Folk belief and custom (Leizu belief and custom)

The name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: folk belief and custom (Leizu belief and custom)

Applicant: Yuan'an County, Hubei Province

Item No.: 992

Project No.: Ⅹ - 85

Time of publication: 2011 (the third batch)

Category: folk customs

Region: Hubei Province

Type: Extension Project

Applicant: Yuan'an County, Hubei Province

Protection unit: Yuan'an Cultural Center

A brief introduction to folk belief custom (Leizu belief custom)

Applicant: Yuan'an County, Hubei Province

The belief custom of Leizu is a traditional custom of offering sacrifices to the ancestors in Leizu Temple of Yuan'an County, Hubei Province.

According to the records of the five emperors in historical records, "the Yellow Emperor lived in Xuanyuan's hill, and married his daughter in Xiling, who was Leizu." "Leizu, the daughter of the Xiling family, was the imperial concubine of the Yuan Dynasty. She began to teach the people how to raise silkworms and manage silk cocoons for clothing. Later generations worshipped silkworms first."

Yuan'an has been a famous "Yasi" producing area since ancient times. According to folklore, today's goujiaya town is the "hometown of Leizu". Worshiping Leizu has been passed down from generation to generation, and worshiping silkworm God has become a common practice. In early spring, when mulberry trees sprout, they hold the first sacrifice, also known as the head sacrifice. It is said that the 15th day of the third month of the lunar calendar is the birthday of Leizu. It is a day of great sacrifice. Most worshippers are women. Pilgrims and merchants gather in Jingxiang area. Autumn is the last sacrifice. Send the silkworm God back to heaven, invite the silkworm eggs to sleep for the winter, and have a feast to celebrate the harvest.

At present, Leizu temple in Hehua town has the largest scale of activities. Goujiaya town is also a sacrificial center. The sacrificial rites in Yuan'an are mainly made of silk, the main and subordinate sacrificial rites are mainly made of silk, and the children are the sub sacrificial rites, which are the characteristics of Leizu's sacrificial activities in Yuan'an.

The project is of great significance to inherit the fine traditions of the Chinese nation and enhance the cohesion of the community.