The story of Nü Wa dates back to The Han Dynasty period ( approximately from BC 202 to 8 AD), which is knows for the prosperous of economy. People during that time were not suffering either from famine nor the harsh environment conditions. People were able pursue things beyond daily meal and cloth. They started to think where do they come from. Since that time, Chinese people have the desire to figure out who created them, which reflects Chinese people's awe for their creator. 
Nü Wa, is the mother goddess of Chinese mythology who created humanity. At the beginning of the world, things like sun, moon, sky, mountain, sea, river, woods and all kinds of animals are already present. Every creature has their own roles in the world. Although the world is operating really well, Nü Wa thinks the world is really quiet and boring. Nü Wa, who has a human-like face but a snake-like body, thinks the world lacks something, but she could not figure it out what.
One day, when she was washing her face and saw the reflection of her appearance by a river, she realized that the world needs more people like her. At first, Nü Wa tried to make human figures by mud with her hands, but it took her too much time and energy. Then, she dumps willow wattles in mud and swings them. All the mud drops turned into human figures.
After several days, hundreds of people were created by Nü Wa. People, however, do not live as long as Nü Wa. It is very sad for Nü Wa to watch people who she created almost die, and she knows that she cannot constantly make them. Nü Wa decided to teach humans how to reproduce and how to survive on themselves and to set up society structure for humans. Since Nü Wa is female herself, she created a matriarchy, which is dominated by women.
Snakes and water
Nü Wa, who is half snake and half human, represents people’s desire for a mother figure. Many people may ask why the Chinese would use an animal that always represents fear and evil as someone who created humanity. Ancient Chinese society had a huge desire for water, especially for ancient China whose economy was based on agriculture. Since snakes always live near water resources, such as ponds, rivers, and streams, people always saw snakes when they found water resources. Gradually, people believed that snakes had a tight connection with water, and that connection convinced people that snakes had the power related to water.
Snakes and reproduction
In addition, Snakes often have multiple offsprings, and are therefore thought to be the Goddess of offspring since ancient Chinese society also saw children as a wealth; the more children a family had, the wealthier the family was perceived.
Snakes and death
Ancient people also believed snakes had the ability to resurrect from death. It is generally known that snakes hibernate, and when the spring arrives, they come out of their cave and revive. Ancient people, however, did not know anything about hibernation; they thought that the snakes were dead, and then rebirthed. This astonishing natural phenomenon gave ancient people a sense that snakes could live forever.
Reference:
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“ÀúÊ·ÉϵÚÒ’´ÎÌᵽŮæ´ÊÇʲôʱºò£¿.”°Ù¶ÈÖªµÀ, 31 May 2020, “γرWin10õWindows Defenderɱ.”γرWin10õWindows Defenderɱ_ٶ֪, 4 June 2017,
“½ÒÃØŮ洺óÈËΪʲôÊÇÉß ÉßÔڹŴú¾¹ÊÇÉñµÄÏóÕ÷.”½ÒÃØŮ洺óÈËΪʲôÊÇÉß ÉßÔڹŴú¾¹ÊÇÉñµÄÏóÕ÷(3)_ÉÐÖ®³±, lizhi.shangc.net/a/201607/1546714_3.html.
Picture Resource: Baidu, Pinterest
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