Changing Gods in Medieval China, 1127-1276

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Social and economic transformations during the Southern Song period significantly influenced religious practices in medieval China. Valerie Hansen explores how common people, often unfamiliar with Buddhist and Daoist texts, turned to local practitioners and deities for assistance in daily life, particularly in matters of health and agriculture. As the economy flourished, the roles of deities expanded, with some engaging in national markets. By analyzing various historical sources, Hansen highlights the uneven pace of religious change between lowland and highland regions, revealing a complex landscape of worship and belief.