A Study On Dutian Cult Of Yangzhou In Ming And Qing Dynasties

Dutian cult is one of the important folk beliefs in YangZhou, which originates from Yuan or Ming Dynasty. Its basic deity is SiYi. In the beginning, Dutian doesn’t refer to a concrete deity. However, as time goes on, Taoist priest whose name is FuHui and martyr who is ZhangXun in Tang Dynasty became archetypes of Dutian deity.As the major gods of plague in YangZhou even in JiangHuai area, Dutian deity is not in official ceremonies but excessive religious activities in most time of Ming and Qing dynasty. Dutian cult experiences its orthodoxy process since mid-term of Ming dynasty. After some scholars incluing Li Wen choosing and remodeling to archetypes, FuHui became the major deity in official chorography. Nevertheless, Dutian hasn’t been taken into official ceremonies. ZhangXun had become official deity since mid-term of Qing Dynasty. It was admitted by official organization as Dutian archetype and was taken into official ceremonies within its localization. The orthodoxy process of Dutian is interactive. Except the extensive foundation, local scholars and officers participated in this process, such as, remodeling image of Dutian, informing efficacious stories. Local officers and residents rebuilt and replaced deity, making deity legitimate. As a result, Dutian belief extends in YangZhou, ZhenJiang and other JiangHuai area.