User:Julianloll/Baojuan

Baojuan is a type of performative text or storytelling found in China that emphasizes worship of ancient deities from Buddho-Daoist sects. The stories recounted in Baojuan are often concerning suffering or apocalyptical scenarios. As Baojuan was not considered a serious art-form for much if it's existence the stories were preserved mostly by chance without any real recognition until after the fall of the Qing Empire. Due to the nonlinear records of baojuan it is difficult to credit writers, actors, and other contributors to the genre because very little, if any, mark of these individuals exist.

An explicit start date for Baojuan is not known but scholars generally place it on a timeline in three parts: a first (early), second (middle), and third (late) period with each period corresponding to a new development within the genre. The date range looked at by scholars begins in the 13th century and ends in the early 20th century with the three periods separated as follows: 13th-15th being designated as the early period, the 16th-18th date range being designated as the middle period, and ending finally with the 19th-20th centuries being designated as the late period. Within each period there were notable developments within Baojuan literature from its earliest inception during the early period as simply "propagating" Buddhist beliefs to the late period where it takes on a new and secular foothold within the culture of areas where it was most practiced (Jiangsu Province).

Baojuan is still found today in parts of China most notably Changshu city located in Jiangsu Province. The art of Baojuan evolved over many centuries into what it is considered today where it might be called "Telling scriptures." "Telling scriptures" refers to special groups of actors or individuals who may perform Baojuan stories as plays or recitations to common folk of the town in temples or other places. This type of storytelling emphasizes Buddhist teachings and morals but has also been known to highlight historical figures.

(this is all my own work, I made no edits to any of the already existing information)

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Mulian Rescues His Mother