Kirin, also known as "Kirin", is an ancient legendary animal in China. Together with phoenix, turtle and dragon, it is also called "four spirits", ranking first among the four spirits. In the Book of Rites, there are "unearthed pottery carts, hippos and phoenix kylins, all in the suburbs" ("coconut" is the same as "glutinous rice" and swamp). Among the numerous folklores in China, although there are not many stories about Kirin, they truly reflect its unique preciousness and spirituality everywhere in people's lives.
First, the creation of Kirin and China people's thought of "Jimei"
Kirin, an animal, was created by mixing thoughts according to the way of thinking of China people. Judging from its external shape, it is characterized by moose body, oxtail, horseshoe shape (called "wolf's hoof" in history books), fish scale skin, horns with meat at the corners and yellow. This model is a new combination after dismembering many real animals. It concentrates all the advantages of these precious animals on Kirin, a fictional god beast, which fully embodies the concept of "Jimei" of China people.
The so-called "Jimei", in layman's terms, is the performance of concentrating all the beautiful things on one thing. This concept is the goal and desire that China people have been pursuing in the spiritual and material world for thousands of years. Therefore, it makes sense for Kirin to combine deer, cattle, horses, fish and other auspicious animals.
Deer worship belongs to primitive animal worship in China and was a symbol of emperors in ancient times. At the same time, it is also included in the category of theology and political science. "Song Shu Fu Rui Zhi" says: "White deer plain, Wang will benefit from it." "Ruiying Map" also said: "Wang Cheng Sheng testimonies, nothing to lose, then White Deer comes." Later, when people worshipped immortals, white deer was regarded as a sacred animal in the immortal family. Mongolians in ancient China worshipped white deer. In the Secret History of Mongolia, there are myths and legends about the birth of Bailuyuan God. Manchu has a myth of deer god. Among the Oroqen, Ewenki and Hezhe who raise reindeer, deer is often the god of shaman wizards, who think shaman often appears in the shape of deer. Even shaman witchcraft firmly believes that the true soul of shaman can be turned into a battle between deer and body. If the deer wins, the life of shaman will be over. In the folk, deer also appears as a long-lived beast, which is used to express the theme of celebrating and praying for life on many occasions. In addition, deer and "deer" are homophonic, symbolizing good luck.
Cattle went to the altar in ancient times and became an indispensable sacred object in sacrificial activities. According to folklore, cattle are gods sent by heaven to help mankind. It cultivated silently in the fields, bringing material wealth to mankind, and its dedication also gave human spiritual wealth. Cattle worship is very common among people of all ethnic groups in China. There is bull worship in the northwest and many buffalo worship in the south. According to historical records, during the Warring States period, there was a Nut Temple in Qin State, which was the earliest recorded worship of cattle in ancient times. China's Naxi, Tajik, Uygur, Kazak, Kirgiz, Salar, Hani and other ethnic minorities regard cows as creatures. Miao, Tujia, Buyi, Dong, Bai, Ewenki and Dai also have the custom of offering sacrifices to sacred cows.
Horses are regarded as intelligent, loyal, brave and hardworking animals with noble, elegant and noble temperament. In the Book of Changes, the horse symbolizes the sky, that is, "making for the sky". Horse worship is popular among nomadic people and hunting people whose main motive force is horses in northern China. There are many records about the ritual of offering sacrifices to the horse god and the construction of Ma Chong Temple in the literature of Qing Dynasty. In addition, in ancient times, white horses were often sacrificed to heaven, and the teacher swore an oath. They think that the white horse belongs to Yang and is driven by the gods. The green ox belongs to yin and is enjoyed by the land god. Mongolian, Oroqen, Ewenki and other ethnic groups all have the custom of choosing what gods to worship when offering sacrifices to gods or protecting gods by livestock. This kind of god horse is not allowed for women to ride, but can be eaten everywhere, not allowed to drive away, and even can eat young crops in the field at will. Shenma chooses full white, full tail and full mane, never trims it, and often ties colorful silk threads at the end of the mane as a mark.
