Ritual and Mythology of the Chinese Triads: Creating an Identity (Brill's Scholars' List)

Haar, Barend Ter

ISBN 10: 9004119442 / ISBN 13: 9789004119444

Published by Brill, 2000

About this Item

Seller Inventory # I-9789004119444

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ritual and Mythology of the Chinese Triads: Creating an Identity (Brill's Scholars' List)
• Publisher: Brill
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9004119442
• ISBN 13: 9789004119444
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

The extensive ritual and mythological lore of the Chinese Triads form the scope of this new paperback title in Brill’s Scholars’ List. The author critically evaluates the extant sources and offers a wealth of contextual information. The core of the book is formed by a close reading of the initiation ritual, including the burning of incense, the altar, the enactment of a journey of life and death, and the blood covenant. Different narrative structures are also presented. These include the messianic demonological paradigm, political legitimation, and the foundation of myth. Triad lore is placed in its own religious and cultural context, allowing radically new conclusions about its origins, meanings and functions. This book is of special interest to social historians, anthropologists, and students of Chinese religious culture.

About the Author

Barend J. ter Haar, Doctorate (1990) in Sinology, University of Leiden. Professor of the Social and Economic History of China at the University of Heidelberg. Publications include The White Lotus Teachings in Chinese Religious History (Brill, 1992).