Ying-Hsun Chen

7.6 Ritual Aesthetics and Community Heritage: The Case of the Three-Consecrations Ritual (Paper)

Ying-Hsun Chen – Overseas Chinese University, Taichung, Taiwan

Abstract:

The paper delves into the intricate interplay between ritual aesthetics and community heritage, focusing on the Three-Consecrations Ritual associated with the Older Second Mazu pilgrimage. Through in-depth interviews with ritual participants and observers, the paper explores how the sensory and symbolic elements of the ritual contribute to the preservation and transmission of cultural values and beliefs. The analysis highlights the role of ritual aesthetics in fostering a sense of community belonging and identity, as well as in shaping individual and collective experiences. By examining the specific case of the Three-Consecrations Ritual, this research demonstrates how ritual traditions can serve as powerful tools for cultural transmission, connecting individuals to their heritage and strengthening community bonds across generations. The carefully choreographed movements, use of symbolic objects, and recitation of specific texts within the ritual create a visually and aurally rich experience that reinforces underlying cultural values and beliefs. By participating in this ritual, community members actively engage in the preservation of their cultural heritage, ensuring that these traditions continue to thrive.