福州的摆塔文化揭秘道教天然道观中的九字真言修炼艺术
福州的“摆塔文化”：道教天然道观中的九字真言修炼艺术
福州的“摆塔文化”，源远流长，至今依旧是中秋佳节的一大特色。据说，这一习俗始于明嘉靖年间，当时戚继光凯旋归来，百姓为了庆祝，将家中的贵重物品摆放在门口，以示欢迎和庆贺。随着时间的推移，“摆塔”这一活动在清代也风行一时。
施鸿保在《闽杂记补遗》中记载了当时的情景：“福州人家中秋夜多供泥塑、宝塔，彩色辉丽、雕镂精工，小则数寸高，大则如塔或高七八尺，作十三层，燃灯其中，层层照灼。”这些 towers were not only decorations, but also symbolized the respect for ancestors and the joy of celebrating the festival.
The tradition of "dressing up" in temples was inherited by the Fo Shan Temple in Fuzhou, which was built during the Song Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a popular activity to hold temple fairs where people would display their wealth and status. After 1949, with the revival of traditional culture, Fo Shan Temple continued this practice under the leadership of its chairman Chen Jinfeng.
Every year on Mid-Autumn Festival eve, Chairman Chen would organize a traditional folk activity called "dressing up". A few tables were set up in an empty room, each one representing a different level of prosperity. The highest table was placed against a wall with models or clay figurines as high as seven to nine stories or even thirteen layers tall.
The main items displayed included toys such as dolls made from mud or porcelain figures of animals and people. The arrangement was carefully planned so that larger items were placed at back while smaller ones were at front. There had to be a pair of "禾秧盆景" (a small container filled with sand and water) on every table which represented five-grain abundance.
In recent years, apart from celebrating national heroes like General Qi Jianguo's victory over Japanese forces during World War II., these displays have taken on new meanings too: they now represent progress upwards step by step - reflecting upon how we have overcome challenges together through unity.
During this difficult time when COVID-19 has brought our world to standstill,
we are reminded once again that tradition is not static; it evolves.
And so do we.
Let us cherish our past while embracing change,
and celebrate life together - no matter what obstacles come our way.
(Fo Shan Temple supplied article)
This article highlights how cultural practices evolve over time yet remain connected to their roots. It showcases how traditions can adapt while still maintaining their essence and significance within society's ever-changing landscape.
