Common Panton lete rem erertl NES Grn) Zz ee ae The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of TiC eS Reta Eye ce amet US By -MOhile Rel MO Bee Cle} e BS Portes eeu Leeee Common Knowledge About Chinese Culture pL aa as Common Knowledge About Chinese History “PTL Sea, Common Knowledge About Chinese Geography DG esas ‘ommon Knowledge About Chinese Culture is intended : to help the reader understand the breadth of Chinese culture and its importance to human civilization, in OR ToC ei R cL M ltl aoe Tous Traditional Chinese Ideology, Traditional Virtues of China, Ancient Chinese Literature, Science and Technology of Ancient China, Traditional Chinese Art, Chinese Cultural Relics, Ancient Chinese Architecture, Chinese Arts and Crafts, Chinese Folk Customs, and Meme eu Mato Meter Re Re Regie Roe ot) on essential Chinese culture, the book is lively, interesting, and Pred Rene paren to eke eke esCommon Knowledge About wa br rae PER Re we ( Fa 3S xT FR) BERS DAS The Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council SRREARE AS AALS The Office of Chinese Language * BSAA W RE Council International igher Education PressBBB eno (CIP) Se PRM BS RRS DAS, ADEE PAP DADA E. 2007.2 ISBN 978-7-04-020714-9 I. fp... 1.08... » WD. Oi — opi WEE RRO Kt -BARIA-HR-R, K IV. © H195.5 @ G12 oP AAS A tt CIP eHK (2006) 128483 SF MaRS RSPR ARE OBR Hott ACTER ABTS RRA ABM — 100011 Rot % —-BML__:010- 58581000 EIT & 4% Keema peTARaa AD RM AREA CREAR A) eA Fo 787 x 1092 1/16 Bm He 18.5 mK - B 420 000 Dp kk 010~ 58581118 800-810-0598 hetp://www.hep edu.cn http:/iwww.hep.com.cn http://www.landraco.com http://www.landraco.com.cn http:/iwww.widedu.com 2007 47 2 3 1 AE 2007 46. 2 A 1 ok PHONG RAD, AB MAB TR, ISBN 978-7-04-020714~9 06800 RA BLE #1 20714-00ARFMELS RAS: 84 Ha & RDCALRSH-BRERSMOED, HIME E S*IRASHART RPAH. AR, HEAR SRIPAER, ZS RUBRT. EER, MS PHSHHSAMRR RAMON RMT A IADR AR, PIR 2 SAKA EIAN. A TPR AMINES S 7 RP RMN AR, ett P IIL Rik, PEARMAMS RASA SBM PHB PMADAS CHESCHLMIR CPEBLMIR) F i”) HAH. CPESCBIR)D CPEIABAIR 40 (PRLHBAIR) AAR RE GUASERESTSHSRD, OBC, E ALRABHKMHERAR. APEARAAH A PRON MAT, beret An 7 PCS ~ AL Ri. AR, Be, E.R, PRR RARE AS MAA ARES SAG MAL (HR SHIR), CPELALAIR) 70 HEMEERIR) AAR, aan BARBARO AAS THN, (SIT TARR, HAE ALT HA FB, FEVER, 78. ZRAEA, SNESE STEREHLRRE B. RBM; EIR AR ARR, DE, PATRAS ak REAR RR 5 ABAREFOSS FRE RL att —4> OF FMARAROASET MPR, be FER. HREBBE TBASNEZER, ARAB 537, fA] RUTHSPANBY, Cee. HFHOAR, BPARSARAAY 2 oh, BOER BMER PATSBE, LURORCTMBUES a (33 TEARRAE HME RS hApas 2006 #11 APreface Common Knowledge About Chinese Culture, Common Knowledge About Chinese History and Common Knowledge About Chinese Geography are a series of readers initiated by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China. The readers were jointly developed by Beijing Chinese Language College, Nanjing Normal University and Anhui Normal University. Serving as teaching aids for learners of Chinese, these readers make the general knowledge of Chinese culture, history and geography accessible to the young generation of overseas Chinese by means of eithgr classroom delivery or self-study. These books are also for parents to help their children with the study. The previous versions of these readers were well received. In recent years, with the rapid economic and social development in China and the rising of her international status, the world witnesses a phenomenal increase in leamers of the Chinese language outside China, especially from non-Chinese ethnic groups. To meet the demand from overseas Chinese learners to better their knowledge about Chinese culture, and to foster cultural exchanges between China and the world, a revision of the above-mentioned readers has been decided by the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. They assigned the Office of Chinese Language Council International to work out the new edition of Common Knowledge About Chinese Culture, Common Knowledge About Chinese History and Common Knowledge About Chinese Geography. The revised version of Common Knowledge About Chinese Culture, Common Knowledge About Chinese History and Common Knowledge About Chinese Geography is intended to be a popular edition of learning aid for Chinese culture in a conversational style. These readers make Chinese culture, history and’geography more accessible to all people. Based on the original Chinese-English version edited by the ‘Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, the newly-revised version has Kept its bilingual format, only broadening the foreign language coverage to German, French, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Thai, Spanish and Arabic. The Office of Chinese Language Council International delegates the revision of Common Knowledge ‘About Chinese Culture, Common Knowledge About Chinese History and Common Knowledge About Chinese Geography to Higher Education Press, who adds and subtracts parts of the original Chinese version with amendments to some data and illustrations. The bilingual versions of Chinese-English, Chinese-German and Chinese-Thai are developed by Higher Education Press. The versions of Chinese- French, Chinese-Japanese and Chinese-Korean are developed by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. The Chinese-Russian, Chinese-Spanish and Chinese-Arabic versions are done by Sinolingua. All revisions are meant to be innovative while maintaining the original focus of being accurate, instructive and practical. It is our sincere hope that this series of readers become windows for you to know more about China, and bridges leading you to the world of Chinese. We would especially like to express our sincere appreciation to many experts, scholars and Chinese ‘teachers both at home and abroad for their pertinent suggestions. Developed under a tight schedule, the new editions might be blotted with oversights and inappropriateness. We sincerely welcome readers, especially those better versed in the relevant fields to contribute ideas for the correction and future revision of these books. The Office of Chinese Language Council International November, 2006| CHESCEIR) = & WE REAR baie td sae SRA {ERIE at ERE OR OF PRR ROE Hae ed Give HM CHES RIA) ( HSER) BAAR HR RRB ROK KH HAAR Raa Ee RAB SRE Sait aEaE EA BARE K RK faut Bt w+ BRK RAK Ent ES HE Devon Williams ME BARS RK RF RF Xk UMBC HT NH a Kb a x mR REE POP ML RRHA Hi ChinaFotoPress eels neaBw AR 5 SE BAT AY LAA EAS AB SS AH NA PART AR SY SE YET a AR SE AA EB PR ALI D EAT AH HH) ER EEE ANF CE EA RAY OE PEE WEE. WTP BRE RPA KA BREA RAM BMA RR Re REACA TF BT] A] BAL EMT HB TLE A AT hh PE LGR RAT AB BPH ARE HA DA. BRS ML AEH BIR. (010) 58581897 /58581896/58581879 f& = - BH: (010) 82086060 E = mail, dd@hep. com, cn SAR Aad. AL ae i SK PE AR 4 PACT Hh LAL AT ai Bs RR I A aS #4: 100011 NOB AMEAT HL; (010)58581118PEE SB Ae Traditional Chinese Ideology Hid Introduction | #7 Confucius AER" SRRE Confucianism “Four Books and Five Classics" and ‘53830848. Laozi, Zhuangzi and Taoism {#EBAR Buddhism HERBS | Traditional Virtues of China Whe FMLA Filial Virtue Introduction 3224) To Respect the Aged and Love the Young 2” Three Friends in Cold Weather iWSEP4% Integrity and Credit 4/7 HX To Respect Teachers and Value Education PaaS Ancient Chinese Literature #8 Introduction iii #8 Ancient Mythology (3) The Book of Songs | 488% Chu ci SURAT Yuefu Songs of the Han Dynasty LAL#RERER Folks Songs of the Northern and Southern Dynasties BV Tang Pootry Rial Song Ci PoetryE4418) Yuan Zaju ( Opera of the Yuan Dynasty ) Aji#/JE Fiction of the Ming and Qing Dynasties XA Rialf€ie Four Great Folkiores PHAR Science and Technology of Ancient China {438 Introduction iE ¢t The Compass i8*RA Papermaking = * JEFEDBIA Printing ‘kB Gunpowder (75 8 ) Gan and Shi's Celestial Book Ki 5b Zhang Heng and the Seismograph 48%} SEI Zu Chongzhi and Pi *R4RA Textile Technique SAIM9SE;8IN Sundial and Copper Kettle Clepsydra ‘SFE Abacus and Abacus Calculation PERASAH Traditional Chinese Art iid Introduction FR Folk Music 52 Belling Opera $2773 Local Operas h2 Quyi (Folk Art) HB#L The Game of Go *H [BH The Chinese Chess i= Chinese Characters Bi Calligraphy #2) Seal CuttingTraditional Chinese Painting ESC Chinese Cultural Relics {i Introduction REX Jiaguwen SBEHESCH. Sanxingdui Culture SYRAR Simuwu Ding #EARG) Sword of King Goujian of Yue 342% Liangzhu Jade ‘e(8'S7 Changxin Palace Lamp $6 & ER {ih Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qinshihuang Mausoleum ‘S4RZ MH Chime Bells RAEN Jade Suit Sewn with Gold Thread = A#¢3 Bronze Galloping Horse AKAM The Great Bell of Yongle