The legend of the imam praying for rain is widely spread in the mixed communities of Hui and Han in Henan. This type of legend originated from the long-standing historical and cultural exchanges between the Hui and Han ethnic groups, and consists of t...
The legend of the imam praying for rain is widely spread in the mixed communities of Hui and Han in Henan. This type of legend originated from the long-standing historical and cultural exchanges between the Hui and Han ethnic groups, and consists of three stable plot elements: prolonged drought without rain, imam praying for rain, and heavy rain from the sky. According to the differences in plot between legendary and variant texts, they can be divided into two types: simple praying for rain type and praying for rain and snow type. The two prominent themes of praying for rain by the pool and snow falling in June mainly reflect the deep interaction and integration of Hui and Han cultures, as well as the meaning of ethnic cultural competition. However, the practical need to cope with production and living difficulties and resist the oppression of the ruling class clearly transcends cultural differences among ethnic groups, thereby weakening the competition of ethnic cultures. The various folk tales, represented by the legend of an imam praying for rain, shared and told by the Hui Han people, help to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation among different ethnic groups living in the same place, and improve and adjust ethnic relations unconsciously.