本文透過方志、廟宇匾聯、碑文及民間傳說的分析，探討清代臺灣 的保生大帝信仰所反映國家與地方社會的互動關係。地方官員雖將保生 大帝信仰列為「淫祀」，但多採寬容、尊重的態度，以兼顧國家制度與 地方信仰。社會菁英為地方信仰的推動者，透過捐資建廟來累積「象徵 資源」，並與國家權力互動。鄉村百姓為主要的信眾，視保生大帝為地 方保護神，對抗不肖的豪強與官員，但也為國家權力所制約。這種「由 下而上」的觀察，有助於重新認識清代臺灣的政治與社會。

Through the analysis of the local history, the horizontal inscribed boards and the antithetical couplets in temples, inscribed texts, and folk legends, this essay explores the interactive relations between the nation and the local society reflected in the belief in Bao-sheng-da-di in Qing Taiwan. Although the local officials regarded the belief in Bao-sheng-da-di as a licentious cult, they treated the belief in Bao-sheng-da- di with tolerance and respect in order to give consideration to both nation systems and local beliefs. Social elites gave an impetus to local beliefs. They accumulated“symbolic capital”by donating money to build temples, and interacted with nation power. Common people in villages were the main believers. They saw Bao-sheng-da-di as the god that protected the local society, resisted the bully rich people and officials, but was restricted by nation power. The observation“from bottom to top”is helpful to understand the politics and the society in Qing Taiwan from another angle.

保生大帝；民間信仰；國家權力；地方社會；社會菁英

Bao-sheng-da-di；folk belief；state power；local society；social elites