Abstract
In ancient times, most ethnic minorities in northern China practiced Shamanism, with the Shamanistic culture of the Manchu people in northeastern China having a profound history. To today, Shamanistic culture continues to play a role in regions with high concentrations of ethnic minorities, demonstrating its contemporary relevance. In the 21st century, the functions of Shamanistic culture have gradually evolved, and the characteristics of Shamanic inheritors have undergone significant changes. This study analyzes and summarizes the functional evolution of Shamanistic culture and describes the modern types of Shamanic inheritors through a review of relevant literature and field investigations. In contemporary northeastern China, the transmission of Manchu Shamanistic culture is manifested in five forms: “Sorceress and Spirit Attendant” practices, Shamanic dances, Manchu paper-cutting, Manchu Dangu (a hand-held drum), and “Chuma Xian” (Action-Taking Gods or Animal Spiritual Shamanism). Furthermore, this research describes the origin and transmission methods of Sorceress and Spirit Attendant” and the “Chuma Xian,” which primarily occur through two modes: “spiritual selection” and “human choice.” In contrast, Shamanic dances, Manchu paper-cutting, and Manchu Dangu are passed down through the master-apprentice system and rigorous learning. In contemporary times, where all cultural forms must undergo the challenges of “modernization,” it is crucial to carefully consider how traditional cultural and religious beliefs, such as Shamanistic culture, can preserve their valuable components and serve the spiritual needs of the public. The question of how traditional religious cultures like Shamanism can integrate with “modernity” and adapt to a market economy remains a global and challenging issue.
Presenters
Chenxuan XuCollege of Letters and Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Manchu Shamanism, East Asian Religion, Modernity, Preservation
