Human lives were often threatened by irresistible natural or man-made vicious power. At the time when a society was scientifically undeveloped, humans were even more confined in their understanding of the universe. As a result, people believed that there was an invisible world of ghosts, evil spirits, demons and monsters that could harm human life; on the other hand, they also believed that there was a supernatural power that could help conquer the evil and protect their existence. China's unique history and cultural background over several thousand years since primitive society helped sustain the influence of totem and fairy idols, which also has an impact on folk art works.
Source:
http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/17Traditions9330.html
