Editing Manchu people (section)

==Culture==
===Influence on other Tungusic peoples===
{{main|Tungusic peoples|Tungusic languages}}

The Manchus implemented measures to Manjurify the other Tungusic peoples living around the [[Amur River]] basin.<ref name=rawski1998/>{{rp|38}} The southern Tungusic Manchus influenced the northern Tungusic peoples linguistically, culturally, and religiously.<ref name=rawski1998/>{{rp|242}}

===Language and alphabet===
====Language====
{{Main|Manchu language}}
[[File:An Activity of Manchu Language by the Government and students in Changchun.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|"Banjin Inenggi" and Manchu linguistic activity by the government and students in [[Changchun]], 2011]]
The [[Manchu language]] is a [[Tungusic languages|Tungusic language]] and has many dialects. Standard Manchu originates from the accent of Jianzhou Jurchens<ref name=aisingioro2004>{{cite book |first = Yingsheng |last = Aisin Gioro |script-title = zh:《满语杂识》 |trans-title = Divers Knowledges of Manchu language |publisher = Wenyuan Publishing House |year = 2004 |isbn = 978-7-80060-008-1 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/1520812/ }}</ref>{{rp|246}} and was officially standardized during the [[Qianlong Emperor]]'s reign.<ref name=tong2009/>{{rp|40}} During the Qing dynasty, Manchus at the imperial court were required to speak Standard Manchu or face the emperor's reprimand.<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|247}} This applied equally to the palace presbyter for shamanic rites when performing sacrifice.<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|247}}

After the 19th century, most Manchus had perfected Standard Chinese and the number of Manchu speakers was dwindling.<ref name=tong2009/>{{rp|33}} Although the Qing emperors emphasized the importance of the Manchu language again and again, the tide could not be turned. After the Qing dynasty collapsed, the Manchu language lost its status as a national language and its official use in education ended. Manchus today generally speak Standard Chinese. The remaining skilled native Manchu speakers number less than 100,{{efn|Less than 100 native speakers.<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.ethnologue.com/language/mnc|title=Manchu|website=ethnologue.com|access-date=2022-08-27}}</ref> Several thousands can speak Manchu as second language through primary education or free classes for adults in China.<ref name="takungpao">{{cite news|url = http://news.takungpao.com/paper/q/2015/0426/2982819.html|title = Ta Kung Pao: Manchu Language and Reviving Manchu Culture|date=26 April 2015|archive-date=8 November 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171108152605/http://news.takungpao.com/paper/q/2015/0426/2982819.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.chinanews.com/cul/2012/03-06/3720158.shtml|script-title=zh:人民大学满语培训班重新开课 缺教室是最大难题|trans-title=Renmin University's Manchu language training class reopens, the lack of classrooms is the biggest problem|date=6 March 2012|website=chinanews.com|access-date=2022-08-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url = http://news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_12/12/11251077_0.shtml|script-title=zh:金标的十年"满语梦"|trans-title=Ten Years of Gold Label "Manchu Dream"|date=12 December 2011|author=顾然|website=news.ifeng.com|url-status=dead|archive-date=2017-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812102046/http://news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_12/12/11251077_0.shtml}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite web |url = http://society.people.com.cn/GB/6445366.html |script-title=zh:全国现有满族人口1000多万 会说满语者已不足百人|trans-title=There are more than 10 million Manchu people in the country, and less than 100 people can speak Manchu|date=2007-10-29|publisher=People – China|access-date = 18 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-11-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103082111/http://society.people.com.cn/GB/6445366.html}}</ref> most of whom are to be found in [[Sanjiazi]] ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡳᠯᠠᠨ<br />ᠪᠣᡠ}}|v=ilan boo|a=ilan bou}}), Heilongjiang Province.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://culture.people.com.cn/GB/40483/40486/4334084.html |script-title = zh:满语"活化石"――"伊兰孛"--文化--人民网 |access-date = 18 March 2015 |archive-date = 3 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230738/http://culture.people.com.cn/GB/40483/40486/4334084.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> Since the 1980s, there has been a resurgence of the Manchu language among the government, scholars and social activists.<ref name=manchus2009/>{{rp|218}} In recent years, with the help of the governments in Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, many schools started to have Manchu classes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ln.chinanews.com/html/2012-03-20/457675.html|script-title=zh:本溪桓仁29名满语教师上岗|trans-title=29 Manchu language teachers in Benxi Huanren are on duty|date=2012-03-20|publisher=China News|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322023247/http://www.ln.chinanews.com/html/2012-03-20/457675.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.chinanews.com/edu/2011/10-29/3423577.shtml |script-title=zh:辽宁一高中开设满语课 满族文化传承引关注|trans-title=A high school in Liaoning offers Manchu courses, and the inheritance of Manchu culture attracts attention|publisher=China News|access-date = 18 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://edu.sina.com.cn/zxx/2012-03-22/1435332134.shtml |script-title=zh:满语课首次进入吉林一中学课堂(图)|trans-title=Manchu class entered the classroom of Jilin No. 1 Middle School for the first time (photo)|date=2012-03-22|publisher=Sina|access-date = 18 March 2015}}</ref> There are also Manchu volunteers in many places of China who freely teach Manchu in the desire to rescue the language.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.mzb.com.cn/zgmzb/html/2011-07/29/content_78793.htm |script-title = zh:中国民族报电子版 |access-date = 18 March 2015 |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304061247/http://www.mzb.com.cn/zgmzb/html/2011-07/29/content_78793.htm |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://big5.ifeng.com/gate/big5/news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_12/12/11251077_0.shtml|title=iFeng: Jin Biao's 10-Year Dream of Manchu Language (traditional Chinese)|website=ifeng.com|access-date=23 September 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125220202/http://big5.ifeng.com/gate/big5/news.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_12/12/11251077_0.shtml|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://i.syd.com.cn/content/2011-12/05/content_25882720.htm|title=Shenyang Daily: Young Man Teaches Manchu For Free To Rescue the Language (simplified Chinese)|website=syd.com.cn|access-date=19 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513190300/http://i.syd.com.cn/content/2011-12/05/content_25882720.htm|archive-date=13 May 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bjwb.bjd.com.cn/html/2012-03/03/node_17.htm|title=The Worry of Manchu Language|publisher=Beijing Evening News|date=2012-03-03|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513105009/http://bjwb.bjd.com.cn/html/2012-03/03/node_17.htm}}</ref> Thousands of non-Manchus have learned the language through these platforms.<ref name="takungpao"/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://liaoning.nen.com.cn/liaoning/178/3607178.shtml |script-title = zh:别让满语文成天书 满语文抢救需靠大众力量[组图]_辽宁_文化 |access-date = 18 March 2015 |archive-date = 28 December 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131228235225/http://liaoning.nen.com.cn/liaoning/178/3607178.shtml |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bjwb.bjd.com.cn/html/2012-03/03/content_55839.htm|title=1980s Generation's Rescue Plan of Manchu Language|publisher=Beijing Evening News|date=2013-03-03|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-05-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513094153/http://bjwb.bjd.com.cn/html/2012-03/03/content_55839.htm}}</ref>

