The Development and Evolution of Xuxun Worship Since Song and Ming Dynasties

Since the Song and Ming Dynasties,as a cultural phenomenon,Xuxun Worship and its connotation have experienced a process of continuous construction and transformation.In the period of Song and Ming Dynasties,under the shape of scholars represented by Wang Anshi,Zhang Wei and Wan Gong,Xu Zhenjun changed from “the founder of Jingming Sect” to “the God of nation’s ceremony”.In the Qing Dynasty,under the praise and interpretation of local officials,Xu Zhenjun became the “blessing Lord of Jiangxi”,and was recognized and accepted by the commercial and people classes,adding the color of “the God of Homeland”.The practice of social groups in the civil society,such as the religious organization,gentry,merchants,immigrants and clan organizations,has given Xuxun Worship diversified social and cultural significance.The evolution of Xu Zhenjun’s image from “the founder of Jingming Sect” to “the God of nation’s ceremony”,and then to “blessing Lord of Jiangxi” and “the God of Homeland” is not only the product of the interpretation and construction of Xuxun Worship by official sacrificial rites,scholars groups and local officials in different historical periods,but also the product of different organizations in specific rural society using the symbol of Xuxun Worship.It reflects the interactive process of the dynastic ritual system,scholar-officials ,commercialization and local culture creation,and reveals the historical mechanism of the formation of the unity and pluralism of Chinese society and culture.