族群、社会、信仰 : 三山国王崇拜从粤东到新马的传播 = Ethnicity, society and religion: The spread of Sanshan Guowang Cult from Eastern Guangdong to Singapore and Malaysia

Abstract

Large scale Chinese migration into Southeast Asia occurred in the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century. Most of these early Chinese migrants were ardent believers of deities. The Guangdong migrants in particular, the Teochews and Hakkas dialect groups brought along the Sanshan Guowang (cult of the Three Mountain Kings) to Southern Asia. After the settlement?s founding, a number of local temples dedicated to the Sanshan Guowang were set up. They transplanted the cult of Sanshan Guowang from their homeland in Southeast China to Singapore and Malaysia.

The main purpose of my study is to analyze the historical development of the Sanshan Guowang belief and its transitions from the eastern Guangdong to Singapore and Malaysia from the 19th century to now. My thesis also involve a in-depth elaboration of the clan, ritual and society of both Teochews and Hakkas ethnic. Tracing the long-term and diverse evolution of the Sanshan Guowang temple networks. On the other hand, to seek religious linkages between China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia were important in maintaining the cultural identity and spiritual ties between the China and the Chinese overseas.