Benzhuism of Bai Ethnic Group
The worship of the communal gods, or Benzhuism, is a distinctive religious practice among the Bai ethnic group in China. Rooted in ancient beliefs and customs, Benzhuism plays a significant role in the social and cultural fabric of Bai communities.
Communal gods, also known as “Wuzeng,” “Laogu,” or “Laotai,” are revered as protectors of local villages, guardians of people’s destinies, and providers of prosperity and abundance. Each Bai village typically has one or more shrines dedicated to these communal gods, with clay or wooden figures worshipped within them. The worship of communal gods is a form of polytheism, with each god overseeing different aspects of life, such as the natural world, human affairs, illnesses, domestic animals, and more.
These communal gods can take various forms, including natural objects like stones and trees, deities such as mountain gods and harvest gods, historical figures, and even characters from folklore. Each god has its own title and is accompanied by oral or written legend stories.
The worship of communal gods among the Bai people exhibits two key characteristics. Firstly, it is a polytheistic religion centered on the communal god, with subsidiary gods playing supporting roles. Secondly, many of the worshipped gods are ancestors or figures who have contributed positively to the community or society.
The worship of communal gods is deeply ingrained in Bai culture and society, with various manifestations such as fixed shrines in every village, dedicated individuals or organizations overseeing worship rituals, and annual temple fairs commemorating important events in the gods’ lives. These rituals often involve dressing up, animal sacrifices, dragon and lion rituals, burning incense and paper, and lighting firecrackers.
Overall, Benzhuism reflects the intertwined nature of politics, history, philosophy, production, daily life, culture, art, and customs within Bai society. It is a vibrant and integral aspect of Bai culture, shaping their worldview and collective identity.
