Abstract
This dissertation investigates the goddess and women involved in the traditional beliefs of Muniang (Queen Mother of the West). The research was conducted in Cimu Temple located in “S” Town (Pseudo name) in central Taiwan. The Cimu Temple goddess originated from the Qingshan Yunxiao Monastery in Shuangxi District of New Taipei City. The study investigates the role of gender and its implications for contemporary Taiwanese beliefs regarding Muniang through the investigation of gender perspectives and women’s identity. The study also examined how the beliefs were applied and practiced in Taiwanese society. In short, it is hoped that the research enriches and refines the study of Muniang beliefs in Taiwan, as well as helps to create a new path and provides new perspectives for use in future research. The dissertation was divided into four major parts. Part One discusses the characteristics of the Muniang beliefs of the Qingshan Sect. Part Two begins with the analysis of the divinity, deification, and different roles Muniang plays through a thorough review of existing literature and research. It then investigates how the disciples understand and conceptualize the goddess through field studies. Finally, Part Two explores the meaning and significance of gender concepts as embodied and represented by the female deity. Part Three and Part Four focus on women, and in particular the expert performers of the religious ceremonies and female disciples involved in the beliefs of Muniang. The interactions between those women and Muniang, as well as between the women themselves, were also examined. Part Three describes and elucidates two common behaviors among women: crying to display sadness and dancing to express happiness. It also scrutinizes the gender structure covered under the expression of sadness and happiness. Part Four mainly focuses on the make-up of the female members, how they establish their relationships and stay cohesive, as well as the alternation of their roles. It also inspects how women establish a relatively equal, flexible, and empowering female coalition in an organization where men and women co-exist. The research and analysis conducted in the four major parts of the study reveal that on the surface, Muniang and her female disciples appear to follow the mainstream concepts of the Han society regarding gender and social values. In fact, there are many non-mainstream features exhibited in the religion which provide possibilities and permit differences. Little man-made effort was needed to promote the goddess; the unique quality of the religion itself made it possible for the goddess to become a deity in a short period of time that was not subordinate to male deities but even superior to them. Women were also allowed to attain a relatively more equal status in the religion. In other words, the disciples demonstrate different interpretations and make different value judgments regarding gender, in comparison to people from the same society. The female disciples try to strengthen their power and energy, and change their role in the religion, as well as their situation in the society, by utilizing their assigned social roles as women and by dividing labor based on gender differences. We can conclude that from the goddess, Muniang, and her female disciples, mainstream concepts regarding gender are not consistently held. Similar phenomenon can also be found in the Qingshan Sect Muniang beliefs system. This indicates that the Muniang beliefs in Taiwan are not like a piece of static iron steel. Although the core beliefs of various Muniang temples might appear to be similar to those of the Ci Hui Temple and Sheng-an Palace, differences in beliefs are now apparent after many years of individual growth and development. In short, the religion was built on traditions. However, while carrying out the traditions, it has also attempted to reinterpret the traditions according to the situations and needs of contemporary society. Key expressions: Muniang, Wangmu Niangniang, Queen Mother of the West, gender, goddess, female deities, female disciples