新加坡华人的行业神崇拜 = WORSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL GODS AMONG THE CHINESE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The main focus of this thesis is on the worship of professional gods among the Chinese in Singapore. Both academics and researchers have long studied the vast and complicated topic of religions in China. Up to this day, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism are still widely accepted by the intellectuals as the three main religions of the Chinese society. The worship of professional gods is actually a sub-religion under Taoism. From the late nineteenth century till the early twentieth century, Singapore experienced an influx of immigrants from China, particularly from the southern coastal regions of the country. As the immigrants arrived in Singapore, they brought along their religious beliefs and cultural practices, among which includes what we later know as the worship of professional gods. This study is divided into two areas. In the first area, emphasis is placed on the explanation and exploration of the various features of Chinese religions, with special focus on the worship of professional gods. In the second area, case studies are conducted with the aim of observing and analyzing the situation of traditional worship of deities among businesses in Singapore.