Order of Ritual and Symbol: History, Power, and Memory of a Hakka Village

Author: Liu Xiaochun (Editor)
Publisher:
Publish Date: March 1, 2003
Features: This book is based on a doctoral dissertation. From the selection of the topic to the final completion of the writing, Professor Zhong Jingwen provided meticulous guidance and instruction. The charisma of the professor's personality was the greatest wealth I gained in Beijing. I dedicate this book to express my deep remembrance of him! During the writing and revision of the dissertation, Professor Chen Ziai, Professor Liu Tiejiang, Professor Dong Xiaoping, Professor Zhao Shiyu, Professor Wang Mingming, Professor Guo Yuhua, Professor Zheng Zhenman, Professor Na Ribi'er, Professor Weng Naizhong, Professor Yang Nianqun, Professor Zhao Xudong, and Professor Zhao Bingxiang, among others, offered critical comments; external dissertation evaluation experts, Professor Chen Zhiping, Professor Zhou Xing, Professor Tao Lifan, Professor Liu Tiejiang, Professor Wang Mingming, and Professor Zhao Shiyu, provided insightful evaluations, pointed out the issues in the dissertation, and proposed suggestions for further revisions. I extend my sincere gratitude to them. The investigation of the dissertation materials received strong support from the local government of Ningdu County. It is particularly moving to acknowledge the understanding and kindness of the villagers in Fudong Village, without whom the completion of the dissertation would have been unimaginable. I am grateful to my master's supervisor, Professor Liu Shouhua, who guided me onto the path of folk culture research. My parents have driven me to strive continuously on the road of life, and the sacrifices they have made are something I can never repay in a lifetime. My wife, Li Zhihui, has given me selfless understanding and support. I thank Mr. Xie Zhongli of the Commercial Press for his sincere efforts that made the dissertation possible for publication. Due to my limited knowledge and abilities, even though the dissertation is finally published, I am fully aware that it has not yet met the expectations of my teachers and peers. I look forward to everyone's criticism regarding the errors and shortcomings in the book. This book is the result of an anthropological investigation and study of a Hakka village in the southern part of Jiangxi Province. The author begins with research on the village's natural environment, history, clan organization, folk beliefs, and other aspects, exploring the transmission of folk traditions during the traditional period, their revival in the modern era, and the relationship between folk traditions and state control.