略论古代浙东沿海地区观音信仰的海神化

A Brief Discussion on the Evolution of Guanyin Belief to Sea God in the Coastal Areas of Eastern Zhejiang in Ancient Times

古代浙东沿海地区观音信仰的海神化进程始于六朝时期,经过唐宋时期的发展,到明清时期基本完成。这种演变是民间海洋开发不断拓展和官方倡导扶持共同作用的结果,其重点在于护海和守海两方面的精神追求。相对于其他海神信仰,海神化的观音信仰具有信仰体系的相对独立性、信仰内涵的开放性和灵活性等特点,体现了浙东地区开放包容、刚毅坚卓的海洋文化精神,对区域社会和文化产生了多方面的影响。

The evolution of the Guanyin belief to sea God in the coastal areas of eastern Zhejiang Province began in the Six Dynasties,followed by the development in the Tang and Song Dynasties and was basically completed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.This evolution was the result of both the folk marine development and official support,while its core was the spiritual pursuit of marine safety and protection.Compared with other belief systems,Guanyin belief was,relatively speaking,an independent one,having openness and flexibility of the belief connotation.It embodies such marine spirit of eastern Zhejiang Province as openness,inclusiveness,diligence,and fortitude,hence it has a multifaceted impact on the society and culture of the area.