Today, in an effort to save Manchu culture from extinction, the older generation of Manchus are spending their time to teach young people; as an effort to encourage learners, these classes are often free. They teach through the Internet and even mail Manchu textbooks for free, all for the purpose of protecting the national cultural traditions.<ref>{{Cite journal|script-title=zh:满语满文在丹东地区的衰微及其对满族文化发掘保护的影响|trans-title=Declination of Manchu Language and Characters in Dandong and Its Effect on Excavation and Protection of Manchu Culture|doi=10.14168/j.issn.1672-8572.2016.01.13|author=Feng Yun-ying|date=2016|journal= Journal of Liaodong University (Social Science Edition)|volume=18|issue=1|url=https://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/periodical/ChlQZXJpb2RpY2FsQ0hJTmV3UzIwMjIwODI0Eg9sbmN6eGIyMDE2MDEwMTQaCHlvbG1reDUz}}</ref>

====Alphabet====
{{Main|Manchu alphabet}}

The Jurchens, ancestors of the Manchus, had created Jurchen script in the Jin dynasty. After the Jin dynasty collapsed, the Jurchen script was gradually lost. In the [[Ming dynasty]], 60–70% of Jurchens used Mongolian script to write letters and 30–40% of Jurchens used Chinese characters.<ref name=fuge/> This persisted until Nurhaci revolted against the Ming Empire. Nurhaci considered it a major impediment that his people lacked a script of their own, so he commanded his scholars, Gagai and Eldeni, to create Manchu characters by reference to Mongolian scripts.<ref name=jiang1980>{{cite book |first = Liangqi |last = Jiang |script-title = zh:《东华录》 |trans-title = Donghua Record |publisher = Zhonghua Book Compary |year = 1980 |isbn = 11018-766 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/4013873/ }}</ref>{{rp|4}} They dutifully complied with the Khan's order and created Manchu script, which is called "script without dots and circles" ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡨᠣᠩᡴᡳ<br />ᡶᡠᡴᠠ<br />ᠠᡴᡡ<br />ᡥᡝᡵᡤᡝᠨ}}|v=tongki fuka akū hergen|a=tongki fuka akv hergen}}; {{zh|labels=no |s=无圈点满文}}) or "old Manchu script" ({{zh|labels=no |s=老满文}}).<ref name=liuzhaozhao/>{{rp|3 (Preface)}} Due to its hurried creation, the script has its defects. Some vowels and consonants were difficult to distinguish.<ref name=ortai1985/>{{rp|5324–5327}}<ref name=tong2009/>{{rp|11–17}} Shortly afterwards, their successor Dahai used dots and circles to distinguish vowels, aspirated and non-aspirated consonants and thus completed the script. His achievement is called "script with dots and circles" or "new Manchu script".<ref>{{cite book |last1 = Dahai |last2 = First Historical Archives of China |script-title = zh:《满文老档 译著》 |trans-title = Old Manchu Archive, Translated Version |publisher = Zhonghua Book Company |year = 1990 |isbn = 978-7101005875 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/4106450/|pages=1196–1197}}</ref>

===Traditional lifestyle===
The Manchu are often mistakenly labelled a nomadic people,<ref name=crossley2002/> but they were sedentary agricultural people who lived in fixed villages, farmed crops and practiced hunting and mounted archery.<ref name=wakeman1986/>{{rp|24 note 1}}<!-- pg=24 quote="the manchus were not nomads". -->

The southern Tungusic Manchu farming sedentary lifestyle was very different from the nomadic hunter gatherer forager lifestyle of their more northern Tungusic relatives like the Warka, which caused the Qing state to attempt to sedentarize them and adopt the farming lifestyle of the Manchus.<ref name=norman/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Bello |first1=David A. |title=Across Forest, Steppe, and Mountain: Environment, Identity, and Empire in Qing China's Borderlands |date=2016 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |series=Studies in Environment and History |isbn=978-1107068841 |page=90 |edition=illustrated |url={{Google books|vWVbCwAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref>

===Names and naming practices===
====Family names====
{{main|Manchu family name}}
[[File:《八旗满洲氏族通谱》满文版书影.jpg|thumb|upright|the cover of the Eight Manchu Banners' Surname-Clans' Book]]
The history of Manchu family names is quite long. Fundamentally, it succeeds the Jurchen family name of the [[Jin dynasty (1115–1234)|Jin dynasty]].<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|109}} However, after the Mongols extinguished the Jin dynasty, the Manchus started to adopt Mongol culture, including their custom of using only their given name until the end of the Qing dynasty,<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|107}} a practice confounding non-Manchus, leading them to conclude, erroneously, that they simply do not have family names.<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|969}}

A Manchu family name usually has two portions: the first is "Mukūn" ({{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠮᡠᡴᡡᠨ}}, Abkai: Mukvn) which literally means "branch name"; the second, "Hala" ({{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡥᠠᠯᠠ}}), represents the name of a person's clan.<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|973}} According to the ''Book of the Eight Manchu Banners' Surname-Clans'' ({{lang|zh-hant|八旗滿洲氏族通譜}}), there are 1,114 Manchu family names. [[Gūwalgiya]], [[Niohuru]], [[Hešeri]], Šumulu, Tatara, Gioro, [[Nara (clan)|Nara]] are considered as "famous clans" ({{lang|zh|著姓}}) among Manchus.<ref>{{cite book |last = Hungjeo |script-title = zh:《八旗满洲氏族通谱》 |trans-title = Eight Manchu Banners' Surname-Clans' Book |publisher = Liaohai Publishing House |year = 2002 |isbn = 978-7806691892 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/1608412/|pages=31, 100, 115, 167, 181, 280}}</ref>

