Temple community of folk religion in Jiangnan since the Ming and Qing dynasties: Focus on Suzhou and Songjiang areas

Abstract

The temple community is an important concept in Suzhou and Songjiang folk religion since the Ming and Qing dynasties. The two major types of temple communities were those surrounding a Tudi Temple (Temple of the god of land), those encircling a Chenghuang Temple (Temple of the City God), and a Mount Tai Temple. Their existence has different meanings. The organizational systems and varying kinds of religious activities were distinct to the different temple communities. However, the division of temple communities is closely related to local administrative divisions. It is worth noticing that temple communities compete and conflict with each other for regional development resources and the benefits of relevant groups. This study of temple communities contributes to our overall understanding of communities of faith in villages.

摘要

庙界是明清以来苏松民间信仰中的一个重要概念, 在该地区主要存在有围绕土地庙形成的庙界和围绕城隍庙、 东岳庙等市镇庙宇形成的庙界, 两类庙界的存在有着不同的意义, 而在不同的庙界内部均有相应的组织与各类信仰活动。 庙界的划分则往往与地方行政区划有关。 值得注意的是, 在庙界之间, 由于地域开发的先后、 相关群体的利益驱动等原因, 还存在相互间的竞争与冲突, 对此加以考察将有助于我们更全面地了解乡村信仰共同体的面貌。