How does superstition become intangible Cultural heritage in Postsocialist China?

Gao Bingzhong, How does superstition become intangible Cultural eritage in Postsocialist China? Positions (2014) 22(3): 551-572

Abstract

This article narrates how a temple fair worshipping a dragon god, the object of superstition for about sixty years, became an official piece of intangible cultural heritage.

This story takes place in three chapters: First, the temple fair as a local tradition was revibed after China adopted its Reform and Opening policy in 1978. Second, the temporary tent set up annually for worship was replaced by a building, dubbed both “museum” and “temple” by way of creative use of a “double-naming method.” And third, the temple fair was formally identified as a piece of intangible cultural heritage. This course of events epitomizes the once-unimaginable changes that have taken place in Chinese society in the past one hundred years, and it offers a case for scholars to understand the logics of Chinese reform from within its own culture.

Online on Project Muse (Restricted access)

Jacqueline Nivard

Jacqueline Nivard, Centre d'études sur la Chine moderne et contemporaine

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OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Jacqueline Nivard (August 24, 2014). How does superstition become intangible Cultural heritage in Postsocialist China? URBACHINA. Retrieved February 12, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/v2v8


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