A Study On Folk Beliefs Of Yi Nationality And Its Vicissitudes Since The Founding Of People's Republic Of China

This paper discusses the folk belief of Lalu Branch of Yi Nationality and digs into it as well as its changes since 1949. The contents, Bimo and ceremonies of Yi Nationality in Bo Village are sorted out and analyzed as they are described. This paper attempts to exhibit the characteristics and profound meanings of the folk belief of Yi Nationality in Bo Village. This paper is composed of five parts besides the introduction.In first part, some factors are talked about like the geographical environment, lands and population, ways of living, modes of co-inhabitation, public places for sacrifice which are built as the villages are connected and the enlarging social circle as a result of intermarriage. The second part takes a view on the main contents and changes of the folk belief of Yi Nationality in Bo Village. Its belief consists of worship of nature, worship of totem, worship of ghosts and worship of ancestors. The folk belief is integrated into the daily life of Yi Nationality by way of taboo, spells, divination and witchcraft. It regulates people's behavior. The changes in the contents of folk belief are classified into four phases according to the process which the religious policies have experienced: lasting phase, breaking phase, gradual revival and overall revival. The third part deals with how Bimos-the transmitter between human and god in folk belief of Yi Nationality-are passed down. There is also an introduction of Bimo's magic tools. Characteristics of Bimo as the transmitter in folk belief of Yi Nationality are also concluded in this part. The fourth part focuses on the main contents of three most influential, colorful and long-lasting ceremonies which affect Yi Nationality's life in Bo Village:wedding, funeral and house-moving. At the same time, this part analyses the changes of these ceremonies since 1949. The ceremonies in Bo Village experienced a complicated-easy-complicated process due to the existence of nation. In the end, the characteristics of folk belief of Yi Nationality in Bo Village and its social functions are summarized. It holds the idea that the characteristics of folk belief of Yi Nationality are made up of originality, locality, diversity, integrity, spontaneity and popularity. The social functions of folk belief are to maintain social order, pass down national culture and strengthen the sense of identity and cohesive force.