The custom of shigandang in Mount Tai

The name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: the custom of shigandang in Mount Tai

Applicant: Tai'an City, Shandong Province

Project No.: 501

Project No.: Ⅹ - 53

Time of publication: 2006 (the first batch)

Category: folk customs

Region: Shandong Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Tai'an City, Shandong Province

Protection unit: Taishan Scenic Area Management Committee of Taian City (Taishan forest farm)

Introduction to the custom of shigandang in Mount Tai

Applicant: Tai'an City, Shandong Province

The custom of "shigandang" is widely distributed in many areas, with Taishan area in Shandong Province as the center, and gradually spread to all parts of the country (including Taiwan Province and ethnic minority areas), Japan, South Korea in East Asia, Southeast Asia and overseas Chinese living areas all over the world. Its main manifestation is that small stone tablet (or small stone man) stands at the main point of the bridge or on the wall of the house, engraved (or written) "shigandang" or "Taishan shigandang" and other words, in order to suppress ominous. This custom is very popular among the people.

The custom of shigandang originated from the worship of Lingshi in ancient times. It has experienced three stages: the germination stage, the variation stage and the prosperity stage. After the Ming Dynasty, shigandang belief was closely combined with the worship of Mount Tai in Dongyue, which developed from "shigandang" to "shigandang of Mount Tai". Its function also experienced the transformation from the earliest "zhenzhai" to "Huasha" and then to "curing diseases", "door god", "Dispelling evil spirits" and "preventing wind". In the process of historical evolution, the myths about Shi Gandang have been translated into various versions.

The "auspicious and peaceful culture" expressed by shigandang in Mount Tai reflects people's common desire for peace and harmony, as well as the humanistic spirit and cultural creativity of the Chinese nation. The custom of shigandang in Mount Tai has lasted for thousands of years, mainly because it is combined with the belief of "Chinese people return to Mount Tai", and also with the folk beliefs and folk culture in various places. On this premise, it has obtained the cultural tradition rooted in the relevant communities and groups, and passed on from generation to generation. Shigandang belief is recognized by the vast areas of China and many nationalities, and spread abroad. It reflects the historical continuity of Chinese civilization from one side, so it has the unique value of witnessing the vitality of Chinese cultural tradition. In the process of spreading in large areas at home and abroad, shigandang has produced a large number of exquisite stone carvings and statues, which not only have aesthetic value and artistic value, but also are important historical relics. Shi Gandang's fairy tales, operas and quyi created by folk artists, which are passed down orally, fully demonstrate the creativity of folk culture and art.

Exploring, rescuing and protecting shigandang custom and carrying forward its peaceful culture play an important role in enhancing the cultural identity of the Chinese nation, promoting the great cause of the reunification of the motherland, and enhancing national unity and social cohesion.