THREE Ancient Coins $U@325 2B Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes PRS Re Ancient Chinese Architecture HE Introduc BH The Imperial Palace n fi Temples [4K Classical Gardens 38 Pagodas #R Bridgesa PRIS Chinese Arts and Crafts EE Introduct I =® Tang Tricolor Pottery #8 Porcelain #16 Cloisonné Fan PE Kite 40% Fancy Lantern 3) Embroidery 298 Sik, SHSLAUIEEDZE7 Batik and Blue Calico 4. Paper-Cuts 3 RB Jade Carving if Stone Lion SLHFLR Four Treasures of the Study PRRs Chinese Folk Customs MIA Introduction PELAf#® Names of the Chinese People “+= JRiB Twelve Symbolic Animals /&JL% 8 S418) One-Month-Old Feast and One-Year-Old Catch (Zhuazhou ) of Babies S84L Wedding FLR— ft HAN SAE Four Deities—Symbol of Auspice in Ancient Times ‘H##H1X Images of Blessing ERI) Folk Temple Fair ‘$296 Lion Dance2879 The Spring Festival FEB The Lantern Festival 3H997 The Pure Brightness Day 34°75 The Dragon Boat Festival ‘AKT The Mid-Autumn Festival —+ 54, The 24 Seasonal Division Points PRAM i Life of the Chinese.People i WE Introduction GBS FB fS4eIR Cheong-Sam and Traditional Chinese Costumes ‘PER Chinese Cuisine ‘AEA Chinese Tea 8 Chinese Wine ‘PEER Civilian Residence 34, F57HE Horse-Drawn Carriage, Sedan Chair and Cloth Shoes 2 "p25 Traditional Chinese Medical Science and Medicine $45 RBPR Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapy and Narcotherapy + Miia - The Chinese Language and Mandarin and Dialects 27BBE ak Introduction PR ABAS BAMA Ww, APH By "RA a" £-T82hiae. F BRREBETETAMCRN HH, BAKE MES sth"; | BARRE RHATNSS RATEBEER. Ti, PHA—Hoce (O80 7 PRLS SA AR, MREKARESHAK BARAT. ATA ON REBMZT. EFF UAE RERIREFEA. HP, SPR RMRA, RAH RBA.Traditional Chinese Ideolog) Introduction 1 2F Lao 2 BF Zhuangzi 222A The character of chan (Chan) 4. ARIA ‘Wood engraving of Buddhist images Ee ompared with Westerners, more attention to the harmonious the Chinese people paid relation between human beings and nature; “Nature and Man are one.” is a familiar statement in traditional Chinese ideology. Much emphasis is laid upon the moral cultivation and temper re- finement as well as the spiritual enlightenment on the part of the individual rather than upon the logic reasoning. For thousands of years, China, so to speak, has been under the influence of a holistic system of thoughts, which is largely composed of Confucianism initiated by Confu- cius and Mencius, Taoism initi- ated by Laozi and Zhuangzi, as well as Buddhism with Chinese characteristics, among which Confuciat m played a funda- mental role in shaping the tradi- tional Chinese ideologyRAAAR, HR Ao Fi kk, RESHRA. PRIA, Hh AY eT, DFT NRE: HERE NR BK, (A Et A, fh— HBG T 3 0008+ ee, BHI F, KET ABRBLEHER. LER E TIERS, RETR » STRESS MB). (8 bANaRET BARDSFERRE Mo te wm, 7 FE yee WAR, thik ABH “(", REKBA As “CARR, DBFA” ; HEU , “FANT: , RRA, ARNE AAR L BAUWASAZNER, F ERS HERS ENT DAE RE BUD tA S Be, hea a LBS KAA BISA EEL TER EFA PAM RMPHREA ACA RBSS. BTR Hh AS FAN) Wises (iB) — BR, AF BRR AARRARDI | | bf 4 HRS OF = A, RADECRBRHRE ANAL, FARE! | BARR, WRT Baas wR PERT. AFAR PEN, fete PHRMA, ASAE AP BRABRBR S Be 2) He SE BI th HARNHM; AFheeT THR, KARA HEART ARKBAS—Confucius Ce 1 BC —479 BC), whose personal name was Qiu and styled Zhongni, was born in the Lu State. Confucius was a great thinker and educator in the late Spring and Autumn Pe: riod. He was also the founder of Confucianism. Confucius was a descendant of a noble family in the Song State, who descended from royals of the Yin Dynasty. When he was still a child, his father died, and his family went to a decline as a result, but he studied very hard. He once said, “From any three people walking, 1 will find something to learn for sure.” Later, Confucius began to Con- travel about and instruct disciples. In his life a fucius had instructed more than 3 000 disciples, some were from poor families. In this way, Confucius had gradually changed the tradition that nobody but nobilities had the right to receive education. In his later years, { Confucius compiled and preserved many literary works of ancient times, including The Book of Songs, The Book >, of Documents and The Book of Changes. _ Even in modern times, many of Confucius’ ideas are quite valuable. For instance, Confucius established j and developed a moral and ethical system called ren (benevolence). Toachieve “ren”, he believed that one should show benevolence to others, and therefore “Do as you would like to be done by others”. Confucius also believed that “Gentle e harmoni- ous but different” which reveals that difference between people should be recognized in dealing with human relationship, thereby it is inappropriate to judge with a single standard, and thus the harmony and stabilization of a society will be accomplished.-In terms of education, Confucius maintained that teachers should enlighten students to think in dependently, and that students should formulate their own opin- ions when acquiring knowledge from textbooks. The sayings and behaviors of Confucius’ were compiled in The Analects of Confucius by his disciples. Confucius’ ideology has been absorbed and carried forward by later generations, composing the essential part of Chinese traditional ideology. It was also spread into the border regions and areas, building up a circle of culture of Confucianism exerting profound influence on the whole East Asian count Confucius belongs to China. He is a household name in China, and most of the Chinese people have been influenced by Confu: cius in one way or another. Con fucius also belongs to the world, UNESCO (United Nations Edu- cational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) has labeled him one of the “Ten Cultural Celeb: rities’ 12. WF Confuciu 3. WSR 8 The Middle Gate of the C T le in Qutu, Shandong Provincepa paver sf TS seu Four Books and F AERA abe, SPB TERA FRG GER) 2, BH CBF). CRB) GR Mi). (HE) RCRARE RBA Me EB BHR. AK) 5H | DAR GLic) Brome | SE, FRAT mFaA | toe, BARB, | -earemde eI) alias ue | MMbGEM, #1 CEE). CH F) ie, te R BRA HABA TAH, mae «OH SEORT), HR“ B. “HS” Bie (RB). (58). GEE). Ge) A (IK) TBR AAS “Ons” SHH) HR, SAS OANA RRA (ORBIT) So FR, “AtES" kA ARAFRHLHBAD, Th “OPAR" PARRA EPEAT HAA AA MA MNAARMERDE RM. “POS Bi aS” PRAM SRR PMBAENMM{|o“Tour Books"(Si Shu) came F to existence befofe the Qin Dynasty, although they were not called “Four Books” at that time. The Analects of Confucius (Lun Yu), one of the Four Books, is a collection of words and deeds of Confucius. The other three are Mencius (Mengzi), The Great Learning (Da Xue) and The Doctrine of Mean (Zhong Yong). Mencius rded the political thought Master Meng Ke (Mengzi) 10 was another prominent ire of Confucianism. The Learning and The Doctrine Mean are two chapters the corpus of The Records lites (Li Ji) originally. They the collections of treatises Hie rules of propriety and jonial usages. Zhu Xi, ‘ll-known scholar of the Song Dynasties, offered te comments on the two fogether with The Analects wcius and Mencius, they Traditional Chinese Ideology “Four Books and Five Classics” and Confucianism were called The Collected Notes on Passages in the Four Books, commonly known as “Four Books”. They were regarded as the elementary textbooks for Confucianism study. Five Classics refer to five ancient classics: The Book of Changes (Yi Jing), The Book of Documents (Shang Shu), The Book of Poetry (Shi Jing), The Records of Rites (Li Ji) and The | Spring and Autumn Annals (Chun Qiu). In the dynasties of Ming and Qing, the sentences from “Four Books and Five Classics” were the basis for the Imperial Examinations. Examinees had to explain them according to The Collected Notes on Passage in the Four Books. Therefore, “Four Books and Five Classics” became the most important textbooks for scholars of the time. Then NS the Confucian thought of “Four Books and Five Classics” became the guideline of behavior. Further more, as the most important ancient corpus of China, it still has great influence on the current generation. 1 "m8" Four Books 2. (BB): AINE Book of Changes: Eight Trigrams. 