Ancient Chinese Religion
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- Shang Di meant "Lord On High" and the Shang believed this spirit ruled over the spirits of the sun, moon, wind, rain, and other natural forces.
- Ancestor worship was an important feature of Chinese religion but was limited to wealthier classes until the Han dynasty. The Shang believed their ancestors went to heaven after death. They sacrificed humans to honor ancestors. When a Shang king died, slaves and prisoners were put to death.
- Worship was directed with help of a shaman. Shamans enlisted the help of animals who were thought to have a special connection with ancestors.
- Bones and shells were inscribed with questions asked by kings and answers given by oracles. The cracks were read and answered. This was known as divination. Oracles were considered to have a special talent and the ability to predict the future.
- People battled for control of parts of China and constantly fought. During this time, Chinese society was falling apart. Some philosophers felt that the Chinese needed to return to their values. So many ideas were circulating that this time was called the Hundred Schools of Thought.
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