Symbol of the Land: A Re-examination of Lücun

Author: Zhang Hongming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: What position does land hold in Chinese social life? How has it changed throughout its historical development? Unlike prevailing perspectives in economic research, this book reveals the social symbolic meaning of land from a cultural angle by studying the renowned anthropological field research site—Luchun. Emulating the two main themes of Fei Xiaotong's Luchun Farmlands—land tenure systems and the public rituals behind leisure economies—the book examines these aspects within the context of social transformation since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Based on in-depth field research, the author argues that it is precisely the "inalienable" nature of land that enables both the state and local society to coexist. Historical changes in Luchun, such as the shift from military to civilian land tenure, and the evolution of public rituals like Dongjing and flower lantern activities, all reflect the transformation of the relationship between the state and local society. This book offers a fresh perspective on understanding China's land tenure system, contributes to the historical evolution of Yunnan's folk religion, and serves as a valuable attempt to bridge economic anthropology and religious anthropology.