Mother Ghost Wants to Get a Human Son-in-law: Ghost Shrines and Human Greed in Taiwan
Resource
國立臺灣大學考古人類學刊, 75, 13-36
Journal
國立臺灣大學考古人類學刊
Journal Issue
75
Pages
13-36
Date Issued
2011-12
Date
2011-12
Author(s)
Lin, W.P.
Abstract
This article, inspired by material culture studies, reconsiders the concept of ghost by means of a detailed analysis of a particular type of religious architecture, the ghost shrine. By studying its material composition, naming and rites, I show how ghosts are conceived of as asocial and individual beings, gathering mostly in single-sexed groups. This forms the basis for understanding the incidence of a “ghost mother wanting a human son-in-law”. In contrast to previous research which describes human-ghost relations from the perspective of the trouble-making and threatening roles of ghosts, this story importantly shows that it is not only ghosts who take advantage of human beings. Motivated by greed, humans also cross the spatial boundary separating humans and ghosts to coerce the latter for their own selfish ends. By dramatizing the gender contrast of ghosts and humans, the story of the ghost mother epitomizes people’s ridicule and condemnation of human greed.
Subjects
漢人宗教、鬼、三片壁、物質文化、貪婪 (sensory experience, bodily experience, emptiness, common sense, local biology)
Type
journal article
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