the West, gods and demons wield immense supernatural powers, while mortals are typically portrayed as frail and vulnerable. Yet, there are rare exceptions—figures like Liu Boqin, Wei Zheng, and Yuan Shoucheng.
The Ullambana Festival(also known as the Feast of the Ullambana Bowl), a traditional Buddhist ceremony, originated during the reign of Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, and is observed annually on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.
Since ancient times, Chinese folklore has upheld the tradition of pasting images of Door Gods on household gates during the Lunar New Year.