The primal polytheistic Shamanism of Manchu Ethnic Group

Shamanism is one of the terminal forms of primal religions. It came into being in the evening of the primitive society. It was called Shamanism because the sorcerers of each tribe in Manchu-Tungus group were named “shaman”(which meant “excited”, “agitated” or “fury man”). Shamanism had the apparent traits of religions of clan tribe. It was also scientifically called “Nimbus Shamanism” and was once popular in the core terrains of Siberia and Asia (including northeast China and inner Mongolia area).

Though there were not the same classics, same names of gods or unified organization in those tribes believing in Shamanism, there were some roughly identical basic features. They believed in animism and that soul is immortal. They believed there are three circles such as the heaven, the world and the hell in the universe: gods live in the heaven; human being live in the world and devils and ancestor gods live in the hell. They believed that the gods and devils are in charge of everything in the universe and of everyone’s weal and woe: gods bestow weal and devils spread woe. They believed that Shaman gods could protect them.

They believed that the deputies/avatars of gods who are the agents between human and gods or devils, have special characters and theurgies, can help them get rid of misfortune and appeal for good fortune. There were feast days and rituals which the whole tribe could take part in. In the northeast China, Shamanism was believed by Manchu, Daur, Oroqen, Ewenki, Hezhen, Xibe and part of Mongol. In the history, Korea, Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz and Yugur also once believed in Shamanism.