英文摘要
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In the jiao and zhai ceremonies of Tainan Lingbao altars, rites called "offerings" performed to present offerings to deities consist of the first and the second parts. The first is a sacred and institutionalized ceremony, transmitted from a historical origin. Altars can pick from a broad repertoire of texts to carry out this part, including texts called qixian, jiuchen, jiuchendabi and jiudaluo. The second part is the result of a process of folklorization and localization. Observations from the field show that this part offers the officiating priest a stage to show off his skills through variations in melodies, lyrics and performance, more than is usually possible in other rites. By varying the way in which certain parts are sung or recited and by using specific bodily movements, the way a rite is performed plays its part in expressing the meaning of the rite. This means that sounds and movements do not just play an auxiliary or catalyzing role, but are essential elements in the practice of a rite. By analyzing the musical behavior and performance of the Offering rite, this paper will discuss the current situation of the rite and its religious connotations.
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