The Cultural Transformation of Ancestor Worship in China: From Tradition to Digitalization
Main Article Content
Abstract
Ancestor worship is a tradition that has long been an important part of Chinese culture, reflecting the values of family memory, moral ethics, and collective identity. As social changes and technological advancements have occurred, the practice of ancestor worship has undergone a significant transformation from traditional rituals bound by time and space to a more flexible and individualized digital form. The study examines these changes using a five-dimensional comparative framework: time, space, behavior and media, social participation and interaction, and governance and ethics. The methods used include literature review, thematic analysis, and field observation, so as to gain an in-depth understanding of the shift from clan-based collective rituals to offline hybrid practices that adapt to modern lifestyles. The results of the study show the decentralization of time and space, symbolization and digitization of ritual media, diversification of participation, and changes in governance patterns. Despite the change in form, core values such as devotion to ancestors and memory preservation are maintained. This study highlights the challenges and opportunities in maintaining the depth of cultural meaning and sense of ritual in the digital age, and provides recommendations for the development of digital platforms and cultural preservation policies.
Highlights
1. This study applies a five-dimensional comparative framework to examine the transformation of ancestor worship in China from traditional rituals to digital practices.
2. It integrates literature review, thematic analysis, and observational methods, ensuring both historical depth and contemporary relevance.
3. The findings emphasize continuity of filial piety and collective memory, while revealing challenges and potentials in enhancing ritual sense on digital platforms.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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