Lady White Snake is a famous Chinese folktale that has been told for over a thousand years. The story centers around a romance between a man named Xu Xian and a snake spirit named Bai Suzhen. In the legend, two snakes, white and green, transformed themselves into humans and entered the world as a lady and her maid.
The legend of Lady White Snake has been presented in a number of major Chinese operas, films, television series, and other media. It is considered one of China’s “four great folktales” and continues to captivate audiences around the world. The story has been adapted and retold many times, with each version offering a unique interpretation of the timeless tale.
The story of Lady White Snake explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It is a story that has stood the test of time and continues to be a beloved part of Chinese culture. Whether you are familiar with the legend or hearing it for the first time, the story of Lady White Snake is a captivating and enchanting tale that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Legend Origins
Historical Roots
The legend of Lady White Snake, also known as Bai Suzhen, is a popular Chinese folktale that has been passed down for over a thousand years. The story originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a period of great cultural and artistic achievements in China. The earliest written version of the legend can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when it was included in a collection of supernatural tales called “Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio.”
Cultural Significance
The legend of Lady White Snake has become an integral part of Chinese culture, inspiring countless works of literature, art, and entertainment. It is often cited as a symbol of true love and devotion, as well as a cautionary tale about the dangers of temptation and deception. The story has also been interpreted as an allegory for the struggle between tradition and modernity, as well as a reflection of the complex relationship between humans and nature.
In Chinese mythology, snakes are often associated with wisdom, healing, and transformation. The legend of Lady White Snake reflects these themes, as well as the enduring power of love and the human spirit. The story has been adapted into numerous operas, films, and television series, and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Main Characters
Lady White Snake
Lady White Snake, also known as Bai Suzhen, is the title character of the Legend of the White Snake, one of China’s “four great folktales”. She is a one-thousand-year-old white snake spirit who transforms into a beautiful woman and falls in love with Xu Xian. Lady White Snake is known for her kind heart and her devotion to Xu Xian. She is also a powerful spirit with magical abilities, including the ability to control water.
Xu Xian
Xu Xian is a mortal man who falls in love with Lady White Snake. He is a kind-hearted man who runs a medicine shop. Xu Xian is known for his compassion and his willingness to help others. He is also an important character in the story because he is the reason why Lady White Snake is able to experience human emotions.
Fa Hai
Fa Hai is a Buddhist monk who is the main antagonist of the story. He is known for his strict adherence to Buddhist teachings and his belief that spirits are evil and must be destroyed. Fa Hai is determined to separate Lady White Snake and Xu Xian because he believes that their love is unnatural and goes against the order of the universe.
Green Snake
Green Snake, also known as Xiaoqing, is Lady White Snake’s close friend and confidante. She is a one-thousand-year-old green snake spirit who also transforms into a beautiful woman. Green Snake is known for her mischievous personality and her loyalty to Lady White Snake. She is an important character in the story because she helps Lady White Snake in her quest to be with Xu Xian.
In summary, Lady White Snake, Xu Xian, Fa Hai, and Green Snake are the main characters in the Legend of the White Snake. Each character plays an important role in the story, and their interactions drive the plot forward.
Plot Summary
Initial Encounter
The Legend of Lady White Snake is a Chinese legend that tells the story of a white snake, Bai Suzhen, who transforms into a woman after a thousand years of disciplined training in Taoism on Mount Emei. One day, she decides to venture into the human realm to do good deeds in order to become immortal. During her journey, she meets a handsome young scholar named Xu Xian, who lends her his umbrella during a sudden rainstorm.
Love and Marriage
Xu Xian and Lady White Snake soon fall in love and eventually get married. However, their happiness is threatened by a Buddhist monk named Fahai, who believes that Lady White Snake is a demon and wants to destroy her. Despite Fahai’s warnings, Xu Xian remains loyal to his wife and refuses to leave her.
Conflict and Struggle
Fahai’s attempts to separate the couple become more aggressive, leading to a series of conflicts and struggles. Lady White Snake’s true identity is eventually revealed to Xu Xian, causing him to fall into a state of shock. Fahai takes advantage of this opportunity and imprisons Lady White Snake in a pagoda.
