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Background: For centuries, the Chinese have
practiced traditional folk religions. It is difficult
to define these beliefs, but they often coexist with
a person's chosen religion. So, many people will officially
say they are "Buddhist" or "Daoist,"
but once they leave the temple, their lives reflect
a much different belief system. The common religions
in China are not exclusive, so mixing elements is
common.
Astrology is also a common theme in traditional religions.
This is related to the gravitational pull of objects
in space and how they all relate to one another. So,
many people belive that the energy at work when a
person is born can influence their whole life.
 Sacred
Book: Much has been written about folk
religions, but those who practice traditional religions do not follow any sacred book. Chinese folk religion
is wrapped up in their culture and is passed down
from one generation to another. Traditional religion
is just that: traditional. It cannot be classified
as an "organized" religion, but follows
a very loose organizational structure.
The Nature of God: The Chinese people worship hundreds
of different gods. Sometimes famous historical figures
or legends are also worshipped. Some people would
acknowledge the existence of a "most high"
god, but if he exists, he is far removed and impersonal.
Chinese culture follows a structured social hierarchy.
As a reflection of this, the gods have a similar hierarchy.
The gods with higher rank have more power, and those
lower in the hierarchy have less. Often, the gods
are named for certain places of activities. Examples
of gods include the "kitchen god," "door
gods" and the gods of happiness, wealth and longevity.
People will often pray to or worship a certain god
depending on their specific needs.
Eternity: Traditional religion has a hard
time defining the nature of eternity. However, how
one acts in this world has a direct relationship with
how comfortable they will be in the afterlife.
Ancestor worship is an integral part of their religion.
There is much interaction between the dead and the
living, and so dead family members are still honored
by the living. People offer sacrifices and offerings
to their dead ancestors to provide what they need
for comfort in eternity. Without this worship, the
ancestors might haunt those still on earth.
What is Salvation? There is no concrete definition
of salvation, nor is there a sure way to attain salvation.
Traditional religions emphasize doing the best you
can to appease the gods and to live right. If you do enough good works and if you are honored by your family, perhaps you will secure a good place in the afterlife.
 How
is a person saved? Since there is no real definition
of salvation, there is no clear path to salvation
either. However, emphasis is put on ancestor worship.
Through honoring their dead ancestors, many people
believe they will appease their ancestors and ensure
a good afterlife for themselves as well.
Emphasis is put on "good deeds" and it
is believed that good deeds will be rewarded and bad
behavior will be punished.
Notes: Some of the
gods of the Chinese Folk
religions come from the
stories of ancient heroes.
Kuan Kung is one of these
gods. In the 3rd century,
he was a military hero against
the Han dynasty. He is known
as a model of patriotism,
civic, and family virtue.
Matzu is another heroine
who is worshiped in China.
During a terrible storm,
she set her house on fire,
so that the fisherman would
have light to guide their
way home. Other fishermen
tell stories of Matzu appearing
in the clouds to help them.
There are many temples set
up to her in South Eastern
china and the city of Macao
was named after this god.
There are deities to family
life, prosperity, protection,
heaven and hell, agriculture,
trade, healing, and many
more. People will go to
the temple to ask for something
related to any of gods.
If a woman wants a child,
she will bring an offering
and burn joss sticks to
send out her request.
Many of the Chinese people will blend their Daoist,
Confucius, and Folk Religion beliefs in their religious
practices. People in different parts of the country
have a varied mixture in their practices.
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