GRANDMA AS MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTER IN SHANDONG PROVINCE

Abstract

. The article is dedicated to the folk mythology of Shandong province, which is located in the middle east of China. Shandong is one of the cultural centers. The word grandma can be translated into Chinese as “popo” or “nаinai”. In many areas of Shandong province, there are mythological characters, such as Shi-popo (grandmother-stone), Chuang-popo (grandmother-bed), Taishan-nainai (grandmother Taishan), Lugu-nainai (grandmother Lugu), Maimang-nainai (grandmother-wheat), Yan-nainai (grandmother Yan). They can be named by own habitat or function, have their own characteristics, some of which are common throughout Shandong, while others exist in separate areas. The objective of the study is to identify the features of the mythological characters of Shandong province. This article studies names and characters of a grandmother, analyzes the worship rituals, which associated with this mythological character, as well as local customs.