Why Keep Chinese Terms?
Many Youshen terms cannot be fully replaced by one English word. For example, xianghuo means incense, but also the continuity of ties between temple, lineage, and worshippers. Keeping Chinese terms with explanation preserves the cultural structure behind the concept.
Youshen / Gods Procession
游神
A folk ritual in which deities leave the temple and circulate through community streets.
Welcoming the Gods
迎神
The opening phase in which deities are respectfully invited out or welcomed.
Farewell of the Gods
送神
The closing phase in which statues return to the temple and thanks are offered.
Divine Palanquin
神轿
A palanquin or mobile shrine used to carry the deity statue.
Procession Formation
阵头
Performance, guard, or opening formations within the procession.
Incense and Devotional Continuity
香火
Refers both to incense offerings and the continuity of devotional connection.
Stationary Worship Stop
驻驾
A stop where the palanquin pauses for public worship.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
非遗
Cultural forms transmitted through practice, craft, ritual, and memory.