Views of Ancestors:

A Case Study on Reconstruction of Ancestor Worship in Shan-dong Peninsula, China

Abstract

  This paper discusses the case reconstruction of ancestor worship practiced by a localized lineage called “Beitou-Du-shi” in Shan-dong peninsula, China. This paper, first, considers that reconstruction of ancestor worship is a process for descendants, who want to reflect their various interests, to try reinterpreting their understandings about ancestors and histories. Then, this paper focuses on the aspect of important role of ancestor worship that some economical successes compete spending their resources to raise their prestige.

  This paper tries to describe some aspects of ancestor worship from following perspectives;

1) What is the most variable concern for descendants of “Beitou-Du-shi”?

2) How do descendants of “Beitou-Du-shi” raise their prestige through ancestor worship?

  Besides, this study also confirmed the importance of perspective that donor to their ancestor hall cannot raise their prestige without other descendants’ acceptance and admission. So, all descendants have a standard to decide whether they give prestige to the contributor or not.