- 期刊
江戶日本招貓文化的文獻考察
A Textual Investigation of the Maneki-neko (Beckoning Cat) Culture in Edo Japan
摘要
動物提供研究文化史及宗教史一個嶄新的角度。貓在江戶日本史（1603-1868）扮演值得注意的角色。作為福神的招貓（中文俗稱招財貓）滲透江戶庶民的生活、文藝及信仰。本研究以原始文獻為基礎，探討江戶招貓文化的淵源、發展及其特色。招貓是江戶日本的一種獨特庶民文化及民間信仰，它對了解江戶庶民的價值觀、信仰及風俗均有幫助。至今江戶招貓文化仍未被學界有系統地整理，很多坊間廣傳的說法虛實交錯，以訛傳訛。透過文獻研究及分析，招貓在江戶日本興起的歷史背景及它在日本文化史及宗教史的意義將會被初步釐清。本研究顯示江戶招貓文化有以下三大特色：第一，招貓文化是江戶日本自創的民間信仰。江戶日人將貓提升至神佛或靈獸的層次，出現大量招貓傳說及祭祀招貓的寺社。第二，江戶招貓文化將貓視作吉祥物及福神。人們將其安置在家中或店舖，祈求招福、致富、消災、除病。第三，招貓對江戶通俗文藝影響頗大。江戶招貓傳說在民間大受歡迎，刺激了各類通俗文藝的創作。
並列摘要
Animals provide a new perspective for understanding cultural and religious history of a nation. Cats played a significant role in the history of Edo Japan (1603-1868). The maneki-neko (reckoning cat) can be found in different facets of Edo folk culture and folk belief. Based on primary sources, this study investigates the origins, development and characteristics of maneki-neko in Edo Japan. Maneki-neko was a form of folk culture and folk belief of Edo Japan through which we can understand the values, beliefs and customs of Edo Japanese. Heretofore, maneki-neko has been little-studied and many stories about it remain inaccurate. Through this textual investigation, we will understand why Edo Japan experienced such a maneki-neko boom and the cultural and religious significances of maneki-neko in Edo history? This study has identified three major characteristics of maneki-neko in Edo Japan. First, it was a folk religion developed by Edo Japanese within Japan's Shinto and Buddhist framework. Maneki-neko was worshipped in shrines and temples and many stories were created. Second, it became a lucky symbol merchandized and decorated widely in the Edo City. Third, maneki-neko had a strong impact on Edo folk culture and it can be found in various forms of Edo art such as paintings, novels and kabuki.