Mazu of Meizhou Island,China:Construction of Self-identity and Social Network of Chinese People in the Process of Globalization

Abstract

At present, in the context of the world’s protection of intangible cultural heritage and China’s policy of “One Belt, One Road”, due to Mazu's unique culture and characteristic as folk belief, Mazu has become important bond for promoting China's unity, strengthening cohesion. It contributes to contact with the overseas Chinese people. Mazu culture has profound cultural connotation and historical value. The research in this article will help spread and carry forward Mazu culture, strengthen people's moral concepts, form a good social atmosphere, and maintain social stability. This has important practical significance.

First of all, this article starts with studying the specific social culture and geographical environment of Meizhou Island, and sorts out the origin, development, myths of Mazu belief.

Secondly, starting with representative Mazu artworks, it lists and analyzes the artistic characteristics of folk customs, clothes and architecture, and analyzes the symbolic significance of the Mazu statue as a new landmark on Meizhou Island.

Third, it analyzes the construction process and mode of contemporary Mazu belief, and explores the performance of contemporary Chinese self-identity of Mazu belief and the important influence of Mazu belief on the self-identity of different groups.

Fourth, it analyzes the social network of residents on Meizhou Island and the influence performance of the Mazu ancestral temple, and discusses the role and performance of Mazu belief and related organizations in the construction of social networks of the overseas Chinese people.

Fifth, it analyzes the Mazu Festival, which is an important part of the Mazu beliefs and customs of the world's intangible cultural heritage, and expounds the brand-new manifestation of the Mazu Festival in modern society. It uses the concepts of self-identity and social network to do research for demonstrate the significance and value of the Mazu Festival.

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