This Judge Dee book provides an interesting historical background on the the cult of GuanYin (aka Kuan Yin). This resonates with me, because of the parallels to the cult of Mary for Catholics (to which I was indoctrinated as a child (translation: I was raised Catholic)). NOTE: use of word “cult” is not meant as disrespect to either religious perspective. I collect artifacts for both and revere what they stand for. I also suspect they are manifestations of a same or similar metaphysical construct – grace and intercession on behalf of the vulnerable. That bottle you see in GuanYin’s hand contains “grace,” and some depictions have her standing on a wingless dragon. Often you see her hand up in a “take it easy” sort of message I found comforting in Mary. I also remember statues of Mary in Catholic churches always had her crushing the head of a snake.
She’s very popular with sailors and sea farers and as such particularly popular in Taiwan.
The book mentions that Guanyin came from the west (India I’m thinkin’) and was originally male. It also mentions that early (pre 700 AD) Chinese offered human sacrifices to her. Didn’t know that.
Find the book on amazon; I got the kindle e-book. Apparently all the Judge Dee books are available in cheap paperback and digital e-book versions.
Scholarly discussion of Guanyin and female gender identity found in Journal of Culture and Society here.
