The Magical Belief in Yincao and Yuye: Bai People's Worship of Benzhu

Author: Dong Jianzhong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: The Chinese Primitive Religion Culture Picture Book Series strives to showcase the highlights of China's multi-ethnic primitive religion culture. The first batch of publications include The Flame of the Soul – A Journey into the Dong Religion Culture, The Light of Faith – Li Ethnicity's Primitive Religion and Bimo Culture, Entering the Realm of Picture and Script – A Spiritual Journey through the Dongba Religion of the Ancient Kingdom of Naxi, The Magical Beliefs between Silver Mountains and Jade Lakes – Bai Ethnicity's Banzhu Worship, and The Charm of the Gobi – The Mysterious Northern Shaman Culture. These are five waves in the long river of China's primitive religion culture that we have selected. Each book has its own unique charm. The authors of this series are experts and scholars who have dedicated many years to researching and introducing China's primitive religion. They have spent long periods conducting field research in China's border minority regions. The content of the books is mostly based on their first-hand materials obtained during their field investigations. Each book is written by authors from the respective ethnic groups about their own religious culture, making the reading experience deeply touching and relatable. The series combines knowledge and appreciation, with rich illustrations that complement the text, allowing readers to gain a wealth of information about primitive religion in a pleasant reading experience.
The poetic and picturesque natural beauty of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, and the Butterfly Spring has given the Bai people infinite creativity, leading to a rich and diverse ethnic culture. Among these, the most unique is undoubtedly the Bai people's Banzhu worship. Banzhu are the village and ethnic group protectors of the Bai people, deities who govern the life, death, fortune, and misfortune of the residents in their regions and villages. The belief in Banzhu is nearly universal among the Bai people, and it seems that every Bai person's life is inseparable from Banzhu. The Banzhu worship activities, which serve as both spiritual solace and a form of physical recreation for the Bai people, along with the rich and vivid Banzhu myths and legends, as well as the exquisite architectural and sculptural art of Banzhu temples, form the most brilliant chapter of Bai culture.