Delve into the Chinese demon world and how it shaped daily life and belief systems.
This volume traces the presence and influence of spirits, ghosts, and maleficent beings in Chinese religion, philosophy, and social practice. It shows how ideas about shen, kwei, and various spectres guided customs, healing, and governance across history.
Readers will gain a clear view of the terms used for spectres, how they were thought to act, and the ways people countered their influence. The discussion connects ancient ideas to later practices, revealing a worldview where the past and present continually illuminate one another.
- Origins and meanings of key terms for spectres and their influences
- How demons affect health, illness, and everyday life, especially for children
- Beliefs about souls, dreams, and the afterlife as they relate to social customs
- Historical methods of remedy, exorcism, and ritual protection
Ideal for readers curious about Chinese religion, folklore, and the long arc of cultural beliefs that still shape attitudes today.