China'sRanking (A colorful interpretation of folk beliefs)

Author: Huang Xiaofeng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: This is an academic (light essay) discussing ancient Chinese folk beliefs. The author weaves many stories together and grinds their meanings into fine powder. The stories are beautiful, the meanings are profound, and the author's attitude is both casual and serious. Experts won't overlook the liveliness of the book, while outsiders can definitely see the subtleties. Witchcraft, religion, ghosts, and immortals—these cultural threads hidden beneath the iceberg of belief are presented in a lively and humorous style, revealing both the liveliness and the subtleties. The book comprehensively introduces ancient Chinese folk beliefs and their impact on ancient Chinese society in a vivid and witty manner. It is divided into four sections: "The World Has Lost Its Virtue, Witchcraft Is on the Rise" (Witchcraft Section), "Your Majesty, What Is Your Father's Last Name?" (Religion and Society Section), "Farewell, Ghosts and Spirits" (Ghosts Section), and "A Date with the Immortal Sister" (Immortals Section). The author believes that the daily folk beliefs hidden beneath orthodox religion have a significant influence on the direction of ancient Chinese cultural development. The book includes over 100 illustrations that vividly showcase the author's main arguments.