ALL
exorcists
ICH Elements 4
-
Namhaean Byeolsingut (Village Ritual of the South Coast)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea This ritual is held biennially in Tongyeong and Geojedo Island to pray for the peace of the village and abundant fish. This ritual features the exorcist’s beautiful songs and inclusion of buk (drums) among the accompanying instruments. Unlike its cousin held in villages along the East Coast, this one is carried out in a serious atmosphere with few gags exchanged between the exorcist and music players or in the narratives. In some instances, spectators and drummers act out a play in the middle of the ritual. The exorcist’s dance performed along with the ritual in most cases is rather simple and monotonous. Cheongsinak (music to invoke the deities) and Songsinak (farewell music to the deities) are performed respectively at the start and end of the ritual, to the accompaniment of daegeum (bamboo flute). This ritual has little entertainment value and involves not many narratives, but it goes long on the depth of belief in deities.
South Korea -
Seoul Saenamgut (Shamanic Performance of Seoul)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Seoul Saenamgut was performed for the upper classes in Seoul to console the spirits of the dead and pray for their peaceful life in heaven. It is presumed that this rite was first performed during the Joseon Period (1392 –1910) and took on a more developed form during the 17th and 18th Centuries. The rite is composed of Andang Sagyeong Maji (spending time from 1:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. in the courtyard) and Saenamgut, which is performed from the following morning by five female exorcists and six dancers to the accompaniment of janggo (hourglass-shaped drum), buk (drums), daegeum (bamboo flute), piri (flute) and other instruments. Seoul Saenamgut has features that cannot be found in the other exorcism rites. It displays elaborate composition and looks gorgeous. It includes both Buddhist and Confucian elements as well as contents relating to the royal court of the Joseon Period.
South Korea -
Donghaean Byeolsingut (Village Ritual of the East Coast)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea Donghaean Byeolsingut is a large-scale rite carried out in villages along the East Coast to pray for the peace and happiness of the village and the safety of fishermen. It is also called Pungeoje or Pungeogut (Ritual for Bountiful Fish) or Golmaegi Dangje (Ritual for the Village Guardian Golmaegi). The ritual is held annually, between March and May or between September and October, or every two/three years in some areas. The place the ritual is held is decorated flamboyantly, but the exorcists wear plain-looking costumes. This ritual features diverse dances, humorous dialogues, and gestures.
South Korea -
Gyeonggi-do Dodanggut (Tutelary Rite of Gyeonggi-do)
National Intangible Cultural Heritage, Republic of Korea This is a tutelary rite held in early January on the lunar calendar, or in spring or fall annually, or biennially or triennially near Seoul or Suwon or Incheon, to pray for peace and a good harvest. At present, a complete version of the rite can be seen only in Jangmal, Bucheon. The shrine for village guardians in the pine forest, which is more than 300 years old, tells us that the exorcism rite started during the Joseon Period (1392 – 1910). The rite starts in the morning and finishes the next day morning. It is performed by a hereditary exorcist skilled in songs and dances. Male exorcists liven up the atmosphere, doing tightrope walking, cracking jokes and displaying various feats. Songs and dances by gisaeng (female entertainers) used to be included, but they have disappeared. Participation of male exorcists (called Hwaraengi) in the rite distinguishes Gyeonggi-do Dodanggut from those performed in other areas. Music and rhythms used in this rite follow those of pansori (epic chant). Displaying high artistic quality, Gyeonggi-do Dodanggut is regarded as a valuable source material for anyone studying the country’s traditional culture.
South Korea