As an aquatic animal, fish scales are regarded as auspicious and beautiful decorations, and "fish scale brocade" is a traditional auspicious pattern. Fish worship is widely spread among the Han, Manchu, Tibetan, Mongolian, Bai, Hani, Wa and other ethnic groups in China, and there are stories of fish carrying the earth in many myths. The world image on the silk paintings of Han tombs unearthed in Mawangdui, Hunan Province also puts the earth on two huge fish. Fish is homophonic with "fish" and becomes a symbol of a rich and happy life.
The ancient Chinese creatively combined the above auspicious animals to construct the image of Kirin, which accords with the psychological acceptance and artistic appreciation cultivated for a long time.
Second, Kirin and the inheritance of Confucianism
Kirin is endowed with excellent quality in legend. For example, it is called a "benevolent beast" because it is docile in nature, does not cover insects, does not break grass, has horns on its head and meat on its horns. Zhao of Xiliang said in the "Kirin Fu": "A round hoof, the rules are good, you must choose the swimming place, and you must be in the back, don't jump into the trap and get into trouble." Fu Ruizhi, the Book of Song Dynasty, said: "The benevolent wears righteousness, does not drink the pool, does not trap, and does not catch." "Shuo Yuan" also has the following words: "With benevolence and righteousness, the tone is gentle, and the steps are regular, the twists and turns are moderate, and the soil is chosen before proceeding. The location is flat but the place is backward, and it does not live in groups, does not travel, and is chaotic. " Record. It embodies the modesty of Kirin's kind gentleman. The reason why Kirin worship can be accepted by the general public and the ruling class in its development and inheritance is precisely because this kind of "benevolent animal" quality conforms to China's ethics and Confucianism for thousands of years.
Confucianism was founded by Confucius, a great thinker and educator in the late Spring and Autumn Period in China. As far as its purpose, function, purpose and structure are concerned, it can be said that it is a school with moral education as its core, which has played a great positive role in the development of China culture and world culture. The core of Confucianism is "benevolence", which can be said to be the fundamental and highest moral criterion of Confucian ethics. Its main purpose is "love", that is, "I have tried my best to stand up and become a person, and I have tried my best to realize it." "Don't do to others what you don't want them to do to you." According to Confucianism, people are human because they have a "caring heart", and whether people should be respected and reused is determined by the moral standard of a "lover".
Confucianism is the dominant ideology of China's traditional culture. During the Warring States period, Confucianism and Mohism were also called "outstanding scholars". Qin Shihuang used legalism to unify the world and burned books to bury Confucianism, which dealt a serious blow to Confucianism, but the Qin Dynasty "died the next year". At the beginning of the Han Dynasty, Huang Lao's learning was highly praised, and Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty listened to Dong Zhongshu's suggestion, deposed hundreds of schools and respected Confucianism alone. As a result, Confucianism formally occupied the dominant position. Metaphysics prevailed in Wei and Jin Dynasties. Although Ji Kang openly advocated "not Tang Wu but thin Zhou Li", metaphysics still respected Confucius as the highest saint. During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, Buddhism flourished and Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism were respected at the same time, but the political statutes were still Confucianism. The rise of Neo-Confucianism in the Song Dynasty restored the authoritative position of Confucianism and was respected by the rulers throughout the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Until the May 4th period, Confucianism was severely criticized, and the ideological era in which Confucianism dominated came to an end, and the pattern of Confucianism's exclusive respect was gone forever. However, the dominant position and far-reaching influence of Confucianism in traditional culture are unparalleled.
In folklore, Kirin is also closely related to Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. It is said that on the night of Confucius' birth, there was a family in the Confucius' mansion where Kirin came, and a jade book was spit out, which read, "The children of water and spirit are weak for five weeks, seeking wisdom." Words. It tells everyone that Confucius is a descendant of nature. Although it does not occupy the throne, it has a virtue, which is called "the king of elements". Confucius' family tied a colorful embroidery on the corner to show their gratitude. In the last years of Zhou Wangjing, when someone was digging a plow in Qufu, they dug up colored embroidery originally tied in a rare place. Later, three volumes of jade books were derived, and Confucius became a saint after intensive reading. Today, the Confucius Temple is decorated with books to show the auspicious arrival and birth of sages.
