Spirit-writing altars and Daoist rituals in Qing Jiangnan

ABSTRACT The study of late imperial spirit-writing altars has so far focused on their textual productions. The historical evidence, however, also shows that many of them operated as ritual service centers, providing for free a large range of rituals including healing, salvation of the dead, exorcism and more. The article surveys these activities and the ways in which ‘lay’ members were trained in ritual and practiced it not only for themselves but also for the local communities. In conclusion, the article questions the relevance of the commonly held distinction between ‘professional’ Daoist priests performing rituals, and ‘lay’ Daoists supposedly only interested in self-cultivation.