Buddhist Reincarnation Symbolism in Chinese Animated Films and Its Reception Among Generation Z

Against the backdrop of intensified globalization and digital integration, traditional religious symbols are undergoing an unprecedented transformation, particularly in their reception and interpretation among younger generations. As a religious symbol deeply rooted in cultural tradition, the Buddhist concept of reincarnation has found renewed space for interpretation and channels of dissemination through Chinese animated films—an increasingly popular medium among Generation Z. Centered on the Buddhist doctrine of karmic reincarnation, this study selects six representative Chinese animated films to examine how Buddhist symbols are re-symbolized at both the visual and narrative levels. It further investigates how Generation Z actively decodes and reinterprets these symbols within a worldview that oscillates between religious and non-religious orientations. The findings reveal that Generation Z not only transforms traditional Buddhist concepts into tools for psychological healing, self-identification, and personal development but also demonstrates a clear trend toward deinstitutionalization and desanctification. This process signifies a shift of religious symbols from collective religious memory to individualized spiritual and emotional resources, closely tied to the intergenerational cultural inheritance patterns unique to youth communities. Consequently, this study contributes to the theoretical exploration of how pluralistic worldviews among young people are formed and offers a critical perspective and empirical foundation for understanding how contemporary religious and spiritual symbols transcend generational boundaries to integrate meaningfully into youth culture.