Exorcising Calamities and Offering Sacrifices-A Survey of the Historical Evolution and Dramatic Customs of the Hu Tu Belief
Hu Tu was a senior official of the Jin state during the Spring and Autumn period.His brief political career,marked by his support for the crown prince,his advocacy in military affairs,his unwavering guidance to his children,and other virtuous deeds,has become a model of virtuous conduct chronicled in history books.Since the Song and Yuan dynasties,the official edict and the populace's oral transmission have continuously deified and sanctified the character and functions of this noble official,In folk culture,Hu Tu has evolved into a deity with a wide range of duties,including controlling hail and rain,relieving people's distress,warding off disasters and epidemics,acting as a fair judge,and fulfilling wishes for children and descendants.Focusing on the main circulation areas of Hutu beliefs and customs,this paper synthesizes historical books,chronicles,inscriptions and field investigation materials,sorts out the historical generation process which further interprets the folk sacrifices,drama performances to reward the gods,customs and taboos in various places,and explores the historical changes of regional culture from the aspects of geographical environment,social culture,and people's psychology.
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