33 Secret Societies in Chinese Folk Religion

List of contents

Secret Societies in Chinese Folk Religion.- Southern Traditions.- Northern Tradition.

About the author

One of the best sinologists of modern times, Guy Alitto is an American academic in the History and East Asian Languages and Civilization Departments at the University of Chicago. He is known in China for revitalizing the scholarship on Chinese Confucian scholar Liang Shuming. He is best known in America for his scholarship and for his role as translator for the first official Chinese delegations to the United States after Richard Nixon’s first visits to China.

Summary

This lecture navigates the intricate terrain of secret societies within Chinese folk religions, offering a comprehensive examination of two primary traditions: the Southern Triads and the Northern Tradition. It explores their historical development, organizational structures, and societal implications, particularly in relation to their potential for political subversion. The lecture elucidates the distinct characteristics of each tradition, highlighting the Southern Triads' emphasis on mutual aid and adaptability, primarily prevalent in southern regions, and the Northern Tradition's rootedness in Buddhism and hierarchical teacher-student relationships, predominantly observed in North China. Furthermore, it delves into shared elements such as associations with martial arts and notions of righteousness, often leading to anti-dynastic actions in certain contexts.

Product details

• Authors: Guy S. Alitto
• Publisher: Springer EN
• Languages: English
• Product format: Mixed media product
• Release: 13.06.2026
• EAN: 9789819566525
• ISBN: 978-981-9566-52-5
• Illustrations: Approx. 20 p. Book + Online Course.
• Series: The Uniqueness of Chinese Civilization in World History
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Philosophy > Eastern philosophy; China, Kulturwissenschaften, Ethnische Gruppen und multikulturelle Studien, Asiatische Geschichte, Cultural Studies, Buddhism, Secret societies, Political subversion, Race and Ethnicity Studies, History of China, Chinese philosophy, Southern Triads, Northern Tradition