In the era of Confucius' life, "the conquest of rites and music came from princes", and the ceremony collapsed and the society was restless. Legend has it that Kirin was found in the countryside and was looked down upon. Confucius lamented that Kirin's "untimely birth" marked the end of the world and the poverty of philosophers. Spring and Autumn Annals was written here, so it is also called "Lin Shi" and "Lin Jing".
Thirdly, the auspicious significance of Kirin and the profit-seeking nature of human beings.
Every nation and every region has its own culture, which is deeply hidden and does not show its own national and folk characteristics in many aspects. Different nationalities and races also make human beings have certain differences in appearance and skin color. However, people of different nationalities and races have some common basic physiological and psychological characteristics. The theory of the same basic psychological characteristics of human beings is called "the theory of the same mind and nature" in academic circles. One of them is the desire for profit.
The "profit" of the profit-seeking mentality cannot be narrowly understood as interest and money. It refers to everything that is beneficial to human beings. It is the psychological characteristics that human beings yearn for, pursue auspiciousness and happiness, and hope that everything will develop in a direction that is beneficial to them, and often explain the development of things that are beneficial to them or give them characteristics that are beneficial to them. Throughout the ages, people who have existed and existed, no matter what nationality or culture, have such psychology. No one yearns for disasters and disasters, and no one wants everything to develop in a direction that is not conducive to them. The teachings of Christianity and Buddhism require people to endure suffering and abstinence, with the aim of getting rid of original sin, getting rid of the frontier and guiding people into heaven or paradise, which embodies this profit-seeking nature. Kirin worship also has such a mind. Just like the "happy ending" put forward by China's narrative literature works in the reflection on traditional culture. This is also the main reason why Kirin has been circulating for a long time.
Legend has it that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty once won a unicorn. In October of the first year of Yuanshou (BC 1 League Year), Emperor Xingyong visited the five halls and won the title of "Bai Lin", which was sung by Emperor Xiangrui. Therefore, the original name of Yuan Shuo was changed to Yuan Shou to show good luck. In addition, he also built the Kirin Pavilion (filial piety system) and gave the minister platinum. In the third year of Ganlu (5 1 year BC), Emperor Gaozu painted the images of Huo Guang, Zhang Anshi, Han Zeng,, Bingji, Du Yannian,, He, Xiao and Su Wu 1 1 to show his contribution. Later generations often use "Kirin Pavilion" or "Lin Pavilion" to express outstanding achievements and the highest honor. It is also said that Song Taizong also won the Kirin, and the Manchu Dynasty congratulated him. It can be seen that the auspicious meaning of Kirin has been widely recognized.
Fourth, the application of Kirin statue in real life
Kirin, the most desirable auspicious animal in ancient China, represents the happiness of a generation. So people at that time hoped that Kirin could always accompany them, bring them good luck and light, and eliminate ominous. When this ancient belief was handed down, the auspicious meaning of Kirin was also recognized by the general public and firmly existed in people's consciousness. Kirin has become a symbol of a certain concept, the embodiment of a certain artistic conception, the display of a certain strength, and has stimulated people's imagination, guided people's spirit to conform to a certain concept, entered a specific realm, given people hope, comfort and some pursuit power, and transformed it into folk life, which is manifested in all aspects of national culture.
(1) seeking children and raising children China's traditional concept of fertility is to have many children and grandchildren, and to have many children and be blessed. He regards not having children and carrying on the family line as the greatest unfilial duty. This traditional concept is deeply rooted and has influenced generation after generation. Hundreds of children and other celebrations, from women's pregnancy to the birth of babies, all reflect people's unremitting efforts to pray for this. Because Kirin once came to a saint like Confucius, people believe that Kirin can not only send children, but also help them. Therefore, the phenomenon of folk culture with the theme of "Kirin sending a child" is not only seen in pictures and blessings, but also in activities at the age of 20, with a wide range of manifestations, which is intended to pray for the early birth of your son and the virtuous future generations.
