The Continuation of Incense Worship: Exploring the Rituals of Ancestral Belief in the Incense Worship Culture from the Perspective of Chinese Transmission

Abstract

Incense worship refers to the incense or candlelight used for worshipping ancestors or deities, which is an indispensable part of traditional Chinese culture. With the succession of generations and the evolution of culture, the term incense worship has gradually developed more connotations, among which the evolution based on clan implications is particularly characterized by localization. This paper will deeply explore the connotations of incense worship from the perspective of Chinese transmission, tracing its evolution in the context of ancestor worship and the localization of clan traditions. At the same time, from the perspective of communication studies, it analyzes its metaphor as a form of communication, glimpsing the rituals of ancestral belief in the incense worship culture through exploration of media, ceremonies, and space, and discussing its modern continuation and changes.