略论古代民间的司命神信仰

古人认为 ,司命神是文昌宫第四星 ,主督察人命。汉代 ,司命虽为“宫中小神” ,但因其能主宰人之生死 ,神小权大 ,因而地位很高。不仅被纳入国家祀典 ,而且得到民间百姓的普遍信奉。人们不仅在家中别作小屋供奉之 ,出门时也随身携带 ,随时祭祀。说明两汉时期 ,司命神已进入人们的日常生活当中。但从总的发展趋势来看 ,司命神之地位在逐步下降。

On the Belief of Ancient Folk Si - ming Spiritual Being

The ancients thought that Si-ming spiritual being was the fourth star of Wenchang palace.Its duty was to supervised peoples life.Although it was "small deity of palace",it had big power and high position.It was not only brought into country's sacrificial altar,but also was generaly believed by folk common people.People not only set up small house and worship it at home,but also carried and wielded when they went out.These illustrated that Si-ming spiritual being already penetrated into peoples daily life.But from the developing tendency,its position was declined step by step.On one hand,its name was absorbed by Buddhism,on the other hand ,its function was encroached by Zao deity.After Tang and Song dynasty,the belief of Si-ming spiritual being was declined gradually.