The legend of Houji(后稷传说) is a folk story happened in more than 4000 years ago and the story was told in the way of narration. The descendant of Yan emperor has a daughter named Jiang Yuan gave birth to a baby because she accidentally step on the footprint of giant people. The baby was seen as an ominous creature and he was named Qi (means give up). It is an important part of Xi'an culture.
Since his childhood, Qi was interested in agriculture. He has tasted more than 100 kinds of herbs and mastered the agriculture knowledge. So he taught people farming and spread agricultural civilization. As he was a famous agriculture master, he was praised as the ancestor of agriculture. Houji created a splendid farming culture, bred a generation after a generation hardworking Wugong people. And Wugong people are proud of Houji so that his story was widely known.
Basic features:
First, "Agriculture ancestor Houji legend," is the people the stories handed down which has a wide range of masses and folk inheritance.
Second, Houji taught people farming, created splendid culture.
Third, the legend of Houji can both be told by professional experts on folklore and masses, reaching to general public and universality.
Fourth, through continuous mining, the legend may attract more experts and scholars to discuss the deep level.
Main value:
First, an important historical value: Houji taught people farming, created a splendid farming culture, Emperor Shun in recognition of his merit, "Historical Records", "Book of Songs" are documented and glorify his entrepreneurial spirit. The legend of agriculture Houji recorded national agricultural production far in the history than other countries, reflecting the development of the productive forces of primitive society.
Second, Han Folk Literature precious value: the legend of Houji rooted in the Han people. For thousands of years, it has been tempered by the people and handed down, attracting foreign experts and scholars to discuss. The legend of Houji has a profound impact on the formation of Han Folk Literature and agricultural development history.
Add on: The Legend of a Cold Cave
Chang'an Double Seventh Day Legend
Trista

