Reflection on the Spread of Chinese Popular Religion

A Case-Study of the Han Yu Belief in the Chaozhou Region

Bibliographic Data

ID3371679
AuthorsGuoping Li (0000-0002-3745-7480, Shantou University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue12
Pages1523
Publication date2024-12-12
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15121523
OpenAlexW4405324803
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited7

Han Yu 韓愈 was a prominent literatus in the Tang dynasty and an influential figure in the history of Chaozhou culture. From the Song dynasty, the Neo-Confucian teachings became popular, and Han Yu was revered as a significant pioneer; hence, his position was raised to a new height. In Chaozhou, local officials and the literati continuously emphasized Han Yu's significance to Chaozhou culture and education and built many temples and academies devoted to him. As a deity, Han Yu was viewed as a representative of Confucianism and was typical of orthodoxy sacrifices. The present article clarifies the origination and transmission of the Han Yu belief in the Chaozhou region and explores the process of deification and the spread of Chinese popular religion. Although local officials and the literati spared no efforts in promoting the Han Yu belief, the belief never became popular among Chaozhou people. Local officials and the literati focused on different aspects of the Han Yu belief. They stressed the orthodoxy of the belief and were never concerned with miracles. What they were concerned with and endeavored for somewhat hampered the spread of the belief among the masses

Folk religion · Theology · Chinese history and philosophy · Computer Science · History · Philosophy · Religious Studies and Spiritual Practices

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access