Final answer:
Neolithic Chinese religions were diverse and regionally distinct, with evidence of exchange and conflict leading to cultural borrowings. Matrilineal societies with parity in burial customs between genders and the use of sophisticated arts in rituals highlight the complexity of spiritual practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Neolithic Chinese Religions
Based on archeological finds, Neolithic Chinese religions and cultures show a significant variety and complexity in their development. The distinct cultural complexes were characterized by regional variations in agricultural practices, social organization, language, and religion. The differentiation was clearly demonstrated in how societies in the north relied on millet cultivation due to the colder climate, whereas communities in the south cultivated rice and used water buffalo.
These regions not only developed independently but formed an "interaction sphere" which facilitated exchanges leading to innovations and cultural borrowing, as well as the emergence of conflicts evidenced by fortified cities. Religious practices seemed to involve human sacrifices, probably of war captives, in rituals related to warfare and political hierarchy, as suggested by burial sites in northern China.
The presence of matrilineal societies is another key characteristic, with evidence of burials suggesting a status parity between men and women. Decorative arts such as pottery, the use of precious materials like jade, and consistent burial customs like the layout of graves also reflect sophisticated spiritual and cultural beliefs.