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February 12, 2026Journal of Asian and African Studies

Religious Symbol in Cross-Cultural Transmission: Why the Lotus Thrived While the Cross Faltered in Medieval China

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XLXiaofeng Li

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Overview

Examines how Buddhism thrived while Nestorianism faltered in medieval China, suggesting the importance of religious symbols.

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore why Buddhism succeeded and Nestorianism failed in medieval China by analyzing their core symbols.
  • Analyzed the integration of Buddhism and Nestorianism into Chinese culture
  • Examined the semiotic principles of religion as proposed by Clifford Geertz
  • Utilized insights from Victor Turner's ritual anthropology to assess ritual practices
  • Compared the symbolic meanings of the lotus and the cross in their cultural contexts
  • Buddhism's lotus symbol resonated with existing Chinese cultural meanings, enhancing its acceptance.
  • The Nestorian cross lacked coherent interpretants, limiting its effectiveness in Chinese rituals.
  • Buddhism's successful embedding in rituals led to widespread acceptance and integration into society.

Cite This Study

Xiaofeng Li (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/698d6f0d5be6419ac0d55140https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096251413615
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