Popular Religion And Regional Society: A Case Study Revolve Around The Bao-sheng-da-di Cult In Fujian And Taiwan

The paper that uses lots of data coming from field investigation, supposes to research into the relationship between popular religion and regional society, and to see through how regional society work, by focusing on the studying of Bao-sheng-da-di cult.The first part of paper, using full and accurate data, describes the origin, growing and development of Bao-sheng-da-di cult. The paper analyses the social and historical background which hides in the legend of Bao-sheng-da-di, constructs the cult scattering areas since Nan-song dynasty and its' changing, and inquires into mode of the cult growing. The second part of paper describes the complex relationship among dynasty, local authorities, folk society and popular religion since Nan-song dynasty. During Nan-song dynasty, dynasty, local authorities, folk society and Bao-sheng-da-di cult forms harmonious reciprocal relationship. During Ming and Qing dynasty, as dynasty didn't approve the legal status of the cult, the reciprocal relationship between the Bao-sheng-da-di cult and regional society became the criterion which governed the attitude of local authorities towards the cult. In modern times, the attitude of local authorities towards Bao-sheng-da-di cult is as the same as that of local authorities of Ming and Qing dynasty. The third part of the paper describes the controversy about original temple between Bai-jiao-ci-ji-gong ( West temple) and Qing-jiao-ci-ji-gong ( East temple). This part also describes the change of the remember frame about original temple of believers. The Phenomenon that the original remember frame of original temple changed to "West temple-original temple" remember frame during Ming and Qing dynasty, and the original remember frame was recovered in modern times, is not only the belief appearance, but the outcome of long competing between local discouse. The fourth part of the paper describes the activity of temple network of Bao-sheng-da-di cult since the cult has formed, particular in the modern times. This part analyses the regular pattern of time and space of the temples which worships Bao-sheng-da-di coming to "West temple" or "East temple" to give incenses. Taking the Bao-quan-an temples and Taiwan Bao-sheng-da-di Association as interesting examples, this part also analyses the mode of re-produce of interest and authority arising from network in given society.Finally, the paper firmly believes that the study of popular religion which is a component of society, giving light to the question of how regional society works. The activities that the different people seek different interest in given society, is the most important impel power.