In modern Changsha City, Hunan Province, dragon dances are held every new month. At that time, whenever the dragon lantern juggler played with the family of infertile women, the host family would give gifts and let the dragon dance around the infertile women, then shorten the dragon body, ride a child and walk around the hall to show that the unicorn would send the children. In some places in Shandong Province, there is also a way to pray for children, that is, infertile women carry their children around the yard or in the hall with paper-tied Kirin, and some people tie colored embroidery on fish scales to let Kirin send their children.
As far as the design of Kirin Songzi is concerned, it is both complicated and simple. Complex may be centered on boys, wearing a long life lock, holding a lotus and holding a sheng; Or riding a unicorn for the boy with a book hanging in the corner; or being escorted by the lady behind the boy with an umbrella and a fan. Jane rode a unicorn for the boy and held a lotus in her hand. In folk prints, there are also auspicious couplets of "Kirin in the sky and Lang in the underground".
(2) Architectural Decoration Brick Carving and Wood Carving is an important way of architectural decoration in ancient China, with rich themes and excellent carving, which endows architectural modeling with vivid images. Brick carving is mostly used for the facing of brick structure buildings and the eaves of brick walls of wooden structures; Wood carving is not only used for the exterior eaves of buildings, but also for the decoration of interior eaves. Tianjin brick carving is a leader in the art of brick carving, and it is also a fine tile-making product during Qianlong and Jiaqing years in Qing Dynasty. Brick carvers are called "carvers". Daoguang developed into an independent industry and formed the world-famous "Tianjin Brick Carving". The wood carving skills of hanging flower doors, internal and external cards, forehead, flower cover, four screens, flower board and flower teeth are also a must.
The buildings in China, especially the residential buildings, are mostly brick-wood structures, which are popular with auspicious patterns with profound decorative meanings, such as eaves, Fangshan walls, lintels, window frames, screen walls, column bases, panel walls, roofs and drum stones. Kirin is one of the commonly used auspicious animals. Some decorate stone Kirin on both sides of the gate, which not only shows the nobleness of the gate, but also avoids evil spirits.
(3) Decorations and patterns Since ancient times, people like to wear the craft statues of Kirin as amulets, which are made of gold, silver, copper and jade. Pay special attention to wearing "Kirin lock" for babies to pray for their longevity. In addition, the traditional patterns with Kirin artistic modeling as the pattern are also widely used. During the reign of Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty, the official robe was embroidered with Kirin, which was named "Kirin robe" and was specially worn by military commanders above the third grade. In the Qing dynasty, Kirin was embroidered on the "supplement" of military attache and became a symbol of hierarchy. In folk paper-cutting, New Year pictures, embroidery, batik and other arts and crafts, Kirin has left a vivid shadow.
(4) Praise and Greeting Most people praise other people's children with such laudatory names as "Kirin", "Liner" and "Linzi". For example, the Southern Dynasties' Biography of Chen Shu Chu Ling said: "When Baozhi was a teacher, the world called him a Taoist. How old is the mausoleum? His family took it away. The top of the treasure said:' The stone unicorn in the sky is also'. " Tang Du Fu's Poems on Du Gongbu Caotang Summer Xu's two sons: "Didn't you see that Summer Xu's two sons are wonderful? I feel that Ji Meng is following them and Confucius is hugging them, not unicorns in the sky." ; Our son Feng Chu is a symbol of noble offspring. With "Lin toe", I wish my descendants a lifetime of virtue; Take "Lin's toes as a sample" as the horizontal approval of the wedding couplet, and wish you a kind offspring; Metaphor "forest liver and chicken marrow" is an extremely rare food; Praise and explain the preciousness of goods with "Fengkou in the forest" and "Rare".
Kirin, though an imaginary animal created by ancient people in China, is always so vivid and deeply rooted in people's hearts in real life. Whether as an ideological form or as a materialized form, Kirin has long been shown as an auspicious image, which not only reflects the psychological status of Kirin in the hearts of China people, but also embodies the profound thought of "the unity of man and nature". This belief in supernatural things is the development of worship of material gods. Kirin will be the eternal mascot of China people's life.
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