Daoism Research Paper

Daoism dates back to 600 B.C., but that is not what makes it so interesting. What makes it interesting is that it is still strong in China, thus prompting me to ask: “What are the modern ritual practices of Daoism?” I pondered this question because in history class, we only study what happened in the past, and we do not dwell on the present, also, I have a curiosity for other religions because it is important to be able to respect all religion, and to be able to respect it, you must have general knowledge on the subject. Through my research to learn more about this religion, I discovered that one of the practices in Daoism is a festival. This festival lasts in between two to seven days which are filled with rites, plays, parades, communal meals, and incense. The bulk of the festival is a two day service which includes fifteen different rites, but the two main types of rituals are funeral rites for ancestors and rites on local communities. The rites with the local communities involve many communities, and happen every three, five, or twelve years. These rites are extremely expensive, but are paid by donations and community leaders. Both rites consist of fasting and communion. Only certain people can perform the rites for everyone; they are called the Taoshi. …show more content…
Apprenticed Taoshi are musicians, and advanced apprenticed Taoshi light incense and recite passages. The main ritual is performed by five Taoshi, the Great Master and four assistants. While the assistant Taoshi are performing the rituals of dances and processions, along with the communication with the celestial government and the invocations, the Great Master is preparing for his role of the Dance of the Stars where he presents the petition to the gods and burns the memorial and scatters the ashes. After that is performed, there is more chanting and a communal banquet, which concludes the main