3. heer The divination of good or ill luck with Eight Trigrams.ek SAL seuum Laoz a 1, FR SG" RASH BKAFHEF. EF, & | DMOHPLARH, HARA =, 2H, SSKCAREE | NESANHAL HERE | BAM BALE. SFWSE | K" HHA, ME | (BBB) BARAS 000% | A, BHRRAM, AARAM F, PEHARAPRAM™ | SARA TARER. ETARR | BROEF RANA T SEAS F, 28, 8 | o MAA | RAR. ET EMMBE CE FP, MAAR EFA SGAAR" AMA, EH MENAMSARSARR, HESRSARR, ETIR ELA tt FR A AA RASFAEF INA SAM, MUABAD AML “2” HR. behe founder of Taoism was a whose family name was Li and given name was Er. He lived in the later years of the Spring and Autumn Period, and worked as an archivist in the Imperial Library of the Zhou’s court. His masterpiece Tao Te Ching (The Book of the Way and Its Virtue), although with only about 5 000 charac- ters, had a significant impact upon the thoughts of later gen- erations. Laozi applied “Tao” to elucidating the origin and ‘olvement of the universe oreover, Laozi maintained it the characters and law “Tao” could be applied to le people’s thinking and ior, which should be in | ance with the nature. Traditional Chinese Ideology Laozi, Zhuangzi and Taoism Laozi believed that what ap- pears soft and weak can actu ally defeat what is hard and strong, inasmuch as what looks fragile is hard in nature. Proficient in the philosophy of Laozi, Zhuangzi was an in- heritor and promoter of Taoism. Zhuangzi, whose given name was Zhou, once worked as an official in charge of painting work at the town of Meng in the Song State. In the book bearing his name, Zhuangzi succeeded to and de- veloped Laozi’s viewpoint that “Tao is defined by nature”, and claimed that everything exterior can be equated with self, and life and death are equal. What Zhuangzi had been pursuing is a spiritual realm of absolute free- dom, Since there are so many similarities between Laozi and Zhuangzi in terms of thinking, descendants usually mention them comparably. E 1. 8F Laozi 2. (BF) Zhuangei 3. ET Zhuangzi gives lectures.| SER, PEFUEARARMESEARE, fae | RMA ARRRLRR MH RIL, ARS RAH ALO ATLA SHARPE BB. FRA SEA KG, BARS F—, BFHRRMLKRAVN ARAM, RPRST SHR Ro BRARARAR. Hh. EAR. FAESP HE HMM, RUT RAR ex Tew To MRERDRA LI RAN ERES WHT RREBAUARORE, FETs early as in the Han Dy- AS, Buddhism, origi- nated from ancient India, had been introduced to China. Dur- ing its development in China, Buddhism had to constantly ‘adapt itself to the actual condi- fions in China so as to become mne of the most important re- | igions in China and to deeply | fluence upon thoughts and 1g habits of the majority of jinese. Sui and Tang dynasties are important periods for the lo- tion of Buddhism in China. | jis period, with the unity of | , the development of the | and the more and more mt exchange of culture, | Buddhism the study of Buddhism reached an unprecedented height. In the Tang Dynasty, the state put forward the policy that Confu- cianism, Taoism and Buddhism would coexist. In the process of amalgamation of Buddhism and Chinese traditional culture, Bud- dhism had absorbed the thought of Confucianism and Taoism and therefore some Chinese schools emerged, amongst which Zen is considered to be full of vitality. ‘The speculative philosophy of Buddhism made up the short- age of directness and simplicity of the traditional ideology, and enriched Chinese culture. (ae AIOE) ‘The head page of a Buddhist scripture RR AR “The Budcha statue oue Palms-clasping handek, PER RAE THEMEN ALAM, Fl Rb T AC RPA RAN ET RAR AMEE A, RRERMNMRA A Bo RESRRBE DHE RR EAHMRME, HESK, DRABRENEXL. ENT HERP ARRAS HART TAB), FFFEA SCARE PEEKSIntroduction Oo: thousands of years of history, the Chinese have created a brilliant history and culture, and at the same time have formed their own moral code that has played an impor- tant role in social development and progress. This is what we call traditional virtues, which still have great significance today and whose value to the development of human civilization is now widely recognized. 1 wee A painting of plum 2 ee A painting of ancient women admir ing the plum 2°9REK BL ‘A painting of "Three Friends in Cold WaneFilial Virtue PRARSRREMA X AERORE PHAM RAMEERLA RPE 2. AMACHLAHA, 7 EBESHHARENTEP | EI. SHR, BEB PERE RES LFA SOME, RAB" IR | (wensk" abstr estes RH" WDC | SARTORI, ZEA SREMASEIS, HERA, GRR | Bek, PARSE! | Weta ee THE, SHAN RSN RR, SRNR AM HANH “ROAR HLS RYWAMRES EOS AY, FRB SC RMMAATLALRA, BA SUBTAS, MAE TAMBF . ITH, FR bl, RAR. “MRR RE, EHHRAS KE AMRF?" MAES “RATES KICET, BA SOLRSARSS." S28 BR RK, Tae RAGES RAARS ROR, CHR BARK PRAY 5 aH | BR.especting and taking care R the aged parents is re- garded as an obligatory duty in China. Chinese people believe that only those who are con- “cerned with and practtse filial “devotion to their parents would ‘be honest, faithful, and be grate- to others and seek ways to umn their kindness. There are stories which show the filial in ancient China. “Taste d Medicine for Mother” and ling Oranges to Take Home His Mother”, are the most fa- two of them. story of “Taste Liquid Medi- for Mother” tells us the filial of Han Wendi (Emperor n of the Western Han Dy- ). His mother had been sick years. He often stayed her bedside and nursed liquid medicine first before to her. (Chinese people medicine prescribed jinese doctors. Herbs are with water to make a liq- ne. Before giving such ine to his mother, Han Traditional Virtues of China eo Filial Virtue Wendi first tasted it to ensure it was not too hot or too bitter.) Han Wendi was on throne for 24 years. He governed the country with morals, advocated rites and etiquette, and paid great atten- tural development. Asa result, the Western Han became a stable and prosper- ous society. The economy was resumed and developed. This period is known as the “Peace and Prosperity During the Reign of Emperors Wen and Jing” in history. “Stealing Oranges to Take Home for His Mother” is a story of the Three-Kingdom period. A young boy named Lu Ji of only six years old traveled with his father Lu Kang to visit Yuan Shu in Jiuji- ang. Yuan Shu served them with oranges. Lu Ji secretly put two oranges in the sleeve of his robe. When he was leaving, unexpect- edly, the two oranges came roll- ing out and fell to the ground. Yuan Shu saw the oranges and laughed, “Little Brother, you're my guest today. How come you steal your host’s oranges?” Lu Ji replied, “Pardon me, my mother likes oranges very much. Today Ten- joyed these ripe, sweet oranges, and I could not help taking a few ‘of them back for Mother.” Yuan Shu was impressed by the six- year-old’s concern for his mother. Though there are some parts of imagination in these stories, Chinese people are deeply influ- enced and transformed by these models of filial virtue. 1 RBS ‘Taste Liquid Medicine for Mother 2 RRB EF Calligraphy in the Song Dynasty: xiao (ila piety)BHZA, B PLETED KREG. NF 2, MN Hie BZEOtA—- HAREMTAM 36. MR FRM: SR SHACHZA— HERNAHE ER2Pac $—HBP BANK EE), SH TRAM NTA > SUALHEA AMBALA, HHS BETH AER Hh | hee BR PALMA, F AT Ao PRAM RRMAREP ba, BS | KBAABBTANSE, F A | OS. HERONEREMRA PUAILE METespecting the aged and lov- Re the young is a traditional Chinese virtue. For thousands of years, people have always considered ity and behav- " joral norm, Mencius in the Warring States Period (475 BC—221 BC) it a social responsi said that one should respect the "elderly relatives of other people as one’s own, and take good care of others’ children as one’s own. China, those who ignore these moral tenets will not only be fticized by public opinions, but bbe punished by law. as early as the Han Dynasty, government issued orders squently advocating and en- ing and rewarding behav- elated to treating the senior | filial respect. At that time, | government distributed a of walking stick to those 70, and those with the stick id get special treatment and Tn the Qing Dynasty (1644 11), when Emperor Kangxi Emperor Qianlong reigned, held large-scale activities to respect-for the senior; each Traditional Virtues of China “5 E time, the emperor held a ban- quet in person for more than 1 000 seniors aged 65 and over in his palace. Chinese people treat their off- spring with love and education, with kindness and strictness, em- bodying a strong sense of moral responsibility. A number of books on educating children left by ancient people, such as Advice to My Son and Parental Instruction, are precious tracts on moral edu- cation. ‘The tradition of respecting the old and loving the young has been carried forward in modern To Respect the Aged and Love the Young | times. At present, the aged and | the young in China have the own holidays: Elders’ Day and Children’s Day. hhe government has promulgated specific laws to protect women and children; and the law also stipulates in explicit terms that Chinese citizens have the obligation to support parents and rear children. Iti the pleasant virtue of respecting the aged and loving the young that ensured the harmony of | the family and stabilization of society. It also provided firm social base for the development of the Chinese nationHA, RNS MATAR RARER, REF CMR RE RA ULTRA AMBOED, EMSAM AM MAD BARK, MOEA ws SRER’ , RETR AF RATE ROSIN hE, “PRER" H