A01=J. M. S. Ward
A01=W. G. Stirling
Author_J. M. S. Ward
Author_W. G. Stirling
boat
Category=GTM
Category=JBSY
ceremony
Chinese secret societies
diaspora networks
Dim
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_society-politics
Fiery Furnace
Follow
Fresco
Gateway
Harrowed
heroes
Hold
hung
Hung Boat
Hung Ceremony
Hung Gate
Hung Heroes
Hung Ritual
HUNG SOCIETY
initiation ceremonies
Magic Sword
model
mystical allegory
organised crime history
Patrick's Purgatory
Patrick’s Purgatory
positive
Positive Role Model Positive Role
Rainbow Bridge
Red Youth
ritual
ritual symbolism
role
Role Model Positive Role Model
secret society political influence
Sir Perceval
society
solar
Solar Barque
Triad Ceremony
Triad Ritual
Wandered
Product details
- ISBN 9780710312044
- Weight: 1430g
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 20 Dec 2006
- Publisher: Kegan Paul
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
Secure
checkout
Fast Shipping
Easy returns
First published in 2006. Claiming origins in the mysteries of the Shaolin monastery and its martial traditions, the Triads are Chinese secret societies that overthrew the Qing Dynasty, evolved into organised crime syndicates, spread through the Chinese diaspora and are more powerful now than ever before. The symbol of the Triads is a triangle enclosing the characters for heaven, earth and man, emblematic of the societies’ far-reaching influence, and membership involves challenging rites of initiation and the practice of complex rituals little changed over the centuries. On one level, these practices can be seen simply as the customs of a purely mystical order; on another, they may be seen as the organising principles by which secret societies continue to operate as powerful political organisations invisible in our midst. This classic work, the definitive study of the history, symbols and secret rituals of the Triads, reveals the Triad initiation ritual of the mystical journey; sacred Triad signs, words and slang; the rite of the magic mirror and the oath of blood brotherhood; the symbolic decoration of Triad temples, Triad magic, and the meaning of the sacred objects and ceremonies at the heart of Triad practice in minute detail. The authors show that the Triad ritual is a potent mystical allegory with an immense power that can be used for good or ill.
