Chinese fox culture

Author: Li Jianguo
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The fox spirit is a unique creation of Chinese culture. Unique things possess charm. Therefore, it spread to neighboring countries heavily influenced by Chinese culture in ancient times, and in modern times, some scholars from Eastern and Western countries have also paid academic attention to it. As far as the author knows, scholars in countries like Japan, the United States, and Germany have studied or are currently studying Chinese fox spirits. After the fox spirit transitioned from religious, folk, and cultural contexts to aesthetic culture, it underwent a completely new evaluation and aesthetic transformation, becoming the most charming aesthetic concept. The role and nature of the fox were initially totems and auspicious animals, later becoming demonic beasts and spirits. Even when the fox was revered as a fox deity or immortal, it was still considered a spirit. Fox deities and immortals were never included in official rituals, always falling under the category of "immoral" worship, precisely because of their unrefined nature. Thus, the early stages of fox culture were totemic and auspicious culture, while the later stages were spirit culture, with spirit culture being the dominant aspect. As a spirit, the fox spirit is unparalleled among the vast group of spirits, ranking as the most outstanding spirit. After transitioning from religious and folk culture to aesthetic culture, the fox spirit underwent a completely new evaluation and aesthetic transformation, becoming the most charming aesthetic concept.