Worship of the living

What it is

Worship of the living is an East Asian tradition where shrines are erected for people who are still alive. It serves two main purposes: honouring a living person for their significant contributions to society, or enshrining one's own spirit to gain spiritual power. The practice appears in both Chinese and Japanese history, though its meaning and reception have shifted over time.

Where it comes from

The earliest recorded instance occurred during the Former Han dynasty when Reunobu, a prime minister of Yan, built a shrine between Yan and Qi. Later, Shiqing, prime minister of Qi, also had a shrine built by his people. These early structures marked the beginning of the birth shrine tradition in China.

How it is done

The method involved constructing physical shrines and placing statues of the living individual inside. People would then perform rituals and pay respects at these sites. In Japan, specific rituals were devised based on Confucian ceremonies to establish these spiritual memorial sites.

Tools and materials

The primary tools are the shrines themselves, often containing statues of the honoured person. Materials included wood and stone for construction, and offerings were made at the site. The cost could be substantial, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of units of currency.

What it is for

In China, it was initially used to commemorate clean politics and good governance. Later, it was used to flatter powerful figures like Wei Zhongxian. In Japan, it was believed to grant longevity in life or allow the person to become a god after death, linking the practice to spiritual protection and power.

Who does it

The practice was driven by local communities building shrines for officials, or by the individuals themselves establishing their own memorials. Scholars and priests in Japan, such as Yamazaki Ansai, played a key role in devising the rituals. Officials in China were often the subjects rather than the practitioners.

Peoples and places

In China, the practice declined after being associated with the corrupt eunuch Wei Zhongxian in the Ming dynasty. In Japan, it flourished during the Edo period through neo-Confucian influence and was later adopted by State Shinto for imperial worship. The Japanese tradition continued until 1945.

What people believe

The underlying belief is that a person's spirit can be enshrined and worshipped while they live. This is thought to protect the individual, grant them longevity, or elevate them to divine status. The practice is linked to the myth of Amaterasu, who enshrined her own spirit at Mount Miwa.

When it is done

There are no specific calendar days tied to the general practice. However, shrines were established at various times, such as 1797 for Matsudaira Sadanobu and 1671 for Yamazaki Ansai. Imperial shrines were built during the late 19th century.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Modern scholars view the Chinese practice negatively due to its association with Wei Zhongxian's corruption. Genchi Kato has studied the Japanese seishi extensively, identifying hundreds of examples. Historians note the shift from honouring virtue to enabling flattery.

Compare and confuse

It is distinct from standard ancestor worship, which honours the dead. It is related to the deification of living rulers, particularly in Japan where emperors were worshipped. It differs from stage magic or folk charms as it involves permanent architectural structures.

Law and persecution

In Tang dynasty China, building shrines without permission was illegal and punishable by imprisonment. In Japan, the practice was officially supported during State Shinto but ended with the fall of the imperial system in 1945.

Questions people ask about Worship of the living

Good reading and sources

• Worship of the living on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data