The history of curseology in ancient China, particularly during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE), is deeply intertwined with the culture’s early beliefs in spirits, ancestor worship, and divination practices. The Shang Dynasty is notable for its development of early writing systems, which have preserved records on oracle bones and bronze inscriptions that shed light on practices that could be considered forms of “curseology.”
Here’s a look at the elements of curseology as practiced or believed in during the Shang Dynasty:
1. Oracle Bones and Divination
- Oracle bones were used by Shang kings to communicate with ancestors and deities. These bones, typically ox scapulae or turtle plastrons, were heated until they cracked, and the cracks were interpreted as answers from the divine realm.
- Although the primary purpose of these rituals was divination, some inscriptions on the bones reveal attempts to avert disasters, illness, or even the influence of malevolent forces—early expressions of “curse removal” or protective curses.
- In some instances, questions inscribed on oracle bones ask for blessings or protection from enemies, natural disasters, or other adverse outcomes, indicating a belief in the power to influence or counteract negative forces through ritual.
2. Belief in Ancestors and Spirits
- Ancestor worship was central to Shang religious life, and people believed that ancestors could intervene in the lives of the living—both beneficially and harmfully.
- Ritual sacrifices, often involving animals or even humans, were made to appease or solicit the ancestors’ favor, sometimes to protect against their wrath. It was thought that failure to perform proper rituals could bring a form of ancestral curse upon the family.
- The Shang kings and shamans invoked ancestral spirits to bless their reign or ensure favorable outcomes in warfare. If they failed, it was often interpreted as a sign of ancestral displeasure, akin to a curse.
3. Appeasement of Nature Spirits and Deities
- The Shang people also believed in spirits associated with natural elements—rivers, mountains, forests, etc.—who held power over human affairs. These spirits could be malevolent or benevolent depending on how well they were honored.
- Rituals were held to avoid curses from these deities. This often included offerings to avoid drought, plague, or other misfortunes seen as the wrath of nature spirits.
4. Punitive Curses and Ritual Warfare
- Early records suggest that curses might have been invoked against enemy tribes or rivals. These were likely carried out through ritualistic language or symbolic actions believed to transfer misfortune onto others.
- For instance, inscriptions occasionally reveal the Shang kings seeking divine intervention to bring misfortune to their enemies. This practice implies a belief in using supernatural forces to influence events, a foundational idea in many curse traditions.
5. Charms and Amulets
- Though physical evidence is scarce, it is possible that amulets or charms were used as protective devices to ward off curses or misfortune, based on later Chinese practices influenced by the Shang. Materials like jade were believed to hold protective powers, and Shang people likely used such items for spiritual protection, which may have involved a belief in “counteracting” curses or bad luck.
The practices of the Shang Dynasty laid early foundations for beliefs in curses, protection, and the supernatural’s influence on human life in ancient China.
