Ancestor Worship in Shanghai

Abstract

This report examines different experiences of ancestor worship held by members of a younger and older generation living in Shanghai. The information used in this report has been gathered from Shanghainese and non-Shanghainese people interviewed in Shanghai. The participants were chosen based on what political era in China they grew up in. The goal of this research was to determine whether or not different generations of Chinese people held different beliefs towards ancestor worship or practiced ancestor worship differently in modern day Shanghai, and the extent of these possible differences. Over eighteen interviews, differences and disparities within ancestor worship practices became evident. Most notable were the distinct reasons as to why each generation viewed ancestor worship as valuable; while older people recognized the benefits of ancestor worship in promoting filial piety, the younger generation saw the practice as an expression of traditional Chinese culture. Results also showed that older participants mentioned a wider variety of types of offerings in comparison to those mentioned by the younger participants. There are many individual and generational disparities in the offerings and attitudes towards ancestor worship. What remains constant between generations is the participation in worship activities during significant Chinese festivals, the recognition of value of ancestor worship, the desire to teach ancestor worship to the next generation, the proportion of each generation that view ancestor worship as a superstition, the proportion that does not view ancestor worship as superstition, and the desire to make practices of ancestor worship less harmful to the environment.