There were stories of Han migrating to the Jurchens and assimilating into Manchu Jurchen society and [[Nikan Wailan]] may have been an example of this.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Chʻing Shih Wen Tʻi |url={{Google books|3nMzAAAAMAAJ|plainurl=yes}} |journal=Late Imperial China |year=1989|publisher=Society for Qing Studies|page=70}}</ref> The Manchu Cuigiya ({{lang|zh|崔佳氏}}) clan claimed that a Han Chinese founded their clan.<ref>{{cite book|trans-title=The Qing Dynasty General Chronicle, Clan Lue, Manchu Eight Banners Surname|script-title=zh:清朝通志·氏族略·满洲八旗姓}}</ref> The Tohoro ({{lang|zh|托活络}}) clan ([[Duanfang]]'s clan) claimed Han Chinese origin.<ref name=TuanFang/><ref name="Rhoads2011 2">{{cite book|author=Edward J. M. Rhoads|title=Manchus and Han: Ethnic Relations and Political Power in Late Qing and Early Republican China, 1861–1928|url={{Google books|tgq1miGno-4C|plainurl=yes}}|year=2011|publisher=University of Washington Press|isbn=978-0-295-80412-5|page=55}}</ref><ref name="Taveirne2004">{{cite book|author=Patrick Taveirne|title=Han-Mongol Encounters and Missionary Endeavors: A History of Scheut in Ordos (Hetao) 1874–1911|url={{Google books|z2japTNPRNAC|plainurl=yes}}|date=2004|publisher=Leuven University Press|isbn=978-90-5867-365-7|page=339}}</ref><ref name=crossley2000/>{{rp|48}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Chʻing Shih Wen Tʻi |journal=Late Imperial China |url={{Google books|3nMzAAAAMAAJ|plainurl=yes}}|year=1989|publisher=Society for Qing Studies|page=71}}</ref>

====Given names====
{{main|Manchu given name}}
Manchus given names are distinctive. Generally, there are several forms, such as bearing suffixes "-ngga", "-ngge" or "-nggo", meaning "having the quality of";<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|979}} bearing [[Mongolian name|Mongol style]] suffixes "-tai" or "-tu", meaning "having";<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|243}}<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|978}} bearing the suffix, "-ju", "-boo";<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|243}} numerals<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|243}}<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|978}}{{efn|e.g. Nadanju (70 in Manchu), Susai (5 in Manchu), Liošici(67, a Mandarin homophone) and Bašinu(85, a Mandarin homophone)<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|243}}}}} or animal names.<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|979}}<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|243}}{{efn|e.g. [[Dorgon]] (badger) and Arsalan (lion)<ref name=aisingioro2004/>{{rp|979}}}}}

Some ethnic names can also be a given name of the Manchus. One of the common first name for the Manchus is ''Nikan'', which is also a [[Manchu language|Manchu]] exonym for the [[Han Chinese]].<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|242}} For example, Nikan Wailan was a Jurchen leader who was an enemy of Nurhaci.<ref name=crossley2000/>{{rp|172}}<ref name=wakeman1986/>{{rp|49}}<ref name="Wakeman1977">{{cite book|author=Frederic Wakeman|title=Fall of Imperial China|url={{Google books|ORBmFSFcJKoC|plainurl=yes}}|date= 1977|publisher=Simon and Schuster|isbn=978-0-02-933680-9|page=83}}</ref> Nikan was also the name of one of the Aisin-Gioro princes and grandsons of Nurhaci who supported Prince Dorgon.<ref name=rawski1998/>{{rp|99}}<ref name=wakeman1986/>{{rp|902}}<ref name="Lui1989">{{cite book|author=Adam Yuen-chung Lui|title=Two Rulers in One Reign: Dorgon and Shun-chih, 1644–1660|url={{Google books|OtJwAAAAMAAJ|plainurl=yes}}|date= 1989|publisher=Faculty of Asian Studies, Australian National University|isbn=978-0-7315-0654-5|pages=41, 46}}</ref> Nurhaci's first son was Cuyen, one of whose sons was Nikan.<ref>{{cite book|title=Serie orientale Roma|url={{Google books|CB08AAAAIAAJ|plainurl=yes}}|year=1970|publisher=Istituto italiano per il Medio ed Estremo Oriente|page=174}}</ref>

==== Current status ====
Nowadays, Manchus primarily use Chinese family and given names, but some still use a Manchu family name and Chinese given name,{{efn|e.g. {{ill|Aisin Gioro Qixiang|zh|爱新觉罗·启骧}}, a famous Chinese calligrapher.}} a Chinese family name and Manchu given name{{efn|e.g. Ying Batu, Ying Bayan, the sons of a famous Manchu director, [[Ying Da]].}} or both Manchu family and given names.{{efn|e.g. [[Aisin-Gioro Ulhicun]], a famous scholar of [[Khitan language|Khitan]] and Manchu linguistic studies.}}

=== Burial customs ===
The Jurchens and their Manchu descendants originally practiced [[cremation]] as part of their culture. They adopted the practice of burial from the Han Chinese, but many Manchus continued to cremate their dead.<ref name=elliott2001/>{{rp|264}} Princes were cremated on pyres.<ref name="LachKley1998">{{cite book|author1=Donald F. Lach|author2=Edwin J. Van Kley|title=Asia in the Making of Europe, Volume III: A Century of Advance. Book 4: East Asia|url={{Google books|W0fBhqb1kdkC|plainurl=yes}}|date=1998|publisher=University of Chicago Press|isbn=978-0-226-46769-6|page=1703}}</ref>

=== Traditional hairstyle ===
[[File:Qing-Manchu-queue.jpg|thumb|Image of a man with the queue hairstyle.]]
The traditional hairstyle for Manchu men is shaving the front of their heads while growing the hair on the back of their heads into a single braid called a [[Queue (hairstyle)|queue]] ({{zh|c=辮子|p=biànzi|labels=no}}), which was known as ''soncoho'' in Manchu. During the Qing dynasty, the queue was legally mandated for male Ming Chinese subjects in the Qing Empire. The Ming were to shave their foreheads and begin growing the queue within ten days of the order, if they refused to comply they were executed for treason. Throughout the rest of the Qing dynasty, the queue was seen as a submission of loyalty, as it showed who had submitted to the dynasty and who had not. As the Qing dynasty came to an end, the hairstyle shifted from a symbol of loyalty to a symbol of feudalism and this led many men to cut off their cues as a statement of rebellion. These acts gave China a step toward modernization and moved it away from imperial rule as China began to adopt more of Western culture, including fashion and appearance.

Manchu women wore their hair in a distinctive hairstyle called ''[[liangbatou]]'' ({{lang|zh-hant|兩把頭}}).

