| This study asserts that Taiwanese folk-religion is a significant force in Taiwanese society despite modernization. In Taiwan, folk-religion plays a constant part in daily life and permeates the culture. While Taiwan is an ethnically Chinese culture that has created a modern industrial and democratic society, traditional Taiwanese folk-religion continues to be practiced. Aspects include ancestor worship, belief in ghosts, and interactions with gods. Three ethnographic sections address these areas and record observations between 1998 and 2000. Respectively, they focus on Tomb Sweeping Day in chapter 4, the festival of Ghost Month in chapter 5, and the Wang-yei Festival in chapter 6. These ethnographic sections come from participant observation and direct experience in Taiwan.; A literature review (chapter 3) presents information on Taiwanese folk-religion and politics, sectarian movements, missionary observations, universalities and diversities in Taiwanese folk-religion, and religious life in a Taiwanese village. Chapter 7 is a summary of data and analysis of my findings. |
