Local religion in North China in the twentieth century
Subtitle: the structure and organization of community rituals and beliefs
By: by Daniel L. Overmyer.
Series: Handbook of Oriental studies. Section four, China -- v. 22 = -- Handbuch der orientalistik; Handbuch der Orientalistik -- 22. Bd.
Publisher: Brill
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Leiden; Boston
Language: eng
Number of pages: 219
ISBN-13: 9789004175921
Subjects: China -- Religion -- 20th century
Description: "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."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [188]-196) and index.