===Traditional garments===
{{Main|Qizhuang}}
[[File:康熙帝南巡图卷，治黃河.jpg|500px|thumb|right|Han and Manchu clothing coexisted during Qing dynasty]]
[[File:清劉閬春繪農村演戲圖.jpg|thumb|right|Han Chinese clothing in early Qing]]

A common misconception among Han Chinese was that Manchu clothing was entirely separate from Hanfu.<ref name="rawski1998" /> In fact, Manchu clothes were simply modified Ming Hanfu but the Manchus promoted the misconception that their clothing was of different origin.<ref name="rawski1998" /> Manchus originally did not have their own cloth or textiles and the Manchus had to obtain Ming [[Dragon robe#China|dragon robes]] and cloth when they paid tribute to the Ming dynasty or traded with the Ming. The Manchus modified the Ming robes to be narrow at the sleeves by adding a new fur cuff and by cutting slits in the skirt to make it more slender for falconry, horse riding and archery.<ref name=boardofrites>{{cite book |last1=Keliher |first1=Macabe |title=The Board of Rites and the Making of Qing China |date=2019 |publisher=Univ of California Press |isbn=978-0520300293 |url={{Google books|Ro2qDwAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref>{{rp|157}} The robe's jacket waist had a new strip of scrap cloth put on the waist while the waist was made snug by pleating the top of the skirt on the robe.<ref name=boardofrites/>{{rp|159}} The Manchus added sable fur skirts, cuffs and collars to Ming dragon robes and trimming sable fur all over them before wearing them.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schlesinger |first1=Jonathan |title=A World Trimmed with Fur: Wild Things, Pristine Places, and the Natural Fringes of Qing Rule |date=2017 |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-1503600683 |page=25 |url={{Google books|aCKaDQAAQBAJ|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref> 

Han Chinese court costumes were modified by Manchus by adding a ceremonial big collar (da-ling) or shawl collar (pijian-ling).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Chung |first1=Young Yang Chung |title=Silken threads: a history of embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam |date=2005 |publisher=Harry N. Abrams |page=148 |isbn=978-0810943308 |edition=illustrated |url={{Google books|ND3rAAAAMAAJ|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref> It was mistakenly believed that the hunting attire of the Manchu ancestors evolved into the clothing of the Qing dynasty. This misconception arose from the stark contrast between the unshaped cloth of Ming dynasty garments, which followed a straight length, and the irregularly shaped pieces of the Qing dynasty's long pao and chao fu. Scholars from the west wrongly thought they were purely Manchu. Chao fu robes from Ming dynasty tombs like the Wanli emperor's tomb were excavated and it was found that Qing chao fu was similar and derived from it. They had embroidered or woven dragons on them but are different from long pao dragon robes which are a separate clothing. Flaired skirt with right side fastenings and fitted bodices dragon robes have been found<ref name="dusenburybier2004">{{cite book |last1=Dusenbury |first1=Mary M. |last2=Bier |first2=Carol |editor=Helen Foresman Spencer Museum of Art |title=Flowers, Dragons & Pine Trees: Asian Textiles in the Spencer Museum of Art |year=2004 |publisher=Hudson Hills |isbn=1555952380 |edition=illustrated |url={{Google books|566AlluiHT0C|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref>{{rp|103}} in Beijing, Shanxi, Jiangxi, Jiangsu and Shandong tombs of Ming officials and Ming imperial family members.

Integral upper sleeves of Ming chao fu had two pieces of cloth attached on Qing chao fu just like earlier Ming chao fu that had sleeve extensions with another piece of cloth attached to the bodice's integral upper sleeve. Another type of separate Qing clothing, the long pao resembles Yuan dynasty clothing like robes found in the Shandong tomb of Li Youan during the Yuan dynasty. The Qing dynasty chao fu appear in official formal portraits while Ming dynasty chao fu that they derive from do not, perhaps indicating the Ming officials and imperial family wore chao fu under their formal robes since they appear in Ming tombs but not portraits. 

Qing long pao were similar unofficial clothing worn during the Qing dynasty.<ref name="dusenburybier2004" />{{rp|104}} The Yuan robes featured flared hems and were tight around the arms and torso. Qing unofficial clothing, known as long pao, was derived from Yuan dynasty attire, while Qing official garments, called chao fu, were inspired by unofficial Ming dynasty clothing, specifically the dragon robes. The Ming dynasty intentionally modeled their clothing after earlier Han Chinese dynasties such as the Song, Tang, and Han dynasties.

In Japan's Nara city, the Shosoin repository at the Todaiji temple houses 30 short coats (hanpi) from the Tang dynasty in China. The construction of Ming dragon robes is influenced by these Tang dynasty hanpi. The hanpi consists of a skirt and bodice made of different fabrics with distinct patterns, which served as the basis for the Qing chao fu.<ref name="dusenburybier2004" />{{rp|105}} Cross-over closures are present in both the hanpi and Ming garments. 

The eighth century Shosoin hanpi's variety show it was in vogue at the time and most likely derived from much more ancient clothing. [[Han dynasty]] and [[Jin dynasty (266–420)]] era tombs in [[Yingban]], to the [[Tianshan]] mountains south in [[Xinjiang]] have clothes resembling the Qing long pao and Tang dynasty hanpi. The evidence from excavated tombs suggests that China had a longstanding tradition of garments that influenced the development of the Qing chao fu. This style was not invented or introduced by the Manchus in the Qing dynasty or the Mongols in the Yuan dynasty. The Ming robes, from which the Qing chao fu drew inspiration, were not commonly depicted in portraits or official paintings but were considered prestigious enough to be included in burial attire.

In some instances, the Qing dynasty went beyond the Ming dynasty in emulating ancient Chinese practices to showcase legitimacy. This included reviving ancient Chinese rituals and studying Chinese classics to assert their claim to the Mandate of Heaven. The Qing sacrificial ritual vessels were intentionally designed to bear a closer resemblance to ancient Chinese vessels than those of the Ming dynasty.<ref name="dusenburybier2004" />{{rp|106}} [[Tungusic peoples|Tungusic]] people on the [[Amur river]] like [[Udege people|Udeghe]], [[Ulchi]] and [[Nani people|Nanai]] adopted Chinese influences in their religion and clothing with Chinese dragons on ceremonial robes, utilizing scroll and spiral bird and monster mask designs, celebrating [[Chinese New Year]], using silk and cotton fabrics, employing iron cooking pots, and adopting heated house technology from China.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Forsyth |first1=James |title=A History of the Peoples of Siberia: Russia's North Asian Colony 1581–1990 |date=1994 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=0521477719 |page=214 |edition=illustrated, reprint, revised |url={{Google books|nzhq85nPrdsC|plainurl=yes}}}}</ref>

