ABSTRACT
This chapter describes several of the rituals commonly used in worshipping nature gods, in particular star, sea, willow, bear, and snake deities. Many pious believers found it exceedingly interesting to explore the heavens, and star rituals came to have great appeal. Ancient documents record that other northern fishing and hunting peoples have long had star rituals. On the basis of years of field study, interviews with shamans, and shamanic texts, the people have found that the astronomical system of northern peoples was enriched during the evolution of society and gradually took shape as star rituals. Willow rituals figured prominently in shaman practices and became widespread folk customs. As an offshoot of willow rituals, willows games were an amusing source of entertainment among Manchu ancestors. The peoples of northern China have long held such animals as bears, tigers, wolves, and snakes in awe and dealt with them reverently.
