Daniel L. Overmyer - Local Religion in North China in the Twentieth Century.
The Structure and Organization of Community Rituals and Beliefs
(Handbook of Oriental Studies)
Publisher: BRILL (September 30, 2009)
219 pages
This book is a comprehensive survey of the structure, organization and institutionalization of local community religious traditions in north China villages in the twentieth century. These traditions have their own forms of leaders, deities and beliefs. Despite much local variation one everywhere finds similar temples, images, offerings and temple festivals, all supported by practical concerns for divine aid to deal with the problems of everyday life. These local traditions are a structure in the history of Chinese religions; they have a clear sense of their own integrity and rules, handed down by their ancestors. There are Daoist, Buddhist and government influences on these traditions, but they must be adapted to the needs of local communities. It is the villagers who build temples and organize festivals, in which all members of the community are expected to participate and contribute. With chapters on such topics as historical origins and development, leadership and organization, temple festivals, temples and deities, and beliefs and values.
CONTENTS
Foreword .............................................................................................. ix
Preface .................................................................................................. xiii
Introduction: Themes and Contexts ................................................ 1
I. Rain Rituals ................................................................................ 18
II. History and Government ......................................................... 32
III. Leadership and Organization .................................................. 53
IV. Temple Festivals ........................................................................ 93
V. Gods and Temples ..................................................................... 123
VI. Beliefs and Values ...................................................................... 149
VII. Concluding and Comparative Comments ............................ 175
Bibliography ......................................................................................... 188
Glossary of Chinese Terms and Names .......................................... 197
Index ..................................................................................................217
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