風水之說，超越生死，成為人世與冥界、祖先與子孫間的聯繫，除負有孝道倫理的意涵外，更具備現實利益的功能，而風水的功利性，即是其能盛行於中國社會的關鍵。 由於風水具有排他性，並牽涉到宗族發展的興衰存亡，這使得各個宗族汲汲於此一資源的爭奪，也因而導致在宗族與宗族間，產生諸多的糾紛，並往往演變為激烈的衝突和械鬥。 在閩南地區的衝突和械鬥中，當人們受到外力威脅時，最先尋求的援助對象，即是宗族組織。這種共同對抗外敵的情感，無疑會加強彼此的團結和認同感，同時也更強化宗族組織的穩固性。由此觀之，不僅宗族意識的建構，促進了閩南社會對風水的重視，反過來說，堪輿之術的盛行，同樣也有助於宗族組織的發展。

Fengshui (geomancy) is thought of as beyond life and death, and serves as a bridge between ancestors and their offspring. In reality, in addition to its meaning in terms of filial piety, Fengshui is also believed to be able to affect the actual interests of the offspring. The expected benefits according from good Fengshui is the reason why it has been so popular in Chinese society. Due to Fengshui’s exclusion of others and its importance to the flourishing of the lineage, fighting for geomantic resources has often led to disputes between lineages. Indeed, these disputes have given rise to armed and violent fights between lineages. In southern Fujian, it has been observed that people usually look for assistance from their lineage during these conflicts. The emotions involved in fights against common enemies strengthen the identification with and cohesion within a lineage, and eventually enhance the stability of the lineage. Therefore, the construction of lineage consciousness has in turn increased the emphasis on Fengshui in the society of southern Fujian. Conversely, the popularity of Fengshui has also promoted the development of lineages.

明清；閩南；宗族；風水；資源爭奪

Ming-Qing; southern Fujian; lineage; Fengshui; contention for resources