巨文島 洞神祭儀의 실상과 지속가능성

Abstract

This research is prepared wondering whether the rituals for the village guardians of Geomun-do could remain as guardian spirits of the residents facing a rapid change of culture and lifestyle. Geomun-do is a remote island located intermediately between Yeosu and Jeju thrived until recently as a port for fish, commerce or retreat. Geomun-do has been carrying the relics since the Neolithic and Bronze Ages and had once played a major role for marine trades among Korea, China and Japan. Among 8 sorts of rituals respective for the guardians of 6 Geomun-do towns, ritual services are being carried out these days only superficially in no more than 2 towns and the rituals of the other 4 towns have been combined as a ‘Geomun-do one mind fishing village traditional culture revival event’ which is analyzed due to the shallow piety, lack of popularity or insufficient entertainment factors. Thus the rituals for the village guardians in Geomun-do are diagnosed to be unsustainable with function. It must be, however, premature to conclude that the rituals have been completely forgotten as the ancient ritual services are conducted yet in some areas for the local festivity. This research is expected to be utilized for the examination of the sustainability of rituals in almost all islands.