Li Hong ( zh, 李弘) is a
soteriological
Soteriology (; el, σωτηρία ' " salvation" from σωτήρ ' "savior, preserver" and λόγος ' "study" or "word") is the study of religious doctrines of salvation. Salvation theory occupies a place of special significance in many reli ...
figure in religious
Daoist
Taoism (, ) or Daoism () refers to either a school of philosophical thought (道家; ''daojia'') or to a religion (道教; ''daojiao''), both of which share ideas and concepts of Chinese origin and emphasize living in harmony with the '' Tao ...
prophecies wherein he appears at the
end of the world cycle to rescue the
chosen people
Throughout history, various groups of people have considered themselves to be the chosen people of a deity, for a particular purpose. The phenomenon of a "chosen people" is well known among the Israelites and Jews, where the term ( he, עם ס ...
, who would be distinguished by certain
talisman
A talisman is any object ascribed with religious or magical powers intended to protect, heal, or harm individuals for whom they are made. Talismans are often portable objects carried on someone in a variety of ways, but can also be installed perm ...
s, practices, and virtues.
Daoist texts
Myths surrounding Li Hong took shape in literature during the
Han dynasty
The Han dynasty (, ; ) was an Dynasties in Chinese history, imperial dynasty of China (202 BC – 9 AD, 25–220 AD), established by Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang (Emperor Gao) and ruled by the House of Liu. The dynasty was preceded by th ...
. He is depicted in the Daoist ''
Divine Incantations Scripture
The ''Divine Incantations Scripture'' is the oldest known Chinese classic text that details an apocalypse.
History
The earliest portions of the book have been traced back to the beginning of the fifth century CE, with subsequent commentary atte ...
'' as someone who would reappear to set right heaven () and earth () at a time of upheaval and chaos.
Rebellions
Prophesies concerning Li Hong's appearance have been used to legitimize numerous rebellions and insurgencies, all of which rallied around a Li Hong. These were particularly prevalent during the fifth century, and continued to appear until the
Song dynasty
The Song dynasty (; ; 960–1279) was an imperial dynasty of China that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. The dynasty was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song following his usurpation of the throne of the Later Zhou. The Song conquered the res ...
.
See also
*
*
*
*
*
References
Works cited
*
*
*
*
Taoist mythology
Prophecy
Apocalypticism
Messianism
{{tao-stub