FURAD, R RM. XK fH, REAERLMETTE MRF. CASLOEEMN HE, BeMR EAT 8, WARRMEECNRST 2, BAP ANERVA MDA. RRA te RRS BSW, MRARIDA, Cth RRB ER. AUAAMEF CREMR, EQREM Ho ENER, Aker CHBERE, BEEAKE MRR. SUSRe, RAY ELBE, MFM AMA, BR eS Zh MBNA GR, AIA Three Friends in Cold Weather BAR BAM AS i, AB BT" HRB. £ PEAY ERIeSe A RTT RRA, RABBI FH SHB, DUT FE BE AFRERNRE. BEAPEMRAAE, CHRGR, KMES, 1E DAE RUB. WER. TEAS , MBAS A. H GRAAL, APR ARS ACL BRB, RRBEY BS. BEAR BRRBEA ERENAARE. BAS LORE. SHE RE PERRI, WAR. BRT HAL 1h, HK “BR =" 25h, HRRARSE , MMR, HRMEKS, AAMT T Se aA BAP BARE R AAT PSHE.ine, bamboo and plum have always been regarded Chinese people as thé most loved plants because they all rive through the cold win- days, just like friends who ‘ish the same ideas welcom- 1g the advent of the spring ether. For this very reason, are called “Three Friends Cold Weather”, symbolizing noble characters esteemed pursued by Chinese people. ‘China, the figure of “Three Is in Cold Weather” is very mm, which can be seen on jiners, clothes and infra- s. People with lofty ide- spect them for their pride honor, while the common for their ever-lasting energy. are ever-green trees with ig vitality. They flourish Traditional Virtues of € r this very reason they are honored with a character of strong will. How- ever, they are more generally regarded as the symbol of lon- gevity among the masses, When the day of Cold Dew ar- rives, many plants are withered, while bamboo survives and flour- ishes as usual in the cold wind. Because bamboo has hollow joints and is upstanding, itis gift- ty and modesty and is honored as a “gentleman”. While Chinese have the folk custom of firing the bam- boo cracker to break away from the old and evil, bamboo is also regarded as the symbol for secu- ed with characters of inflexibil rity and auspice, as shown in the traditional decorative paintings ‘The plum is one kind of the famous flowers of China. They Three Friends in Cold Weather are appreciated for their nobleness, purity and modesty which encourage people to improve themselves. ‘Therefore they have always been cherished and extolled by Chinese poets in the past. Plums are also characterized as the advent of good news. Stories about plum and its meaning have been widespread for a long time. ‘There are still some other plants, such as chrysanthemum, orchid and lotus that are given a noble character mostly aspired after by people. 1, Sitio ‘The lofty plum 2. BRE Fan painting: ink bamboosIntegrity and Credit UL, RARWERS f-K, RBM. TA, wt co AEM. | R” BE, FUER” eee T FR HIA, MR RIA THE RRR TRA. EPRLTEHAS PR, A {MES HRSA MO RK, MASAMSANT AF PHZ 000S EMRE | | AMRF SM. hi, EFA PARRA, A ABARRRME, RAB | SEANHERSE. BTA MEM HS WA. AK, SFHETR KER, BI RABBOEA, BTRATH, HREET, RERARAURN . thats KE, BRSFHERK, ECLA. BFR: HK RRTBR, BRAM Go” Hise, MILA T B FRRWAF , DRT RT PHAN Ri. RARTATMSAN A, SBS, WBA. A (BI “AREA, AG Shih" . BREMIE “— ETE" WHR. BR, SA BATRA, EAR T PAN 6H, TERTH. TM, — PAMRATIB, ARSE ARHSAMEP. IR PaO, — RBSA RANK, BLE RK ATAS. TR, PR BALSALL, REAA FRB. WL. ARIE. MBM TLE.ntegrity means righteous- ae word being true to ac- ion, keeping one’s word and ‘er cheating others. “To be jays true in word and reso- te in deed”, “What is said cannot be uns je old sayings that lasted for erations, which depicted a xd picture of Chinese people ith integrity and keeping their rd. For thousands of years, se qualities have been hon- d and practiced diligently people. ", these are it 2 000 years ago, Confucius sht his disciples that “When know a thing, to hold that know it; and when you do know a thing, to allow that 9u do not know it. This is the attitude toward study.” ‘was also a person who was and always abided by his ‘One day, Zeng’s wife was it to go to the market, her le son was making a tearful ne insisting to go with her. order to calm him down, she Traditional Virtues « Integrity |. an Credit coaxed him into not going with her with a prize of slaughtering a pig for him to eat when she returns. When she got back from the market, she saw Zengzi was on his way to slaughter a pig and tried to stop him. Zengzi said, “Once you deceived him, he would not believe in you any more.” Therefore, the pig was killed. By never lying to his son, Zengzi taught his son with his action to keep faith. In the late Qin Dynasty, there was a man called Ji Bu, who was always true to his word. It is said that “Ji Bu’s promise is more valuable than tons of gold”, which is the origin of the famous saying “One promise equals to one ton of gold”. Later on, Ji Bu got in trouble, he escaped it thanks to his friends’ help. It is obvious that when someone keeps to his word, he will be rewarded with respect and honor, In the past, there was always a sign at the entrance of the store, saying “genuine goods at a fair price, equally honest with aged and child customers”, which shows that during trade transactions in old China, it is honorable to be honest in business, 1 278ee ‘An old and famous teahouse 2 WER SEE TOR The statue of Zengz in the ancient city of Pingyao, Shanxi Province 3. ERROR The portrait of Zengz\ in Zengai's family | tree genealogyVii HE fi, ARR, 7 tABE. A BEAR, ZR Ay ®FABIt RH, SBR. HARKER, WPeNHb tL. PEA) SES BATE BR RS K, MAN SF Bab, £4 ABRS EUAS, SaubK, £ | 8, UADRHAEESHE PRARAN ER. AA REID RB ET HE? 600% # AMMREIVA “RUE” “tt 4", ZB BASE RDUT, AS. MH, PRA HIALR SA “Bunt” > Hk DRA AUT OR, bin T “MAE HR | A, RPABR SMASHthas been a long-standing BP sce to value educa- tion and respect teachers in China. From ancient times, education has been paid’ much attention to by the Chinese people. About 2 600 years ago, Guan Zhong the Wise said that “When a schedule of one year is covered, we should think about crops. While making up a n years’ plan, we should take care of trees. However when it is extended to one hundred years, persons of talent are everything.” China, the first monograph jout education Record of Learn- has brought up the idea of “education is the top priority”. jack in the Zhou Dynasty 3 000 sars ago, the government set schools of different scopes of various: levels on the ba istrative divisions. In the wring and Autumn Period, Con jus even ran private schools his hometown with a slogan it everyone rich or poor, had right to receive education. ince education is so highly Traditional Virtues of China ‘ respected in China, men of knowledge would have a higher social status and be esteemed by other people. There is an old saying that to be a scholar is to be the top of society, which shows the important position of education in the mind of people. Respect for education has determined the status of teacher. There are a lot of sayings that show respect towards teachers, for example, “A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime”. For a long time, the position of teacher was honored by both the masses and the emperors. In the temple To Respect Teachers and Value Education of Confucius in Bi ing, many ing Dynasty emperors in the had written inscriptions to show their appreciation to Master Confucius. In China, the honor shown to teachers is displayed in every aspect of social life. The teacher is always called sir or mentor. Nowadays, September the tenth is designated to be the Teachers’ Day. 1 The Confucian Temple 21s The Confucian TomFP el Tr FRC Ancient Chinese LiteratureBBE = Introduction ea aes DN * x Ve A RHR DMRH Ally PRED. RAEI WY OD, HALL A HOS, PARE fy} | RT ELIE i 1 a AR TOMABES | R RAIDER ROM S { MAS, PLMAC wl BOTEMAR. Miz AAA BAER, BN Be ROARS, BR BR, HONTS, BRM HS ESMENLER AA BME.Ancient Chinese Literature Introduction iterature is the most dy- namic and splendid part Chinese culture. Through- ut the long history, Chinese ient literature has émbod- the underlying spirits of nese culture, reflected the jese people’s pursuit for hetics and faith for ideal jety, and moreover, demon- ited the distinctive Chinese fer. For centuries, a suc- ion of diversified literary s, for instance, mytholo- in primeval times, poems i in the Tang and Song es, novels in the Ming dynasties, ete., have lay and their master- we gained perpetual DAD: HE @ character in A Dream of Ab. BRE fa character in A Dream of A. MR ARTO Arguing Against Scholars: Romance of Three King-# eae, BR HEHANEN ABET AUREL Per AIA RAMONE tEFR pili i RAE DRAB, ENBAATAK REARS A, BARPR RLU, AICTE, A | ARRAS SBN BLA HA. MR RA “BAAR “A HEA" “KHRADA" Hi RAR ARSARBIEH “AH Bas sca A". “aA SS, RAMS “Te % aK” SF. “BUR HHA: E WANK, RRA, Wh BLI—TAis, AML HK ih, BSR, AXHIGBAAncient Chinese Literatur RRTDHARNSWAAR SHIRE BHR, ET PE REA I , RAMBSAAR RMS SISA. RHR