闽南“普度”的文化功能与性状

Cultural Functions and Characters of “Salvation”in South Fujian

闽南"普度"信仰习俗由来已久,其主要表现为:七月初一"起灯脚"、八月初一"倒灯脚";农历十五的"祭公妈";"普度月"中最重要的部分"普度日"。近年来"普度"形式开始变化:轮流"普度"以增进情感交流;简化"祭祀"仪式;摈弃"普度宴"中滋生的陋习。但无论形式上如何变化,信仰功能始终没有变化。普度习俗具有沟通情感、凝聚力量、教化民众和促进经济发展等价值功能。

The “salvation” belief custom in south Fujian has a long history, which mainly consists of the following customs：the first one is the“light” on lunar July 1st or the“lamp” on lunar August 1st;the second one is“offering sacrifices to ancestors”on the 15th of the lunar month;the third one is the“salvation day” which is the most important part of the“salvation month”. The“salvation” forms have changed in recent years： i. e. taking turns to do “salvation” so as to promote emotional communication, simplifying the “sacrifice” ceremonies, abandoning the “salvation feast”. Whatever forms have changed, people’ s beliefs have never changed for people believe “salvation” can better communicate, consolidate and educate people as well as promote economic development.