A Study On The Praying Rain In Shaanxi In The Ming And Qing Dynasties

Rain-praying is an activity which used by the ancestors to prevent and defend against the drought during the traditional agriculture society. As a kind of method to prevent the disaster, it is inherited and ever lasted in history, especially in the later period of traditional society, it is more common and prevalent. Shaanxi is one of the typical areas for Rain-praying activity. The commons of the rain-praying are decided by the specified nature geographical conditions in Shaanxi. In addition that the profound culture and history made a great foundation to the rain-praying in Shaanxi areas.so we take Shaanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasty as an example, mainly using the local Annals and historical document to make a fully and systematical explanation for the rain-praying.Specifically speaking, there are five sections in the thesis:Introduction:This part will introduce the significance of the selected topic and the current researching situation.Section one:"the general introduction of Shaanxi rain-praying during the early Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty". By analyzing the formation and development history of the Shaanxi rain-praying during the early Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty, we can conclude the characters of rain-praying activity.Which paved the way to the following text.Section two:"the faith and ritual of rain-praying in Shaanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasty".In this section we will discuss the diversity of the gods in rain-praying, and the sanctity of in rain-praying ritual(time and space).Specifically emphasize on the objects of rain-praying, from natural gods, folk gods to human beings. Then introduce the rituals of rain-praying. Such as praying for rain to the Dragon king, prayings, setting the altar, and praying for the water, Which will be reflected the sacred time and space in those rain-praying rituals. That is, once the ritual begins, people in time and space will be different from previous life.Section three:"Regional differences and characteristics of the Rain-praying activity". By discussing the spatial extension and distribution of the gods, we can find the obvious differences on rain-praying beliefs in the three natural geographical areas of Shaanxi:Guan Zhong is the most enriched and developed region in species and quantity of rain-praying gods; In the Northern Shaanxi, the species of rain-praying gods are relatively single, people there, Mainly worships the Dragon king; The southern Shaanxi, where is the most concentrated distribution area of natural water gods. In fact, those characteristics are closely related to the geographical environment. This is a kind of perceptual results of the natural environment and humane environment.The last part:"The rain-praying activity and Local society". This part mainly analyzes the behavior between the local officials and the folk groups in rain-praying activity. which will be proved that the rain-praying has a unique significance in local society. In terms of local officials, it is their duty to pray for rain. Which can play a role in comforting the people and maintain social stability in drought time; meanwhile, it is also a method to control the folk’s thought, as well as shows their own authority in the local society. The same as the gentry, they also set up their prestige in the rain-praying activity. For the folks who are directly affected by the drought. The rain-praying has become people’s psychological dependence and integrated into their daily life, at the same time, it could also shape and strengthen the people’s group consciousness and team spirit.