Rw RINT REWER, k, BAS BEE | RI. KA, Asse RIKER IMRT, 21 | WIEST, MUU ABA | MTOR, ANCHE | RS, RWMRKRHT FH AMNIRGLTEMHER. | “Meek WRT IRS | BRERA IK, as DAs, aR, Asha BAER, aww 7x08 | | | em “aie” ——ae8 Mektot, ieaik BARA KIA: AP), FEBRBMR. Ja, BASARALT SBRK BALRINEL, 4 PRBTRS MAS, eth | KEE 2 oh, all AA, AFR T TA, cal ft | AB, eK | 1 Cuma) ee Ri TANS. Ying Long from The Book of Mountains and Seas | 2. RMR: tH 3X HE SET | Nu Wa, the stone relet in the Han Dynasty 4 ayoz | So EMRE: HA HAM MIA, The Immortal, the stone relief in the Han Dynastyhinese ancient mythol- G.. a remote and mystic world, was created with the wildest imagination by people in primitive ages, when faced with the unknown, Chinese ancient mythologies were created collectively by peo- ple of the primitive society, and underwent the far-flung years of oral circulation until the Chi- nese characters were invented to provide a more permanent way of recording. The content of most mythologies reflected the rich and colorful life style of ancient society, including: Pan Gu Separates the Sky from the Earth, Ni Wa Makes Men, Nit Wa Mends the Sky, etc., which interpret how the world came into being; How Yi Shoots Down Suns, Kua Fu Chases the Sun, Jing Wei the Bird Determines to Fill Up the Sea reflecting mankind's incessant struggle against the nature; Shennong Shi Tastes Medi- cine, Gun and Yu Harness Water written in praise of their selfless devotion, and so on. Nii Wa Mends the Sky tells a story that at the earliest time, half of the sky suddenly collapsed and a huge hole appeared. Floods ravaged the land and beasts ran amok, so that the human race was in great danger. When, a woman named Nii Wa came out to mend the sky with five-colored rocks that the world regained peace and people lived a happy life like before Gun and Yu Harness Water nar- rates a story about Gun and his son Yu who harnessed floods and saved mankind. Long, long ago, the land was flooded. An immortal called Gun stole from Heavenly Emperor one ofhis treasures, “xirang”, a kind of arth that could grow by itself to er, he failed stop floods. Howe and later was put to death by Heavenly Emperor. Three years later, Y jumped out of Gun’s belly and succeeded his fat cause and continued to harness the waters. He showed such de- votion to his work that legends said that he had never stepped into his home for 8 years‘in suc- cession, even three times when he passed by his house. The | floods were finally subdued. Such fascinating mythologies not only reflect ancient people’s understanding of nature and their wish to harness nature, but also represent their dauntless, hard-bitten spirit in the struggle against natural disasters, | The ancient mythical stories, endowed with a deep sense of romanticism, had a great im- pact upon the development of | Chinese literature. They were widely re led as the origin of Chinese literature, where writer of later generations continuously looked for their subjects, drew their inspiration, found their re- sources. DIN Jingwei the Bird Determines to Fill Up the Sea 2 Mt sce ‘A scroll of Dragon, Phoenix and Royal Maid(#®) (48) BPRS—Bis KER. CEKRTMAAD SE BIBRA HOt A H5005F (6) 9 WR, ItB305H. HA fe, ARMRG EAE A RE Ws, ME, HAAN AF ASHE. RK BY REOBBRITE, TA TRBGKAR. BR CF B) PMs, MASE MRKialo CB) BHI CF) GSA), BR, LAE GF EB) PABBA T. TRUE RBEA (HB) 0 (HB) ABS, RS Tem ABR SLi S T SAL EAR, APRUBEAEE ‘ti, BMA AHSAS RutSHAM CRB (ge) 1-MAF BSH Be, Sw T eH Same. HH MT =FRAK. MiB 2, sia BAIL, MRE" BRE RAK, PRO. Haut AREN. ERRERT , — tknasy A, SMALE, Bl CB) ARAHF te HRT, beh wis ep ase tea AN. a ANRC 0hhe Book of Songs is the first collection of poems in China. It recorded a total of 305 poems created over a riod of 500 years or so, from the early Western Zhou Dynas- ty (11th century BC—771 BC) to the middle of the Spring and Autumn Period. It was said that specific officials were appointed with a sole role of collecting poems among the Ne mass. There was also a rule requiring officials to compose poems and present them to the emperor at that time. The anthology came into being after further compilation. According to the story, all the poems in ‘The Book of Songs were lyrics of the ancient days. At the very beginning, The Book of Songs was known as Poems or Three Hundred Poems. The great thinker Confucius used it as a textbook to teach his disciples. It was named as The Book of Songs after the Han Dynasty. The Book of Songs is rich in con- tents. Many of its works depicted the genuine landscape picture of society at that time. Among them, many stories were devoted to love and marriage between young people. Besides, some poems portrayed the hard life of social underclass, some reflected the general public's resistance to oppression, and aspiration for freedom and happiness. Oth- ers denounced the war and the sufferings caused by it. The po- ‘ems in The Book of Songs mainly consist of four-character verses. They are original in wording, harmonious in rhythm, concise in style, and pleasant to read. For instance, There she is gathering vine A day without seeing her Is like three autumns. This poem entitled Gathering Vine expresses a young man’s pinning for his love. The tenor is that she has gone to gather vine and was unseen for one day which is like three years for that young man.The popular idiom “One day without seeing is like three autumns” originated from this poem.The Book of Songs was not only a valuable resource for studying ancient Zhou society, but also the root ‘of Chinese poetry. It has a great impact upon the develop- ment of poetry in later times, in terms of both its ideological and antistic achievements. 1. G8) se ‘The geographic map of The Book of Songs 2. a8) The Book of SongsBR RE GHZ) 2 URN MRT, ATA HRM BEAL T PRG FRA. “BA AAR Bp, RAT MORK, BR RRALENL, PARE OMA BRR “HE BEAT ZR, REA, AMR BLMRNGABMGAL—. HRADRARRB, down Me, STAR AZ ATS te, BRAM, 1H REMAP LA. SMT B, PEARED BRP? AR ARE filo 1ANEEE HE BA CRE) (Ria) %Chu Ci hu Ci, also known as Poetry of the State of Chu, was a new style of poetry emerged after The Book of Songs. It was created in the Chu State in South China in the 4th century BC. In the course of its forma- tion, it was influenced by folk songs, music and the folk lit- erature of the Chu State, and it was characterized by a strong local flavor. Qu Yuan was the central figure of Chu Gi. Born in the Chu State, Qu Yuan was regarded as one of the greatest patriotic poets who are held in the highest esteem in Chinese history. Witnessing the corruption of his colleagues and the inability of his king, Qu Yuan was rather worried, so he wrote a great number of poems expressing his resentment. Afterwards, defamed by other d to lead a vagrant life for a villains, Qu Yuan was e: long time and finally drowned himself in the Miluo River. On the Dragon Boat Festival every year, Chinese people will wrap glutinous rice dumplings and hold dragon boat race to commemorate him. His main works include On Encountering Trouble (Li Sao), Heavenly Questions (Tian Wen), Nine Songs (Jiu Ge), etc. On Encountering Trouble (Li Sao) is a colossal political lyric made up of over 370 lines with 2 400 characters. Drawing on the technique of romanticism, the poet recounted his life, his beliefs and misfortunes, expressed his concern over the fate of the Chu State and his determination to maintain his lofty aspirations. In this poem, riding on a rainbow chariot driven by dragons as white jade, guarded by the god of wind, god of sun, and god of moon, she soared to heaven in search of his ideals. Finally he was forced to leave his most beloved Chu State. Qu Yuan's patriotism and unyielding spirit has moved and encouraged many readers down through the generations, edifying their sentiment. After Qu Yuan, Song Yu and Tang Le also wrote exquisite works in Chu Ci style, making Chu Ci a typical genre of poetry © fF Notes 29 ew Ancient Chinese Literature in a certain period, which was called the “Poetry of Sorrow” ‘The profusion of myths and fantasies, the unusual twists of imagination, the vigorous surge of feelings and exotic use of verses in Chu Gi was a complete breakthrough compared with the “Four-Character-Trim-Verse” style in The Book of Songs, thus enlarging the content of every line of poem and enhancing the expressiveness, thereby demon- strating a unique romanticism that has never faded and pioneered a new road for the development of Chinese culture In one breath from Hunan, The Madam from Hunan, et. O BFR -PERKAREIRETS, BARNA. Gluinous rice dumpling fs made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. ®@ (Ria) MPH, —AAUI TIS DRT *R' Mia. Heavenly Questions i along poem with more than 170 questions concerning heaven put forward ® (AK) RERRRMER OME, RRRORRORS MeOH if, Bi ORBA-) (BPR). ORB). CAA) Se ‘ine Songs are based on folk legends ofthe Chu State. Drawing on the form of obit songs, Qu Yuan composed a group of lsc, including East Emperor TeV, The Person in the Clouds, The Person [s RAM ‘A portrait of Madam Xiang ae Qu Yuan (38) chu ci“RAR ABA —H RAL, CHIR IER RMX AV FIRM, 37 ERR FR, aR AF BOISE RAT. TUR AOR TRE, SEM GLB) BERRA REARS RhTRE, Btw 1, BakiErtI, Satie BRETS, BRE ih, ae SEetat, RURKRGT IMA ASU DRE Sie RAT HDA. HAR 2. LmAM EERE 7 7 DRED, MEAT EA JL a oa MOWER Ee Bae BANE 4. FORE O, RARE STAUB. TORR ARK SE RHF, REGRLMARAT Yuefu Songs of the Han Dynasty ARHBER AR. ANRRT FHAROSRAE, AA BT RSS ARBRE, ARNEL T RMS 38 RAGES, ANSE TRRHRSeRMLADR Fo CHER) BR TRASH, bAPE LEA—BKBRMINF, CH BRUT —THEREOE ‘ERASE: LEAH, BB 48, FERRE, POER KR, FARBER? (kong hOu) , bith a ISA, SM. BRKT WESNACHENAT ARH AS, TKER, BR BH. 8k, RHANHERA REWAKTRMAB. YX Ey RAMANA RE, TE RIWAARD RNS, “0 KG, RRL", B BENDA bRABARE WRiEo RSS, MRIs Sy RAMA, BIRT A BULA, RKRAHER, K AT BEA ie RA EN REAR. RRA RKRAREHE BAS, ATRRHSMTH RAEANE Aaa, KE HSMNREP ET BAR SNR. © 2 Notes © RAF RAHI. Folk ballad refers othe poems / songs cal- lected from the fos. @ Se" SoMHAH—Ae RM, BARRA, AOA Ne AR, twNEAELANRL, ARR, SEAR BHAA, WME ABIN, Ieee BERK. Konghou (like the harp) was an ancient plucked instrument consisting of several groups of strings. Not ony the rhythm, but alsa chord it can play. The harp was into= ced to Japan, Korea and other neighbor- ing counties in the Tang Dynasty, but was, lost gradually inthe fourteenth centuryAncient Chinese Literature — fy Yuefu Songs of the Han Dynasty RR Lotus-Picking Ve originally referred to the “music bureau” in the Han Dynasty, a reference to the government organization origi- nally in charge of collecting or writing the literati’s poems, folk ballads, which were set to music. Later, poems and folk ballads collected and compiled by Yuefi were given this generic name. Folk ballads are the essential part of the Yuefu songs of the Han Dynasty. ‘The following folk ballad entitled Jiangnan (south of the Yangtze River) is one elaborate work of Yuefc songs of the Han Dynasty. Time to gather lotus in the Yangtze Valley, / As lotus leaves are fair and lusty. / Fish frolic amidst the lotus leaves. / Fish frolic to the east of the lotus leaves, / Fish frolic to the west of the lotus leaves, / Fish frolic to the south of the lotus leaves, / Fish frolic to the north of the lotus leaves. This folk ballad de- picted the vivid scene of lotus-gathering in Jiangnan, where local people were in joyous mood while they were working. The tenor of this ballad was as follows: twas the right time to gather lo- tus in the huge lakes of Jiangnan. ‘There teemed with lotus leaves in the lake, where small fishes were swimming freely... The simple, unadorned and vivid atmosphere permeates the whole folk ballad from beginning to end. Most of the Yuefic songs of the Han Dynasty are narrative po- ems, which truthfully uncovered the sentiment of people at that time. Some poems mirrored the poverty-stricken life of laboring people; some exposed the misery caused by wars; some manifested the opposition to feudal mar- riage customs and the pursuit for true love; and some revealed the decadent life of aristocrats and the darkness of the society. ‘The best-known poem in Yuefu songs of the Han Dynasty is Pea- cocks Flying Southeast, which is also the first long narrative poem wn in Chinese history. It gives a vivid account of a tragedy of two lovers in a feudal family. Southeast the lovelorn peacock flies. Alack, / At every five li she falters and looks back! / At thirteen years Lanzhi learned how to weave; / At fourteen years she could embroider, sew; / At fifteen music on her harp she made; / At sixteen knew the clas- ics, prose and verse. Liu Lanzhi, a smart, pretty and kind-hearted girl, got married to Jiao Zhongging, her beloved man. They loved each other deeply, but Jiao's mother was so cruel that she forced them to separate. As a result, both Jiao and Liu committed suicide for the sake of love, and turned into a pair of lovebirds. “They cross their bills and sing to one another. / Their soft endearments all night long till dawn.” Hence the lovebirds became the symbol of true love. ‘The tragedy condemned the feu- dal ethics and evil clan rule, and expressed the wish and determi- nation of the young who were in pursuit for the free marriage. With rich flavors of life, Yuefu songs of the Han Dynasty are in the pursuit of faithful reflection of social reality and have accom- plished artistic achievements, which have had a direct and far-reaching impact on the development of poetry in later generations.wan AG Folk Songs of the Northern and Southern Dyna MEBREAPBRBY 1002 Fi), 2PHALE SB ALAS US ATRESIA. MAM RRER RRR ZEBRA RK BARKASRK, R RT MARAE, MESRAMAAFHAPIBH, SGA AB. (PH) HE | ROR PIRES ae RE RAR, Rit AK, BIEFEF, BF ihe Ro HACHEM, BBR a8 Hy RIORE, APS! BH, RIOR EL: HAR | 8, READERS CAM MDS, ic i, ARE HN, BXFARHIRAIUERS SSeS. MMRKSADAAA, AMR ‘The Maid Mulan Serving in the Army BRAR, TPERAMEK » SIBREN SAR ARRHATR HABA HAR. RBASKH MMR KAN B50 FERRER RA RB RES RARE. KERKMS sg ® ia FORRTAASRRHHS | LMA. AFALBREA K, Auk, RRR H A TERRES. KRABI OK =P) RHR PRAY tEihe (KER) BT—T& BRR ROE BMT | HRS A RA =HCR, REBSRAHH Bis, AASAHEX APRZARBE, ALM HRERRRLE TRB. FH 8, —BRRASR. ACHR MRR ARF BA SSAA ROAM BR Tt HEGBR, RMILAA HRD, MARA RT SRM. CH (Chi) H H) . CAB MRR) Bit RRP. MICH RAH RAN BAA RAN RIALAncient Chinese Literature) Folk Songs of se Norther and Southern Dynasties ¢ period of more than one I hundred years from the decline of the Eastern Jin (317— 420) to the foundation of the Sui Dynasty (581—618) was in the confrontation between two powers, one in the north and the other in the south. This period is known in Chinese history as the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589 ). Folk songs of the Northern and Southern Dynasties were created orally by people in the wake of Yuefu songs. Folk songs of the Southern Dynasties are mostly love songs which reflect the sincere and pure love life of people. Most of them were sung by women with refreshing and touching appeal. Ode to Xizhou can be regarded as the representative work of them. When they gather lotus at Nantang in autumn, / The lotus blooms are higher than their heads; They stoop to pick lotus seeds, / Seeds as translucent ‘as water... / The waters is beyond the scope of eyesight, You are lovesick, me either... / The south wind knows my mood; It blows my dream to Xizhou. The connotation of those lines is as follows: The heroin’s lover hadn't come back home, so she went to gather lotus to divert herself from loneliness and boredom. At a distance from the lake, both of them were lovesick apart. Finally, she begged the wind to bring her dream to Xizhou where her lover was staying. Most of folk songs of the Southern Dynasties belong to the 4-line poems with 5 characters in each line, whose language is refreshing and natural, which possibly has a direct relation with the beautiful environment and rich condition of the south. Moreover, pun was often used in folk songs. Currently, there remain about 500 such songs. Folk songs of the Northern Dynasties were mostly created by ethnic groups and reflected the society and their lives from every profile. As the Northern Dynasties were often at wars, the content of most folk songs had connection with wars. ‘The long narrative poem Mulan Ci is the best-known work of that period, Mulan Ci figures the heroine Mulan who was brave, smart and high-minded. In the poem, disguised as a man, Hua Mulan joined the army on behalf of her father to fight against the enemies. As for a feudal society in which women were universally regarded to be inferior to men, this poem had its special significance. The story about Hua Mulan’s enlistment has maintained its great popularity among people and has been adapted for the screen and the stage so that it can come down till today. Besides the theme concerning warfare, most folk songs of the Northern Dynasties describe scenery of the north and the people's life of nomadism thus | manifesting straightforward | complexion of Northerners | which has a clear contrast with | those of the Southern Dynasties. | Chile Song and Song of the | Breaking of the Willow are the | elaborate works of folk songs of the Northern Dynasties. Folk songs of the Northern and Southern Dynasties had great influences on poets of the Tang Dynasty (618—907). © 2M Note © ABest, RELA e 2, PUMA —TBS, BAA DETR, M. STH, HS 2, ORS Pun is the use of @ word in such a way as to suggest two ofits meanings: one is the ostensible meaning, the other I the con ealed. Such a thetaric is formed by means ‘of homophone, for example, lian (lotus) — weetchedness, s (thread) — miss, 7 (peas) — separate, eeARPES | ORT IEMA. | 990%, Ith CHULA) Aili TUL A AE PRBE AO ARFS | CARI) CRU) RAMA AIG, CEM | AULA, AHIR | PRT, te IES SORE, MEM | ANIA, Ruane | BREA EF AUNIERRA 48 900 “ZH” =" st. SORAMHA “is | MAM, BRU B SOLE ASHE AA tH BZ 300 | 4)” FAB, Ae | Ak, BHT RTARH FUGA MTT Hh) | BRM A. HANMRA | ARR, feeeibUkR RRL RMR sewer. 