Illustrated Dictionary of Common Knowledge About Ancient Chinese Culture

Author: Compiler: Wang Li
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The book consists of fourteen chapters, with titles in the following order: Astronomy, Calendar, which covers fourteen themes. These themes are relatively independent yet interconnected, divisible into four units.
Unit 1: Astronomy, Calendar, and Music Theory. The first three chapters of the book belong to this unit, encompassing the "astronomy" branch of ancient Chinese culture. Ancient Chinese astronomy differs from Western astronomy, as it is not primarily focused on exploring nature, but rather a highly practical discipline. Its role in politics was immense, even becoming the foremost and sometimes sole concern of ancient emperors (Jiang Xiaoyuan, History of Astronomy Outside the Mainstream, Shanghai People's Publishing House). Moreover, due to the dominant "harmony between heaven and humanity" philosophy in ancient Chinese society, the heavens were used as a mirror to reflect earthly affairs. Thus, astronomy, calendar, and music theory formed a "one-in-three, three-in-one" system in ancient China. This unit is crucial—reading any ancient text inevitably encounters these topics, making them essential knowledge for understanding classics, hence their inclusion here.
Unit 2: Geography, Official Positions, and Imperial Examinations. This unit deals with the "politics" branch of ancient Chinese culture. Here, geography is discussed not in terms of "constellations" (which is a key concept in the "astronomy" unit and has already been covered), but rather administrative divisions like commanderies, kingdoms, provinces, prefectures, circuits, military districts, prefectures, and states—regions established and divided by successive dynasties. These are matters of "human affairs," not celestial phenomena. Official positions and imperial examinations are even more apparent, focusing on the identities (positions) of significant historical figures and the methods (examinations) by which they rose from society to governance. While discussions of officials lean more toward the pre-Tang and Song dynasties, imperial examinations are emphasized post-Tang and Song. Without this knowledge, reading ancient literature might still be manageable, but understanding historical events becomes impossible. Thus, these topics are placed in this unit.
Unit 3: Names, Customs, and Clan Laws. This unit belongs to the "society" branch. While the previous unit highlights the exploits of historical leaders, this one reflects the very flow of history itself. Every era belongs to the common people, though the elite and celebrities may shine, the true face of an era is best revealed by its populace. The themes of "names," "customs," and "clan laws" discussed here encapsulate aspects of daily life close to ordinary people.
Unit 4 is the most extensive, with five chapters: Palaces, Vehicles, Food and Drink, Clothing and Accessories, and Miscellaneous Items. These topics relate to the "material civilization" of the time, a subject of increasing academic interest in recent decades and essential knowledge for readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of ancient society. Palaces represent architecture, the "civilization of habitation"; vehicles signify transportation, the "civilization of movement"; food and drink embody the "civilization of sustenance"; clothing and accessories are aesthetics, the "civilization of attire." Combined, clothing, food, shelter, and transportation, along with everyday utensils (miscellaneous items), cover all aspects of daily life.
The fourteen themes across these four units collectively present a rich, accessible, well-organized, and layered exploration of ancient cultural knowledge, offering readers a complete glimpse into ancient Chinese society while also clearing some obstacles for further direct engagement with classical texts.