By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
What is the Chenghuang Culture?
Chenghuang Culture rooted in traditional Chinese beliefs, revolves around the worship of the City God, known as Chenghuang. This cultural and religious practice has deep historical and social significance, reflecting the values, history, and communal aspirations of Chinese cities.
Historical Background
The concept of Chenghuang dates back to ancient China, where city gods were believed to protect the inhabitants and oversee the affairs of their respective cities. The worship of Chenghuang became formalized during the Han Dynasty and gained widespread popularity during the Tang and Song Dynasties.
Souther Song Dynasty
During the Southern Song Dynasty, many Chenghuang Temples were constructed, including the notable Chenghuang Temple in Hangzhou.
Ming Dynasty
The practice of venerating specific historical figures as Chenghuang became prominent. In Hangzhou, Zhou Xin, a 15th century imperial officer, became the revered City God after his execution for his integrity.
Key Elements of Chenghuang Culture
Chenghuang Temples - These temples are central to Chenghuang culture, serving as places of worship, community gatherings, and cultural preservation. They are often located in significant or elevated areas within a city, such as Wushan Hill in Hangzhou.
Deity Worship - Chenghuang temples typically honor ancient royal officials or local heroes who are believed to become guardians of the city after death. The gods are revered for their virtues, integrity, and contributions to the community.
Festivals and Rituals - Annual festivals and rituals are conducted to honor Chenghuang, involving offerings, prayers, and elaborate ceremonies. These events often coincide with local traditions and agricultural cycles, reinforcing communal bonds and cultural continuity.
Parades and Celebrations - Processions and parades, such as the one held in Hangzhou, are integral to Chenghuang culture. These events feature traditional performances like dragon and lion dances, showcasing the city's historical and cultural heritage.
Social and Cultural Significance
Community Protection - Chenghuang is believed to protect the city and its inhabitants from misfortune, disasters, and evil spirits. The deity's role extends to maintaining social order and justice.
Moral Exemplars - The venerated figures serve as moral exemplars, embodying virtues such as honesty, integrity, and loyalty. Their stories are used to educate and inspire the community.
Cultural Preservation - Chenghuang culture plays a crucial role in preserving local traditions, folklore, and historical narratives. It fosters a sense of identity and continuity among the residents.
Prayers and Wishes - People visit Chenghuang temples to pray for various blessings, including good fortune, health, successful marriages, offspring, academic success, and career advancements. The belief in Chenghuang's protective and benevolent powers remains strong among the devotees.
Hangzhou Parade Revives Chenghuang Cultural Heritage
The Chenghuang Temple, also known as the City God Temple, embodies the essence of a city in China. Located atop Wushan Hill in Hangzhou, this seven story building encapsulates the past, present, and future aspirations of the city. To preserve the intangible cultural heritage of Chenghuang, a parade will be held on June 22, featuring festive celebrations and folklore.
Each city's Chenghuang Temple typically honors ancient royal officials as its guardians. In Hangzhou, the "god" worshipped is Zhou Xin, a high ranking imperial officer overseeing litigation in Zhejiang during the 15th century. Built in the Southern Song Dynasty, the temple began venerating Zhou during the Ming Dynasty after he was executed for his integrity and incorruptibility. Historical records indicate that Hangzhou residents celebrated Zhou's character annually throughout the Ming Dynasty.
This year, the local government aims to revive Chenghuang culture with the parade, which dates back centuries. The procession will start at the Chenghuang Temple, proceed along Liangdaoshan, and end at Hefang Street. Traditional dragon and lion dances will be performed, and the procession will carry Zhou's sculpture, lanterns, and flags, following Ming Dynasty ceremonial traditions.
Tickets and reservations for the event can be made via the Zhangshang app or the Hangzhou Chenghuang Temple and West Lake Scenic Area's official WeChat accounts. On June 22, tourists named Zhou Xin with June birthdays will receive free entrance and a gift package upon presenting their identity cards at the gate.
To avoid weekend traffic around Wushan Hill, Shanghai Daily recommends public transportation. Over 200 trains run daily between Shanghai and Hangzhou, with the fastest journey taking only 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased via the 12306 app or at rail stops. Upon arrival in Hangzhou, take Line 7 to Hangzhou East Railway Station and get off at Wushan Square Station.
The Chenghuang Temple is open at night, offering scenic views and cool mountain breezes, and is an ideal spot for panoramic views of West Lake. Over centuries, the temple has become a place for people to pray for good fortune, happy marriages, offspring, bright futures, and academic success, believing that the city god will protect them and ward off bad luck.
In addition to the Chenghuang Temple, Wushan Hill hosts several other temples worth visiting. Wugong Temple honors Wu Zixu, a scholar and military general from the Spring and Autumn Period. Other notable sites include a temple dedicated to the God of Medicine and a shrine for Ruan Yuan, a Qing Dynasty governor of Zhejiang. Hidden among Wushan Hill's lush vegetation is the Dongyue Temple, dedicated to the God of Mount Tai, believed by Taoists to connect Earth and Heaven. This temple was erected in the Northern Song Dynasty and was a bustling site during the Song Dynasty.
The Buddhist grottoes inside Baocheng Temple, featuring statues of Mahakala and two Bodhisattvas from 1322, are a must see, showcasing the prominence of Tibetan Buddhism at the Yuan royal court.