Temple Fair (Xishan Longevity Palace temple fair)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: Temple Fair (Xishan Longevity Palace temple fair)

Applicant: Xinjian County, Jiangxi Province

Item No.: 991

Project No.: Ⅹ - 84

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: folk customs

Region: Jiangxi Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Xinjian County, Jiangxi Province

Protection unit: Folk Culture Association of Xinjian District, Nanchang City

Temple Fair (Xishan Longevity Palace temple fair)

Applicant: Xinjian County, Jiangxi Province

Xishan Wanshougong temple fair is a traditional folk cultural space for worshiping Xu Xun, the founder of jingmingdao, which is regularly held in Wanshougong, Xinjian County, Jiangxi Province.

Xu Xun (239-374), a native of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, grew up in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province. In 321, emperor yuan of the Eastern Jin Dynasty lived in seclusion in the former site of Meixian temple in the southern suburb of Nanchang. He founded a Taoist temple and established the Jingming Taoist school. He was honored as the founder. The Taoist immortal said that he became an immortal and was one of the "Twelve true kings". In the second year of huizongzhenghe (1112) of the Northern Song Dynasty, he was granted the title of "emperor of miraculous skill and wonderful economy", promoted to Xishan temple in Nanchang as a palace, and granted the title of "Yulong Longevity Palace". After that, regular temple fairs were formed.

It is said that the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar is the day when Xu Zhenjun ascends to heaven. Therefore, from July 20 to the first day of September every year is the "fragrant period" when believers gather in the mountains to worship, also known as the "temple fair period". On the morning of the first day of the eighth month, the pilgrimage team held the banner of "longevity and incense", accompanied by gongs, drums and horns. Chen Jing made offerings, recited his wishes and prayed for blessings. At night, folk troupes perform.

The project covers the fields of belief, folklore, folk literature and art, which is of great significance for inheriting the fine traditions of the Chinese nation and enhancing the cohesion of the community. It also has the research value of religion, folklore and history.