tudi

tudi

 or t'u-ti

Type of Chinese god whose nature and functions are determined by local residents. Its chief characteristic is the limitation of its jurisdiction to a single place, such as a bridge, temple, or home. A tudi is subservient to the chenghuang, or municipal god. In most cases, a tudi originates as a person who in life aided the community. By deifying and offering sacrifices to them, residents hope to move them to show similar solicitude after death. If misfortunes visit a locality, the tudi is determined to have lost interest and a new patron is chosen.