The Study Of He-jiuxian Clult In Fujian

He Jiuxian is the most enduring and influential god who is in charge of dreams in Fujian. The. belief of He Jiuxian can be traced back to Tang Dynasty in the area of Putian, Xianyou, and Fuzhou. It had developed quickly in Song Dynasty. Not only the legends were completed, but also the sphere of the belief had been extended outside. During Ming Dynasty, the belief had been further spread and reached its prime time. In the late Qing Dynasty, because of the turbulent society and interminable wars, the belief of He Jiuxian was on the wane yet still grew a little. The belief has met its new period of development since the reform and openning-up. Combined with local culture, geography, and religious belief, the belief was enriched by various legends with local characteristics newly formed. The localization of the belief made some outside images into local gods. Worshiped as a god in charge of dreams, the chief fuction of He Jiuxian is to pray for dreams. There are many popular records remained in which wrote down those dreams verified. The records with abundant cultural connotion reflect fragments of history, such as ancient imperial examinations in Fujian. In a particular period of time and area, He Jiuxian took on the function of praying for rain, peace, wealth, descendants and curing diseases. It also gave play to edutional function through legends and poems of drawing lots. With the emigration during Ming, Qing Dynasty and modern time, the belief has spread over Southeast Asia and Taiwan. To some extent, the belief mirrors the situation of emigration of Fujian at that time.