Chinese folk religion is an amalgamation of various belief systems that has been practiced for centuries. It includes Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, shamanism, animism, and many others. One aspect of this religion that has received little attention is its treatment of sex and sexuality. This essay will explore how Chinese folk religions integrate sex, fertility, and ancestor worship into their practices.
The most important aspect of Chinese folklore relating to sexuality is the emphasis on fertility. The goal of marriage was typically procreation, and couples were expected to have children as soon as possible after getting married. Marriage ceremonies often included a bedding ceremony, where newlyweds shared their first night together.
There were numerous taboos surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Women who gave birth too soon or too late were considered unlucky, and some customs required them to avoid certain activities during pregnancy.
In ancient China, it was believed that if a woman had intercourse while pregnant with a boy, she would give birth to a monster.
Fertility was also linked to agriculture, as farmers needed a good harvest each year to survive. In some regions, people made offerings to deities associated with fertility and abundance, such as gods of fields or mountains. These deities were usually depicted as male figures with exaggerated genitals, representing the power of procreation. Some rituals involved sexually explicit dances and gestures to ensure a bountiful crop.
Another aspect of Chinese folklore related to sex and sexuality is ancestor worship. Many Chinese families believe that their deceased ancestors watch over them from beyond the grave, and they make offerings to these spirits regularly. This practice often involves offering food and drink, which are seen as nourishment for the dead. Ancestor worship is closely tied to filial piety, the belief that one should honor and respect one's parents and elders. It was seen as a way to show gratitude for the sacrifices they made to raise and provide for the family. Offering food to ancestors was seen as a form of repayment for their care and protection.
There were also taboos surrounding sex and sexuality within the context of ancestor worship.
Many Chinese families did not engage in sexual activity until after the death of an elder. This was believed to avoid any possible negative consequences for the living relatives.
Some families avoided eating certain foods during mourning periods, believing that it would harm the departed spirit.
Another aspect of Chinese folk religion relates to eroticism. There have been numerous examples throughout history of erotic artwork and literature associated with this religion. In ancient China, paintings and sculptures depicting naked or semi-naked figures were commonplace, particularly those of deities such as Pan Gu or Donghuangdi. These images were meant to represent the power and beauty of nature, but they could also be interpreted as erotic symbols.
Chinese folk religions have a complex relationship with sex and sexuality. Fertility was central to its practices, and many rituals involved sexually explicit gestures and imagery. Ancestor worship was another important practice, which required strict adherence to taboos regarding sex and sexuality. Erotic art and literature also played a significant role in shaping these beliefs. While these customs may seem strange to modern audiences, they reflect the values and beliefs of ancient China.
References:
1. "Ancient Chinese Sexual Beliefs." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.chinawhisper.com/ancient-chinese-sexual-beliefs/.
2. "Chinese Folk Religion." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folk_religion_of_China.