1, ORAS, ARORMRT | TARTAR. HATS ADSM HAL, WR | MMMMATU. SAMIR | RHBSRMAL 405%, BEI, AEest FUME | REBAR CB). CR semueeis, | f Ey aie BI"? S, BRORSBARAE 8. ABA. FR. FR. | HRS. BASK, Bis BAMINE KN. HS WAS #8 BE ei, w (BRE) (# BEN) °S. “MATH Se. tm ZKALR" CS MFA, BEB A. MINSK BA C(HGSAB), BAR ae east. ESR ih Bl Sites" i Asa RRR Fan painting depicting the artistic conception of ancient poems AA, TAP RAR ISH RB. li PE He ty RATA AE, ABS, RRL B. —TABLAR. BA, BSBRTEKE, EABRS 0 (TARRA BAeThoughts in the Silent Night Li Bai Pe pecs ‘my bed a pool of light Is it hoarfrost on the ground? Lift my eyes and see the moon, I bend my head and think of home. A4-Line Poem with 7 Characters in Each Line DuFu From vivid green willows comes the call of two orioles; A file of white water birds rises into the clear blue heavens; As if held in the mouth of my window are the mountains ranges with their snows of many autumns; Anchored by our gate are the long dis- tance boats of Wu. Tang Poetry lhe Tang Dynasty witnessed a peak in Chinese culture. Especially for ancient poetry, it had its flowering in the Tang Dynasty. In more than 300 years of history of the Tang Dynasty, some 48 900 poems were handed down and remain widely known today. So many works also made more than 2 300 poets famous in his- tory. As far as the writing technique is concerned, the Tang poetry combined realism and romanti- cism. In form, poetry of the ‘Tang Dynasty contained four- line and eight-line verse with five or seven characters in each line. Moreover, “modern style” poetry, which is regular and pol- ished, also appeared in the Tang Dynasty. ‘The best-known poets of the Tang Dynasty were Li Bai and Du Fu, who are very prestigious in the whole world. Therefore, people of later generations havepraised both of them as “Li Du” collaboratively. Being widely praised as the “Im- tal of Poems”, Li Bai was a poet who abounded with passion and talent. With lofty sentiments and a powerful imagination, he created many poems in praise of magnificent mountains and mighty rivers of the mother- land. Over 900 poems of Li Bai h the most famous are Invitation “to Wine, The Sichuan Road, and Watching the Waterfall at Lushan, intonated by people for genera- tions. have been preserved, of wl ‘Du Fu is revered as “Sage of the _ Poems” by the posterity. When he was young, Du Fu visited many scenic spots and places of historical interest. But life was full of frustrations, which ‘enabled him to gradually have a clear idea of the people's suffer- ings. In his poems, Du Fu boldly later Ancient Chinese Literature exposed the corruption of the feudal society and profoundly portrayed people’s miserable lives. More than 1 400 of his po- ‘ems have been preserved till to- day, and the best-known ones are | Spring Outlook, Ballad of the Army | Carts, The Conscripting Officer at Shihao, The Conscripting Officer at Tongguan, The Conscripting Officer at Xin‘an, Farewell to My Husband, Farewell to My Old Wife and Fare- well of a Lonely Soul. ‘The noted poets in the Tang Dy- nasty also include Wang Wei, Bai Juyi, Li He, Li Shangyin and Du Mu, etc. Even today, Chinese people are still very fond of the Tang poetry, many of which can be recited even by children, for example, Thoughts in the Si- lent Night written by Li Bai, Welcome Rain One Spring Night written by Du Fu, etc. Famous verses like “We widen our view three hundred miles by ascending one flight of stairs”, “Do you not see the Yellow River come from the sky” are often quoted by most people. The book Three Hundred Tang Poems is a bestseller at home and abroad. Currently in China, the tag “If you have recited 300 poems of the Tang Dynasty, you will be able to intonate them even though you cannot produce © y has been popular. Thus, it them can be seen how Chinese people are fond of the Tang poetry. © :kf% Notes D CRE). CRED . Xe) =eHaM. The Three Conscripting Officers include The Conscripting Officer at Shibao, The Conscripting Officer at Tongguan and The Conscipting Officer at Xn‘. @ CHR). CRIED. aE 29) =a. The Three Farewells include Farewell t0 ‘My Hosband, Farewell to My Old Wife and Farewell ofa Lonely Sout O HFA. HPS TEORS hist The author is Li Bal, who expressed his year for hometown, © teeth. HRS THAT (me. The author is Du Fu, who described the scenery of rain in one spring evening, © Haz2 RH (EMER). From fo Mount Guanque Building written by Wang Zibuan. © Harem CHFiRIE) . From fovitaton to Wine writen by Li Ba. a 1 Somme Li Balis drunk 2 iar: St Enjoying the Cool by the Lotus Pond: painting based on one of Du Fu's poemsa, SARFRKH—H, WNHARRE, AACT AR ARI, Prodi; A ACHAFKBAR, ha AKO), KM A RRAA T i SPRMEWMARRES EK PKATALA. HARSH WA, Mane, INRIA, WILL, MESH EA BaF, RARE T HEB, a" 5 eis" —#, Eh SAS | AE, RALRRVER, PE THR, i PR, bh WEASAU MA, 48 FAO BAA RR, ARBOR HEA | SOS, AHA TRA Hits; AMS T RAR R ASH T BRaR RAR RA cid | SRA” SFRARRBAPR TERS AER. AAA BB HREOHRAUH, fo HLTA, KOKA 28" ° “HR RE, * ST eRe Ao ShRIT Ra aTAIS, MI | 41, ROHS T wea Ri, ADRAT HHS ARRMER, ABST BIKA BEM AR; BORAT ARBRE BRN ASB “HG, fo B? BRB Oe HATH, APA, Ak "2 Sea A Mat) | RUT SWRA. bHRT HERSHR CARAHREZ 1. SFR MAAMIERT R ARMERR BS ARARHER, CRI B) AHZRELEHED, REA ANDERE Hit Hh, A AEOBS7k AK Is ALMA? AAHK. ROKRESA, SHAME, RKRMMIA, LEHRAF, H RAR, RAAAY, MLA IS RIA, RP, MAIR, RAAIR, EKG MM? APLABS, AAA MMAR, FEMS. OHAKA, FERAL fa 1.2. RUZ aa ap ‘Ancient landscapes paintings depicting the artistic conception of Cipoems © 21% Notes D MAPA (INES), ARREARS TARR, From Dreamlike Song written by LU Qingzhao. The poem vividly described spring scenery. @ WA PRI (—BMH) , ik ASRTMRLAHOS From A Twig of Plum Blossoms writ ten by Li Qingzhao. It expressed her yearning for her absent husband. @ WER RRH (MET), ROT HARKS, NRE PEA AUEFOAR LBA, (AB AAT MAE From Dance of the Cavalry written by Xin Qiji, who recalled the experience of oppugning Jin troops with a hera- ical mettle to make contributions and finally dedicate himself to the service of his motherland, and meanwhile also expressed his grief and indignation due to the unconsummated lofty ideas @ HE SARH CHE) WRLTSRAREAR BRAT 2, RAT AEAMRS Maem Bvt From Song ofthe Countsy Norm witen by Xin Qj, which recalled how people suf- fered fam the war and how he was regret- ful for he was not abl to fight at the fontSong Ci Poetry | poetry is one type of the has several names, and it is-also known as musical Ci poetry be- cause it can be sung to the mu- sic. As the length of verses in a Gi poem differs, it is also called “Long and Short Verses”. The reason why there are more than ‘one name concerning Gi poetry lies in the close relationship be- tween Ci poetry and music and its difference from traditional poetry in terms of characteristic of form. Ci poetry has various names of cadence which we called “tune” such as The Moon ‘over the West River, The River All Red and Dreamlike Song, etc. As a new type of poetry, Ci reached. its zenith in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Like Tang poetry, the Song Ci poetry holds a very important position in the history of Chinese literature. In the course of its development, many outstanding Ci poets, such as Su Shi, Li Qingzhao, Xin Qiji and Lu You emerged. Su Shi’s Ci poems are charac- teristic of passion, refreshment and mellifluence. The contents of his poems are rich in terms of subject: some expressed his pa- triotism, some described scenes of country, some depicted griev- ance when lovers had to part. Li Qingzhao is an outstanding Ci poetess. Her works are ex- quisite, refined and full of true feelings. She expressed her un- derstanding and pursuit of true love, described the impact of the changing seasons on human's sentiment, and reflected the mis- ery of the people suffering from the decline of their country and the disasters befalling families. Many of her moving verses such as “Can't you see? / Can't you