Analysis of Beliefs and Rituals Presented in the Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Zhuang Ethnic Group of the Zhuang Ethnic Group

Abstract

This research aims to investigate and analyze the beliefs and rituals depicted in the Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Zhuang people. It adopts a qualitative research approach, focusing on documentary data study. The literature scope utilized is based on the textbook of Chicken Bone Scriptures authored by Huang Shifa, a renowned healer among the Ancient Ye people. The theoretical framework employed includes literary value analysis, socio-cultural significance, structural functionalism and cultural ecology perspectives. The research methodology involved in-depth interviews with four informants, followed by data analysis and summarization.

The findings reveal that within the content of the Chicken Bone Scriptures, there are predominantly predictive statements in each narrative, indicating auspicious or inauspicious outcomes. There are admonishments and suggestions for corrective measures aimed at providing comfort to recipients of predictions and aiding decision-making in various matters. The Chicken Bone Scriptures of the Jwong people reflect, 1) beliefs in ancestral spirits, resulting in rituals of worship, spirit sending ceremonies, and divination rituals using chicken bones, 2) beliefs in elements, resulting in ceremonies invoking prosperity, and 3) beliefs in moral conduct, resulting in rituals for building ancestral graves.