“Mogwai”
The term “mo” finds its roots in the Sanskrit “māra,” signifying ‘evil beings’ or ‘death’ in Hinduism and Buddhism. In these belief systems, Mara dictates the fates of death and desire, binding individuals to an endless cycle of reincarnation and suffering. Mara leads people towards sin, misdeeds, and self-destruction.
In Chinese lore, Mogwai stand out as specific demons notorious for bringing harm to humans. It is believed that these entities engage in sexual reproduction during rain-triggered mating seasons, symbolizing prosperity.
The term “mo” traces back to the Sanskrit “māra,” embodying ‘evil beings’ or ‘death’ in Hinduism and Buddhism. In these belief systems, Mara holds sway over the realms of death and desire, entwining individuals in an unending cycle of reincarnation and suffering. Mara guides people towards sin, misdeeds, and self-destruction.
On the flip side, “gwai” doesn’t inherently signify ‘evil’ or demonic spirits. Originally, it referred to deceased spirits or souls of the departed. However, in contemporary Chinese usage, it typically denotes the spirits or ghosts of non-family members, often seeking retribution against the living who caused them pain. To redress these wrongs, it is customary for the living to appease the gwai by burning imitation paper banknotes, supplying the spirits with funds for their afterlife.