Folklore religion- Religions in Korea were divided into three large categories: Shamanism, worship of the house god and worship of the village god. Shamanism is a religion centered around shamans and can be largely divided into "kang-sin-mu" and hereditary shaman. The name of shaman differed by region and praying method. Worshipping of the house god was generally observed by performing ritual services to house site god, three gods governing childbirth, ancestor god, house master god, the god of earth, toilet god, and dragon god were performed. Worshipping of the village god was observed by performing ritual service for the god who guards the village. A shrine of the mountain god, Sansindang, was built on the hill at the back of the village and a tomb of prosperity was placed in front of the village to pray for prosperity, expulsion of misfortune, and happiness.
Lifelong rites were performed at different stages of life to signify acquisition of a new position and the change of one's role in society. Ancestor memorial services were performed for commemorating ancestors, unity and peaceful harmony of the family and are divided into charae, kije, and myoje. |