Brill - Telling Stories: Witchcraft and Scapegoating in China

Explore the complex history of Chinese witch-hunts through the lens of oral storytelling. In Telling Stories: Witchcraft and Scapegoating in Chinese History, Professor Barend J. Ter Haar provides a deep analysis of how narratives shaped social perceptions and scapegoating practices. This academic work examines the cultural impact of oral traditions and their role in historical witch-hunts. The book investigates various cultural phenomena, including the Chinese versions of the Little Red Riding Hood story. It also looks at specific historical practices involving the use of body parts, children, and foetuses to draw out life-force. For students and researchers of Chinese history, this text offers a detailed look at how stories were used to define social boundaries and target specific groups. Written by a leading expert in Chinese history from Leiden University, this volume is an essential resource for those studying religious movements, social violence, and the historical evolution of Chinese culture. It provides a scholarly foundation for understanding the connection between folklore and social control.