Zhong Kui at Work: A Complete Translation of The Immortal Officials Of Happiness, Wealth, and Longevity Gather in Celebration, by Zhu Youdun (1379–1439). (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Idema, Wilt L.; West, Stephen H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of Chinese religions. Volume 44:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Zhong Kui -- Nuo ceremony -- Zhu Youdun -- door gods -- Fu Lu Shou xianguan qinghui; China -- Religion -- Periodicals; 299.51
• DOI: 10.1080/0737769X.2016.1157388
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0737-769X

Abstract

Abstract : The development of the legend of Zhong Kui 鍾馗 can be traced in considerable detail from the Tang dynasty onward. As a demon-chaser Zhong Kui came to play a major role in the Nuo 儺 ceremonies of New Year's Eve. This article presents a complete translation of a script for such a Nuo ceremony at the palace of the Prince of Zhou 周王 in the early decades of the fifteenth century composed as a zaju 雜劇 play by Zhu Youdun 朱有燉 (1379–1439). The play, here translated in full, not only provides a lively picture of the Nuo ceremony itself, but also provides a discussion of the nature of Zhong Kui's divinity, a god without any temple or festival in his honor.