see? / The green leaves are fresh but the red flowers are fading!” “This feeling is unable to be removed. | It was shown (on my knitted eyebrows a moment ago but has now come to ain my heart.” | show her poetic gifts.Xin Qiji is the most prolific among the Ci poets of the Song Dynasty. His works teemed with heroism. His verses such as “Half drunk I lit the lamp to look at my sword / After dreams of the bugles in ‘our army camps.” “Green mountains ‘are no bar | To the river flowing on to the sea.” have been circulating for generations. They not only reflected grand army life but also indicated his determination to resist the Jin troops and his deep love for his own country. Xin’s Gi poems greatly broadened the themes and enriched the artistic style of the Song Ci poetry. Till today, Song Ci poems are still favored by the masses. The book Three Hundred Song Ci Po- can be regarded as a must yr many families, and a great number of renowned Ci poems been set to new tunes for ive singing. Ancient Chinese Literature Prelude to Water Melody (Shuidiao Getou) ‘Su Shi When will the moon be full and bright? Raising my wineglass, I ask the blue sky. T know not what year it is tonight, In the far-away heaven palace. T wish to return home with fair wind, For fear I cannot bear the freezing cold, So high in the marble towers and jade houses. I dance with my lonely shadow wild, Asif I were not in the human world. ‘The moon rounds the red cabinet, Peeps through the silk-pad windows, And shines upon the sleepless man. The moon should not suffer the hatred, Why is it always full when people part? People may have sorrows or joys, And the moon may be dim or bright, This cannot be perfect since ancient time, T wish that we all would have a long life, Sharing the beautifiul moon even miles apart.of A Re oh 2 TB KHERMBZE, HR (1206-1368 ) HRY “se TARANOE I. HH eM Fi, Bi SRAM. | TERRIA, ETT | APRA beoWA, EPI ICRA ERA | A200z1z, AicRT HHA | RIBAA/00ZH, IA SAHRRT “HSM L, RATARARRAR 3. BRAS LMT ARS. HORADRIER, 1-25 TOSMARI, MFHRA1S Bo KRAGRAAS RT | Hae, HM | TRDINOLRAN BRK. AAITE Ae (RMR) TABI PR SAHEA APS TBR FR, WER ARR,EXACRERBE OR | AIR, h—£5 714A, AACHEN (HMRI) , 2p BARBIE. BAS TESS RR, MT HERA HA, TARA, AT “BEAT ABABA” HERB. PAPE S BS. KAMARA PRLER HP BEAR, BASRA BRULLUA, TERR Hae ROKR. HBL, wT | BER FMBRA, AACE. AS | 34 Sent RRTR. DERRLORIARAGA THER | WAMAL ER, AN HLSHAB, NSSHH AT BANA, fh, ATAAPMREL SIR BEA AMRB ER. | FBI (AETUL) DAMN CHEM RRA | BON, Ae Pe FATEAMHG, HAZ | TUL), BATU PHRSAMMAR, ht | AHA. MMB Ao 1. (aRRE) Hm An ilustration in The West Chamber 2. WRB: (REZ ) The West Chamber | Beiing Opera) 3. SRB: (TSmI2 ) The West Chamber | dance drama ) 1 |3 4, (Bic) At: wm ‘Cui Yingying: a character in The West Chamber 2]Yuan Zaju ( Opera of the Yuan Dynasty ) I was after long years of de- velopment that the Chinese | local opera, Yuan zaju, came it being during the Yuan Dj (1206—1368). It is a relatively matured form of opera appropri- ately integrating music, singing, dancing, performing and speak- ing. The rise of Yuan zaju made the Yuan Dynasty the golden age of Chinese opera. Within less than one hundred years, according to records, there were more than 200 recorded playwrights and more than 700 zaju scripts. Yuan 2aju provided image of the social reality of that time from every aspect and expressed the people's wish of resisting the oppression and pur- suit of happy life. Guan Hanging was the greatest and most prolific playwright of the Yuan Dynasty. He created over 60 plays, of which 18 still exist. Most of them reflected on the misery and struggles of women at the bot- tom of soci and highly praised their wisdom and courage. His representative work The Griev- ance of Dow'e (also translated as Snow in Midsummer) is the best known of the zaju tragedies. It tells of a kind-hearted young woman named Dou’e, who was falsely accused and thrown into prison by the local authorities, and was finally sentenced to death. On the execution ground, she predicted that blood would be splashing and that it would snow in June with great drought lasting for three years. As expect- ed, all of them came true. Withan intense tragical impression throughout the play, the author expressed his indignation and sympathy for the weak in society Guan’s plays had great influence on the development of drama of later generations. He is not only the greatest drama composer in China, but also one of the cul- tural celebrities of the world. Wang Shifu was another re- nowned playwright of that pe- riod. Throughout his whole life, Wang had written altogether 14 plays, of which The West Chamber was considered as the master- | piece in the history of Chinese drama. This play, through the love story of Cui Yingying and | Zhang Sheng, highly praised their courage in the pursuit of a free marriage and in the opposi- ing | that “All those in love shall be | | | tion to feudal ethics, conve: wedded.” The main characters such as Cui Yingying, Zhang Sheng and Hong Niang are Widely known in China. sides that, other well-known hts include Ma Zhiyuan, i Pu, Zheng Guangzu and Ji inxiang, etc. Like the Tang | and Song Ci poetry, Yuan | also holds a ver high posi- in the history of Chinese lit- | erature. Many plays of Yuan zaju Ancient Chinese Lite are still performed on the stage nowadays, and some have been made into films and TV plays, which have exerted a broad influence, The Orphan of the Zhao Family was In the 18th century © tM Note SARRMTANERRA. to the spoken parts of drama, like dialogue, monologue and so Speaking re ¢ y introd\ ed to Europe and then | converted into a play entitled | The Orphan of China, catching the global attention, eee A 1. RI: (RR) The Grievance of Dou'e (Beling Opera 2.3. 5A The West Chamber60) ay Wy i ei. 4 Fiction of the Ming and Qing Dynasti FAA, PEAS PA CITERLIE T RISAIARBE, 7B HORRERAOARESS (SBR). OKIE) . (RWC). (TRH), H BRI it (MEER) F. US, REP ALRE MAE fh, CaO ALE), SEE! POLAR. (=BRX) 2h Hs BEEN KRAL ite PRPATABDA. (HAE ARCMIN se ROME TRAP. CEI X) EBHS TR. HB R= B2GEERL. Boa bane ALS, BURT Mat SDaLAStet SNL, HPBRTHSA TERIA, MLAS BR. HESRHAR, BB HAD, SFHKCS, BA ET TRAINER. ORE) Z—-BASRARAMA ALR ARF AAR FER FTIR". fl i HEA Sh, ESTABIAR. PEWAE) BBS MKD RARK 4h — 38 Bt 81, ATRE eet ONL BB, RAMA, REM 5 RIE, All, MT SMG,ae 1 Ming (1368— 1644) and 1g (1644— 1911) dynas- ties witnessed great achievements The representative works are Ro in the creation of fiction. mance of Three Kingdoms, Outlaws of the Marsh, Journey to the West, A Dream of Red Mansions and the ghost fiction Strange Tales of Liaozhai. Those works enjoy a high reputation throughout the world. What's more, they have been adapted for the screen and the stage, winning the favor of global audience. Romance of Three Kingdoms is the Fiction of the Ming and Qing Dynasties first complete historical novel “ a. The author Luo Guan zhong lived in the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. This novel was written on the basis of historical records and the stories about the three kingdoms that circulated among the people It focused on the military and political rivalry between th kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu reflecting the upheavals of the time. In the novel, the author successfully created a number of acters with dif- impressive cha ferent cha ties, such as cter Zhuge Liang, a superb strategist, cunning and suspicious Cao Cao, loyal and brave Guan Yu, reck- less Zhang Fei, etc Outlaws of the Marsh is a novel about a peasant rebellion. The author Shi Nai’an also lived in the late Yi jan and early Ming dy- nasties. Based on popular stories about a peasant rebellion led by Song Jiang in the later years of the Song Dynasty, Shi wrote this novel. It describes the rise and fall of the peasant rebellion in the area of L igshan, uncover ing the social reality of a rebel lion of civilians forced by perse- cution of officials. The novel suc- cessfully depicts 108 Liangshan heroes and heroines and lauds their dauntless acts. Episodes like Wu Song Strikes a Tiger and La Zhishen Pulls Out a Willow Tree remain vivid till now. Journey to the West is a renowned mythical novel. The author Wa q g’en of the Ming Dynasty wrote this novel in accordance with stories about Tang Seng (Xuanzang), a monk of the Tang Dynasty who traveled to India in the face of many difficulties in order to learn the Buddhist scriptures. ‘The author created a cast of figures like Monkey, Pig and Sandy who escorted and protected their master, the Tang Monk on the way to the They subdued all kinds of ind West, demons during the journ