The [[Spencer Museum of Art]] has six long pao robes that belonged to Han Chinese [[Royal and noble ranks of the Qing dynasty|nobility of the Qing dynasty]] ([[Chinese nobility]]).<ref name=dusenburybier2004/>{{rp|115}} Ranked officials and Han Chinese nobles had two slits in the skirts while Manchu nobles and the Imperial family had four slits in skirts. All first, second and third rank officials as well as Han Chinese and Manchu nobles were entitled to wear nine dragons by the Qing Illustrated Precedents. Qing sumptuary laws only allowed four clawed dragons for officials, Han Chinese nobles and Manchu nobles while the Qing Imperial family, emperor and princes up to the second degree and their female family members were entitled to wear five clawed dragons. However officials violated these laws all the time and wore five clawed dragons and the Spencer Museum's six long pao worn by Han Chinese nobles have five clawed dragons on them.<ref name=dusenburybier2004/>{{rp|117}}

[[File:ZhangZhiyuan.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Han Chinese general Zhang Zhiyuan wearing Qing military outfit.<ref name=boardofrites/>{{rp|149}}]]

The early phase of Manchu clothing succeeded from Jurchen tradition. White was the dominating color.{{sfn|Yang|1988|pp=64, 183}}To facilitate convenience during archery, the robe is the most common article of clothing for the Manchu people.<ref name=wang1985>{{cite book |first = Yunying |last = Wang |script-title = zh:《清代满族服饰》 |trans-title = Manchu Traditional Clothes of Qing Dynasty |publisher = Liaoning Nationality Publishing House |year = 1985}}</ref>{{rp|17}} Over the robe, a surcoat is usually worn, derived from the military uniform of Eight Banners army.<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|30}} During the [[Kangxi Emperor|Kangxi period]], the surcoat gained popularity among commoners.<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|31}} The modern Chinese suits, the [[Cheongsam]] and [[Tangzhuang]], are derived from the Manchu robe and surcoat<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|17}} which are commonly considered as "Chinese elements".<ref>{{cite web |url = http://news.cntv.cn/china/20111127/100728.shtml |script-title=zh:中国奢侈品走出国门 旗袍唐装最受老外青睐(图) |trans-title=Chinese luxury goods go abroad, cheongsam and Tang suits are most favored by foreigners (Photo)|date=2011-11-27|publisher=CCTV|access-date=2022-08-28}}</ref>

Wearing hats is also a part of traditional Manchu culture.<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|27}} Hats are worn by all ages throughout all seasons, which contrasts the [[Han Chinese]] culture of "Starting to wear hats at 20-year-old" ({{lang|zh|二十始冠}}).<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|27}} Manchu hats are either formal or casual, formal hats being made in two different styles, straw for spring and summer, and fur for fall and winter.<ref name=wang1985/>{{rp|28}} Casual hats are more commonly known as "Mandarin hats" in English.<ref name="wang1985" />

Manchus have many distinctive traditional accessories. Women traditionally wear three earrings on each ear,<ref name=":1">{{cite book |first = Hui |last = Zeng |script-title = zh:《满族服饰文化研究》 |trans-title = The Research of Manchu Clothing Culture |publisher = Liaoning Nationality Publishing House |year = 2010 |isbn = 978-7807229711 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/5281451/ |series = 满族的这些事儿丛书 |pages=106–107}}</ref> a tradition that is maintained by many older Manchu women.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zx.chnsway.com/jqk/view.php?id=7574|script-title=zh:辽宁省政协|website=zx.chnsway.com|access-date=28 July 2012|archive-date=15 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515051400/http://zx.chnsway.com/jqk/view.php?id=7574|url-status=dead}}</ref> Males also traditionally wear piercings, but they tend to only have one earring in their youth and do not continue to wear it as adults.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|20}} The Manchu people also have traditional jewelry which evokes their past as hunters. The fergetun ({{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡶᡝᡵᡤᡝᡨᡠᠨ}}), a thumb ring traditionally made out of reindeer bone, was worn to protect the thumbs of archers. After the establishment of the Qing dynasty in 1644, the fergetun gradually became a form of jewelry, with the most valuable ones made in jade and ivory.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/collection/2011-09/23/c_122079723.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009040944/http://news.xinhuanet.com/collection/2011-09/23/c_122079723.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 October 2011|title=Xinhua: Small Fergetun with A High Price (simplified Chinese)|agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref> High-heeled shoes were worn by Manchu women.<ref name=":1" />

===Traditional activities===
====Riding and archery====
[[File:Hunting Journey on Horseback.jpg|thumb|left|Painting of the [[Qianlong Emperor]] hunting]]
Riding and archery ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠨᡳᠶᠠᠮᠨᡳᠶᠠᠨ}}|v=niyamniyan|a=niyamniyan}}) are significant to the Manchus. They were well-trained horsemen from their teenage{{sfn|Yi|1978|p=44}} years. [[Hong Taiji|Huangtaiji]] said, "Riding and archery are the most important martial arts of our country".<ref name=jiang1980/>{{rp|46}}<ref name=various/>{{rp|446}} Every generation of the Qing dynasty treasured riding and archery the most.<ref name=liu2008>{{cite book |first = Xiaomeng |last = Liu |script-title = zh:《清代八旗子弟》 |trans-title = the Bannermen in Qing Dynasty |publisher = Liaoning Nationality Publishing House |year = 2008 |isbn = 978-7-80722-563-8 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/3135967/ }}</ref>{{rp|108}} Every spring and fall, from ordinary Manchus to aristocrats, all had to take riding and archery tests. Their test results could even affect their rank in the [[Chinese nobility|nobility]].<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|93}} The Manchus of the early Qing dynasty had excellent shooting skills and their arrows were reputed to be capable of penetrating two persons.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|94}}

From the middle period of the Qing dynasty, archery became more a form of entertainment in the form of games such as hunting swans, shooting fabric or silk target. The most difficult is shooting a candle hanging in the air at night.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|95}} Gambling was banned in the Qing dynasty but there was no limitation on Manchus engaging in archery contests. It was common to see Manchus putting signs in front of their houses to invite challenges.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|95}} After the [[Qianlong Emperor|Qianlong period]], Manchus gradually neglected the practices of riding and archery, even though their rulers tried their best to encourage Manchus to continue their riding and archery traditions,<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|94}} but the traditions are still kept among some Manchus even nowadays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=9404|script-title=zh: 文化遗产日——香山团城演武厅“访古·论箭”|trans-title=Manchu Archery in Heritage Day|date=2012-06-03|publisher=Manchus.cn|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010182255/http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=9404}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Hunting party1.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party2.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party3.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party4.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party5.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party6.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party7.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party8.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party9.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party10.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party11.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
File:Hunting party12.jpg|Manchu Hunting party
</gallery>

