The traditional folk activityYoushen (Parading the Deities) in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, is a cyclical ritual centered on the procession of deities. Aimed at praying for blessings and warding off misfortunes, it also serves to reinforce community cultural identity. Originally accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments such as Shifan ensembles, gongs, and suona, the ritual has recently incorporated large Western-style bands performing revolutionary songs (hong ge), prompting surrounding spectators to join in chorus. This evolution showcases the fusion and transformation of traditional folk rituals in contemporary society.

This study takesYoushen as a case study and is based on six months of fieldwork to collect first-hand data. It aims to investigate how musical elements in the ritual function as key cultural symbols that embody and transmit specific social values, historical memories, and collective identities. Against the backdrop of cross-cultural integration, the research analyzes the mechanisms behind the fusion of traditional Chinese instrumental music with Western instruments and revolutionary songs. This includes examining the processes of musical borrowing, adaptation, and recreation, and discussing their impact on local musical traditions and their cultural significance.

In addition, the study explores how different age groups perceive and interpret these hybrid musical elements. It analyzes the social functions of music across generations and its role in reshaping community cohesion and reinforcing cultural transmission. Ultimately, the research seeks to illustrate how Western instruments and revolutionary songs are endowed with new meanings in a local context, forming innovative modes of cultural expression.