Who did the Shang people pray to?
Narrator: The people of the Shang Dynasty believed in lots of gods, including the gods of wind, clouds, the Sun and the moon.
Wheat Collector: Praise to the gods, all of them.
Narrator: Shang Di was the supreme god and was believed to rule all the other gods.
Shang Di: What is the meaning of this half-hearted praise?
Narrator: The Shang people performed rituals and prayers, offered food and even human sacrifices to make sure Shang Di was happy.
Families would also worship their ancestors, if they were pleased the family would be prosperous, if the spirits were not pleased terrible things could happen.
Praying Man: Oh no, the spirits are angry.
Narrator: Priests interpreted messages from the gods and predicted the future.
Priest: Oh dear, this doesnât look good.
Narrator: Shang kings also acted as high priests and led religious ceremonies.
They were believed to be the best people to offer sacrifices to the ancestors and the gods.
King: Shang Di, with these sacrifices we ask for your mercy.
All: Phew!
Description
The Shang people had lots of gods. We know about dates, rituals, people and gods from writing on animal bones called oracle bones.
Shang Dynasty
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