==== Manchu wrestling ====
[[File:Banquets-at-a-frontier-fortress.jpg|thumb|Manchu wrestlers competed in front of the Qianlong Emperor]]

Manchu wrestling ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠪᡠᡴᡠ}}|v=buku|a=buku}})<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|118}} is also an important martial art of the Manchu people.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|142}} Buku, meaning "wrestling" or "man of unusual strength" in Manchu, was originally from a Mongolian word, "[[Mongolian wrestling|bökh]]".<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|118}} The history of Manchu wrestling can be traced back to Jurchen wrestling in the Jin dynasty which was originally from Khitan wrestling; it was very similar to Mongolian wrestling.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|120}} In the [[Yuan dynasty]], the Jurchens who lived in northeast China adopted Mongol culture including wrestling, bökh.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|119}} In the latter Jin and early Qing period, rulers encouraged the populace, including aristocrats, to practise buku as a feature of military training.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|121}} At the time, Mongol wrestlers were the most famous and powerful. By the Chongde period, Manchus had developed their own well-trained wrestlers<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|123}} and, a century later, in the Qianlong period, they surpassed Mongol wrestlers.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|137}} The Qing court established the "Shan Pu Battalion" and chose 200 fine wrestlers divided into three levels. Manchu wrestling moves can be found in today's Chinese wrestling, ''[[shuai jiao]]'', which is its most important part.<ref name=jinkaihe/>{{rp|153}} Among many branches, Beijing wrestling adopted most Manchu wrestling moves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epaper.qingdaonews.com/html/qdwb/20120306/qdwb386565.html|script-title=zh:摔跤历史挺悠久不同流派有讲究|trans-title=Wrestling has a long history and different genres are exquisite|publisher=Dynamic Weekly|date=2012-03-06|access-date=18 March 2015|archive-date=9 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309081545/http://epaper.qingdaonews.com/html/qdwb/20120306/qdwb386565.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Falconry ====
As a result of their hunting ancestry, Manchus are traditionally interested in falconry.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|106}} [[Gyrfalcon]] ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡧᠣᠩᡴᠣᡵᠣ}}|v=šongkoro|a=xongkoro}}) is the most highly valued discipline in the Manchu falconry social circle.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|107}} In the Qing period, giving a gyrfalcon to the royal court in tribute could be met with a considerable reward.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|107}} There were professional falconers in Ningguta area (today's Heilongjiang province and the northern part of Jilin province). It was a big base of falconry.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|106}} Beijing's Manchus also like falconry. Compared to the falconry of Manchuria, it is more like an entertainment.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|108}} Imperial Household Department of Beijing had professional falconers, too. They provided outstanding falcons to the emperor when he went to hunt every fall.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|108}} Even today, Manchu traditional falconry is well practised in some regions.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.jl.xinhuanet.com/tese/2011-01/10/content_21821594.htm |script-title = zh:新华网吉林频道 |access-date = 18 March 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040403/http://www.jl.xinhuanet.com/tese/2011-01/10/content_21821594.htm |archive-date = 4 March 2016 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

==== Ice skating ====
[[File:《冰嬉图》.jpg|thumb|The performance of Manchu palace skaters on holiday]]

Ice skating ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠨᡳᠰᡠᠮᡝ<br />ᡝᡶᡳᡵᡝ<br />ᡝᡶᡳᠨ}}{{citation needed|date=September 2017}}|v=nisume efire efin|a=nisume efire efin}}) is another Manchu pastime. The [[Qianlong Emperor]] called it a "national custom".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/edu/2012-08/08/c_123551557.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830132907/http://news.xinhuanet.com/edu/2012-08/08/c_123551557.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=30 August 2012|title=Xinhua: How Did Chinese Emperors Award Athletes? (simplified Chinese)|agency=Xinhua News Agency}}</ref> It was one of the most important winter events of the Qing royal household,<ref name=bingxi>{{cite web |url = http://www.chinanews.com/cul/news/2010/01-20/2083099.shtml |script-title = zh:“冰嬉”被乾隆定为“国俗” 清军有八旗冰鞋营(5)|trans-title="Bingxi" was designated as a "national custom" by Qianlong, and the Qing army had eight flag skate camps (5)|date=2010-01-20|publisher = Chinanews.com |access-date = 18 March 2015}}</ref> performed by the "Eight Banner Ice Skating Battalion" ({{lang|zh-hans|八旗冰鞋营}})<ref name=bingxi/> which was a special force trained to do battle on icy terrain.<ref name=bingxi/> The battalion consisted of 1600 soldiers. In the [[Jiaqing Emperor|Jiaqing period]], it was reduced to 500 soldiers and transferred to the Jing Jie Battalion ({{lang|zh-hans|精捷营}}) originally, literally meaning "chosen agile battalion".<ref name=bingxi/>

In the 1930s–1940s, there was a famous Manchu skater in Beijing whose name was Wu Tongxuan, from the Uya clan and one of the royal household skaters in [[Empress Dowager Cixi]]'s regency.<ref name=imanchu>{{cite web |url = http://www.imanchu.com/a/people/200801/2577.html |script-title = zh:李敖记起的北京滑冰老人吴雅氏 |access-date = 18 March 2015 |archive-date = 2 April 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402111913/http://www.imanchu.com/a/people/200801/2577.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> He frequently appeared in many of Beijing's skating rinks.<ref name=imanchu/> Nowadays, there are still Manchu figure skaters; world champions [[Zhao Hongbo]] and [[Tong Jian]] are the pre-eminent examples.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

=== Literature ===
The ''[[Tale of the Nisan Shaman]]'' ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠨᡳᡧᠠᠨ<br />ᠰᠠᠮᠠᠨ {{zwj}}ᡳ<br />ᠪᡳᡨᡥᡝ}}|v=nišan saman i bithe|a=nixan saman-i bithe}}; {{lang|zh-hans|尼山萨满传}}) is the most important piece of Manchu literature.<ref name=dekdenggeetal>{{cite book |last1 = Dekdengge |first2 = Huake |last2 = Zhang |first3 = Dingyuan |last3 = Guang |title = 尼山薩滿全傳 |language=zh |trans-title=Full Edition of Tale of the Nisan Shaman |publisher = Yingyu Cultural Publishing House |year = 2007 |isbn = 978-9868212428 |url = http://book.douban.com/subject/4049873/}}</ref>{{rp|3}} It primarily recounts how Nisan Shaman helps revive a young hunter.<ref name=dekdenggeetal/>{{rp|Preface}} The story also spread to Xibe, Nanai, Daur, Oroqen, Evenk and other Tungusic peoples.<ref name=dekdenggeetal/>{{rp|3}} It has four versions: the handwriting version from Qiqihar; two different handwriting versions from Aigun; and the one by the Manchu writer Dekdengge in [[Vladivostok]] ({{manchu|m={{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡥᠠᡳᡧᡝᠨᠸᡝᡳ}}|v=haišenwei|a=haixenwei}}<ref name=dekdenggeetal/>{{rp|1}}). The four versions are similar, but Haišenwei's is the most complete.<ref name=dekdenggeetal/>{{rp|7}} It has been translated into Russian, Chinese, English and other languages.<ref name=dekdenggeetal/>{{rp|3}}

