Folk Beliefs

Introduction: The Dreamscape of Ambition For descendants of the global Chinese diaspora, the terms ‘Zhuangyuan’ (Top Scholar) or ‘Jinbang Timing’ (Success in the Imperial Exams) represent the pinnacle of ancestral pride. However, delving into the ancient pages of the Bamin Tongzhi or the Quanzhou Prefecture Gazetteer, one discovers that many renowned ministers, before crossing the ‘Dragon Gate’ of success, shared profound experiences of ‘Divine Dreams.’ From the perspective of Digital Humanities, these records are more than mere superstition; they are precious ethnological data. They document a unique custom where Minnan scholars, before heading to provincial or capital examinations, would stay overnight at specific ‘miraculous’ temples (such as Tielu Temple in Quanzhou or Daqian Huiying Shrine in Shaowu) to seek ‘dream omens.’ These legends provide a warm, mystical layer to the otherwise dry lists of successful candidates, offering a unique window into ancestral culture. ...

Background: Folk Deities under the Sacrificial System During the Ming Dynasty, the administration of folk beliefs followed the ancient maxim: ‘The major affairs of state lie in sacrifice and military’ (国之大事, 在祀与戎). According to the Bamin Tongzhi, ‘Altars and Temples’ (坛庙) were categorized as essential components of administrative geography, reflecting a governance logic of ‘respecting the gods to care for the people’. By granting official titles and plaques (赐额), the early Ming government transformed local, often ‘mystical’ grassroots beliefs—such as Mazu or Master Xu—into extensions of state authority, playing a role in maintaining social order and maritime safety. ...