Climax and Resolution
With the help of her maid, Lady White Snake manages to escape from the pagoda and reunites with Xu Xian. However, Fahai is not willing to give up and engages in a final battle with Lady White Snake. In the end, Lady White Snake’s love and sacrifice allow her to defeat Fahai and live happily ever after with Xu Xian.
Adaptations
Literature
The legend of Lady White Snake has been adapted into various forms of media including literature. One of the most popular adaptations is the novel “Legend of the White Snake” by Feng Menglong. The novel was published during the Ming Dynasty and is considered a classic in Chinese literature. The story has also been adapted into other novels, including “Madame White Snake” by He Zhen and “The White Snake” by Zhang Zhongjing.
Television and Film
The legend of Lady White Snake has been adapted into numerous films and television series. One of the most popular adaptations is the 2011 television series “The Legend of White Snake” starring Ju Jingyi and Alan Yu. The series was a commercial success and was praised for its stunning visuals and performances. Other adaptations include the 1993 film “Green Snake” directed by Tsui Hark and the 1956 film “The Love Eterne” directed by Li Han-hsiang.
Theatre and Opera
The legend of Lady White Snake has also been adapted into various forms of theatre and opera. One of the most popular adaptations is the Beijing Opera “Madame White Snake” which was first performed in the late 19th century. The opera has been adapted numerous times and is considered a classic in Chinese theatre. Other adaptations include the Cantonese opera “Lady White Snake” and the musical “The Legend of White Snake” which premiered in 2019.
Themes and Symbolism
Good vs Evil
The story of Lady White Snake is a classic tale of good versus evil. The white snake, Bai Suzhen, represents the good-heartedness and true love that the Chinese people admire. On the other hand, the green snake represents evil. The two snakes represent the balance between good and evil in the world. The story teaches us that even the purest of hearts can be corrupted by evil.
Immortality and Mortality
The theme of immortality and mortality is also present in the story. Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, disguises himself as a tangyuan vendor and gives Xu Xian immortality pills disguised as tangyuan. This symbolizes the desire for immortality in humans. However, the story also shows the importance of mortality. Lady White Snake sacrifices her immortality to save her husband, Xu Xian, from death. This teaches us that life is precious and that we should cherish the time we have.
Betrayal and Loyalty
Betrayal and loyalty are also important themes in the story of Lady White Snake. Xu Xian’s friend, Fahai, betrays him by revealing Lady White Snake’s true form. This leads to her imprisonment and almost causes her death. However, Lady White Snake’s maid, Xiaoqing, remains loyal to her mistress and helps her escape. This teaches us the importance of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal.
In summary, the story of Lady White Snake is rich in themes and symbolism. It teaches us about the balance between good and evil, the importance of mortality, and the consequences of betrayal and loyalty.
Influence on Culture
Festivals
The story of Lady White Snake has had a significant impact on Chinese culture, and this is evident in the many festivals held in her honor. One such festival is the Qingming Festival, which is celebrated in early April and marks the beginning of spring. During this festival, people visit the graves of their ancestors and pay their respects. In some regions of China, people also celebrate the festival by performing traditional dances and singing songs about Lady White Snake.
Modern Interpretations
In recent years, Lady White Snake has become a popular subject for modern interpretations. One such interpretation is the 2011 movie, “The Sorcerer and the White Snake,” which tells the story of Lady White Snake and her love for a human. The movie was a box office success and introduced the story to a new generation of viewers.
Cultural Products
The impact of Lady White Snake on Chinese culture can also be seen in the many cultural products that have been inspired by her story. For example, there are numerous books and comics that retell the story of Lady White Snake in a modern context. Additionally, there are many paintings and sculptures that depict Lady White Snake and her husband, Xu Xian, in various poses.
Overall, Lady White Snake has had a significant impact on Chinese culture, and her story continues to be retold in various forms. From festivals to movies to cultural products, Lady White Snake remains a beloved figure in Chinese folklore.