There is also literature written in Chinese by Manchu writers, such as ''[[The Tale of Heroic Sons and Daughters]]'' ({{lang|zh-hans|儿女英雄传}}), ''{{ill|Song of Drinking Water|zh|纳兰性德}}'' ({{lang|zh-hans|饮水词}}) and ''{{ill|The Collection of Tianyouge|zh|顾太清}}'' ({{lang|zh-hans|天游阁集}}).

===Folk art===
====Octagonal drum====
[[File:八角鼓演出照.jpg|thumb|left|Octagonal drum performance on stage]]

Octagonal drum is a type of Manchu folk art that was very popular among bannermen, especially in Beijing.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|147}} It is said that octagonal drum originated with the snare drum of the Eight-banner military and the melody was made by the banner soldiers who were on the way back home from victory in the battle of Jinchuan.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|147}} The drum is composed of wood surrounded by bells. The drumhead is made by wyrmhide with tassels at the bottom.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|147}} The colors of the tassels are yellow, white, red, and blue, which represent the four colors of the [[Eight Banners]].<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|124}} When artists perform, they use their fingers to hit the drumhead and shake the drum to ring the bells.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|147}} Traditionally, octagonal drum is performed by three people. One is the harpist; one is the clown who is responsible for harlequinade; and the third is the singer.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|147}}

[[File:Akšan.jpg|thumb|upright|{{ill|Akšan|zh|宋熙东}}, Manchu singer and ulabun artist]]

"[[Zidishu]]" is the main libretto of octagonal drum and can be traced back to a type of traditional folk music called the "Manchu Rhythm".<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|112}} Although Zidishu was not created by [[Han Chinese]], it still contains many themes from Chinese stories,<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|148}} such as ''[[Romance of the Three Kingdoms]]'', ''[[Dream of the Red Chamber]]'', ''[[Romance of the Western Chamber]]'', ''[[Legend of the White Snake]]'' and ''[[Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio]]''.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|148}} Additionally, there are many works that depict the lives of Bannermen. Aisin-Gioro Yigeng, who was pen named "Helü" and wrote ''the sigh of old imperial bodyguard'', as the representative author.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|116}} Zidishu involves two acts of singing, which are called ''dongcheng'' and ''xicheng''.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|149}}

After the fall of the Qing dynasty, the influence of the octagonal drum gradually reduced. However, the {{ill|Chinese monochord|zh|单弦}}<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|149}} and [[Xiangsheng|crosstalk]]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSH-J6yJgCE |script-title=zh:郭德纲 德云社 有话好好说 2011.12.04 |trans-title=Guo Degang Deyun Society has something to say 2011.12.04|date = 4 December 2011|via=YouTube |access-date = 18 March 2015}}</ref> which incorporates octagonal drum are still popular in Chinese society and the new generations. Many famous Chinese monochord performers and crosstalkers were the artists of octagonal drum, such as De Shoushan and Zhang Sanlu.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|113}}

==== Ulabun ====
Ulabun ({{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᡠᠯᠠᠪᡠᠨ}}) is a form of Manchu storytelling entertainment which is performed in the Manchu language.<ref name=iel>{{cite web |url = http://iel.cass.cn/news_show.asp?newsid=7932 |script-title=zh:[富育光]满族传统说部艺术——“乌勒本”研考|trans-title=[Fu Yuguang] Manchu traditional art of speaking - "Uleben" research|author=Fu Yuguang|date=2009-03-23 |access-date = 18 March 2015|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-06-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606021933/http://iel.cass.cn/news_show.asp?newsid=7932}}</ref> Different from octagonal drum, ulabun is popular among the Manchu people living in Manchuria. It has two main categories; one is popular folk literature such as the ''Tale of the Nisan Shaman'', the other is from folk music with an informative and independent plot, and complete structure.<ref name=iel/>

=== Religion ===
Originally, Manchus, and their predecessors, were principally Buddhists with Shamanist influences. Every Manchu King started his royal title with Buddha. After the conquest of China in the 17th century, Manchus came into contact with Chinese culture. They adopted Confucianism along with Buddhism and discouraged shamanism.

==== Manchu shamanism ====
{{Main|Manchu shamanism}}
{{See also|Shamanism in the Qing dynasty}}

[[Shamanism]] has a [[Shamanism in the Qing dynasty|long history in Manchu civilization]] and influenced them tremendously over thousands of years. [[John Keay]] states in ''A History of China'', shaman is the single loan-word from Manchurian into the English language.{{Citation needed|date=March 2017}} After the [[Qing conquest of the Ming|conquest of China]] in the 17th century, although Manchus officially adopted Buddhism and widely adopted Chinese folk religion, Shamanic traditions can still be found in the aspects of soul worship, totem worship, belief in nightmares and apotheosis of philanthropists.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|98–106}} Apart from the Shamanic shrines in the Qing palace, no temples erected for worship of Manchu gods could be found in Beijing.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}} Thus, the story of competition between Shamanists and Lamaists was often heard in Manchuria but the Manchu emperors helped Lamaists or Tibetan Buddhists officially.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}}

==== Buddhism ====
Jurchens, the predecessors of the Manchus adopted the [[Buddhism]] of [[Balhae]], [[Goryeo]], [[Liao dynasty|Liao]] and [[Song dynasty|Song]] in the 10–13th centuries,<ref name=buddhism>{{Cite web |url=http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=378 |title=The Relation of Manchu Emperors and Buddhism |access-date=21 June 2012 |archive-date=21 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621061730/http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=378 |url-status=dead }}</ref> so it was not something new to the rising Manchus in the 16–17th centuries. Qing emperors were always entitled "Buddha". They were regarded as [[Mañjuśrī]] in [[Tibetan Buddhism]]<ref name=meng2006/>{{rp|5}} and had high attainments.<ref name=buddhism/><ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}}

