









一柱擎天 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to describe a person who is capable of shouldering immense responsibilities or playing a crucial, supportive role, like a single pillar holding up the sky; a towering figure or pillar of strength”. Literally, “a single pillar propping up the sky”.
In ancient times, Gonggong, the tribal leader, vied with Zhuanxu for the imperial throne.
Enraged, Gonggong crashed his head against Buzhou Mountain, instantly breaking a pillar in the southeast that supported the sky and the great ropes that anchored the earth.
The sky lost its support and tilted towards the northwest.
As a result, the sun, moon, and stars across the land began to move towards the northwest, and all rivers and silt on earth flowed towards the southeast.