A Study Of Folk Beliefs And Folk Art In The Temple Festivals Of The Jinci In Shanxi

As a group belief activity,temple fairs were born out of the development of China’s agrarian civilization,and folk beliefs and folk art are two inseparable parts of temple fairs,which together form the cultural connotation of temple fairs.The temple fairs of the Jinci Temple,popular in the Taiyuan area of Shanxi,are the subject of this article,which explores the changing beliefs and functions of the temple fairs in the process of their formation and development.The temple fairs have become "accessories" to the tourist attractions.These changes in the history of the temple were the result of a change in beliefs,on the one hand,and a change in the social context of the times,on the other.Although the Jinci Temple Fair is studied as a case study of a temple fair,what we see through its changes is a microcosm of Chinese society and culture,both as a result of the impact of social change and the need for social and cultural transformation.At the same time,many aspects surrounding the temple fairs at Jinci have a natural connection with the arts.The Temple of the Holy Mother,the Water Mother Building,the Water Mirror Terrace and the Hall of Dedication,which are the vehicles for the fairs,are architectural arts from the Song,Ming and Jin Dynasties of China.The temple fairs at Jinci are full of artistic glory and charm.On the one hand,folk art is based on folk beliefs to enhance its authority and legitimacy in real life,and on the other hand,folk beliefs need the help of folk art to enhance their appeal and influence among the people.On the other hand,folk beliefs and folk art blend together to enrich temple activities and the lives of the people.In addition,the temple fairs play a role in the lives of the local people in terms of physical and mental regulation,community maintenance,cultural transmission and economic promotion.