[[Hong Taiji]] who was of Mongolian descent started leaning towards Chan Buddhism, the original Chinese form known in Japan as Zen Buddhism. Still, Huangtaiji patronized Tibetan Buddhism extensively and publicly.{{sfn|Wakeman|1986|p=203}}<ref name=cambridge>{{cite book |title = The Cambridge History of China: Pt. 1; The Ch'ing Empire to 1800 |url = {{Google books|hi2THl2FUZ4C|plainurl=yes}}|year=1978 |publisher = Cambridge University Press |isbn = 978-0-521-24334-6|pages=64–65}}</ref> Huangtaiji patronized Buddhism but sometimes felt Tibetan Buddhism to be inferior to Chan Buddhism.<ref name=cambridge/>

The [[Qianlong Emperor]]'s faith in [[Tibetan Buddhism]] has been questioned in recent times because the emperor indicated that he supported the Yellow Church (the Tibetan Buddhist [[Gelukpa]] sect)<ref name=dunnelletal>{{cite book |title = New Qing Imperial History: The Making of Inner Asian Empire at Qing Chengde |first1 = Ruth W. |last1 = Dunnell |first2 = Mark C. |last2 = Elliott |first3 = Philippe |last3 = Foret |first4 = James A |last4 = Millward |year = 2004 |publisher = Routledge |url = {{Google books|6qFH-53_VnEC|plainurl=yes}} |isbn = 978-1134362226 }}</ref>{{rp|123–4}}

This explanation of only supporting the "Yellow Hats" Tibetan Buddhists for practical reasons was used to deflect Han criticism of this policy by the Qianlong Emperor, who had the "Lama Shuo" stele engraved in Tibetan, Mongol, Manchu and Chinese, which said: "By patronizing the Yellow Church we maintain peace among the Mongols."<ref>{{cite book |title=Prisoners of Shangri-La: Tibetan Buddhism and the West |first=Donald S. |last=Lopez |year=1999 |url={{Google books|mjUHF7kQfVAC|plainurl=yes}}|publisher=University of Chicago Press |page=20 |isbn=0-226-49310-5}}</ref><ref>{{cite book| title=Empire of Emptiness: Buddhist Art and Political Authority in Qing China |first= Patricia Ann |last=Berger |year=2003 |url={{Google books|BsyFU9FwCIkC|plainurl=yes}}|publisher=University of Hawaii Press |page= 35 |isbn=0-8248-2563-2}}</ref> It seems he was wary of the rising power of the Tibetan Kingdom and its influence over the Mongolians and Manchu public, princes and generals.

==== Chinese folk religion ====
Manchus were affected by [[Chinese folk religion]]s for most of the Qing dynasty.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}} Save for ancestor worship, the gods they consecrated were virtually identical to those of the Han Chinese.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}} [[Guan Yu]] worship is a typical example. He was considered as the God Protector of the Nation and was sincerely worshipped by Manchus. They called him "Lord Guan" ({{lang|zh-hans|关老爷}}). Uttering his name was taboo.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}} In addition, Manchus worshipped [[Cai Shen]] and the [[Kitchen God]] just as the Han Chinese did. The worship of Mongolian and Tibetan gods has also been reported.<ref name=jin2009/>{{rp|95}}

==== Christianity ====
===== Roman Catholic =====
Influenced by the [[Society of Jesus|Jesuit missionaries]] in China, there were also a considerable number of Manchu Catholics during the Qing dynasty.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|183}} The earliest Manchu Catholics appeared in the 1650s.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|183}} In the Yongzheng eras, Depei, the Hošo Jiyan Prince, was a [[Catholic]] whose baptismal name was "Joseph". His wife was also baptised and named "Maria".<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|184}} At the same time, the sons of [[Beile|Doro Beile]] Sunu were devout Catholics, too.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|184}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historychina.net/manager/info/inner.jsp?sid=1&cid=29&infoid=24514|title=National Qing History Compilatory Committee: Sunu Research (simplified Chinese)|website=historychina.net|access-date=21 June 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623113540/http://www.historychina.net/manager/info/inner.jsp?sid=1&cid=29&infoid=24514|archive-date=23 June 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Jiaqing period, Tong Hengšan and Tong Lan were Catholic Manchu Bannermen.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|184}} These Manchu Catholics who were proselytized were persecuted by Qing emperors but they steadfastly refused to renounce their faith.<ref name=liu2008/>{{rp|184}} There were Manchu Catholics in modern times, too, such as [[Ying Lianzhi]], the founder of [[Fu Jen Catholic University]].

=== Traditional holidays ===
Manchus have many traditional holidays. Some are derived from Chinese culture, such as the "[[Chinese New Year|Spring Festival]]"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=238 |title=Manchu Spring Festival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917124324/http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=238 |archive-date=17 September 2017 |language=zh-CN}}</ref> and [[Duanwu Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=4412 |title=Manchu Duanwu Festival |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180329110954/http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=4412 |archive-date=29 March 2018 |language=zh-CN}}</ref> Some are of Manchu origin. Food Exhaustion Day ({{lang|zh-hans|绝粮日}}), on every 26th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, is another example which was inspired by a story that once [[Nurhaci]] and his troops were in a battle with enemies and almost running out of food. The villagers who lived near the battlefield heard the emergency and came to help. There was no tableware on the battlefield. They had to use [[Perilla frutescens|perilla]] leaves to wrap the rice. Afterwards, they won the battle. So later generations could remember this hardship, Nurhaci made this day the "Food Exhaustion Day". Traditionally on this day, Manchu people eat perilla or [[Chinese cabbage|cabbage]] wraps with rice, scrambled eggs, beef or pork.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://manchu.library.nenu.edu.cn/webcache/lishiwenhua/manzufengsu/201012/14-6518.html |title=The Day of Running Out of Food |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306095543/http://manchu.library.nenu.edu.cn/webcache/lishiwenhua/manzufengsu/201012/14-6518.html |archive-date=6 March 2016 |language=zh-CN}}</ref> Banjin Inenggi ({{ManchuSibeUnicode|lang=mnc|ᠪᠠᠨᠵᡳᠨ<br />ᡳᠨᡝᠩᡤᡳ}}), on the 13th day of the tenth month of the lunar calendar, which started to be celebrated in late 20th century, is the anniversary of the name creation of Manchu.<ref name=yan2008/>{{rp|49}} This day in 1635, [[Hong Taiji]] changed the ethnic name from Jurchen to Manchu.<ref name=various/>{{rp|330–331}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=1013 |title=the Origin of Banjin Inenggi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226210044/http://www.manchus.cn/plus/view.php?aid=1013 |archive-date=26 February 2018 |language=zh-CN}}</ref>