Northeast rural life

Author: Yu Xuebin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2003-02-01
Features: Time flies, and ages pass. In the blink of an eye, we have entered the 21st century. Time, like a sharp blade, has ruthlessly severed the past. With the advancement of productivity and the continuous improvement of living standards, those once-familiar aspects of life have gradually faded into history, making it impossible to fully understand them without dedicated research. China is an agricultural nation, and at its core, Chinese culture originates from rural culture. The Chinese civilization is, in essence, an agricultural civilization. The value of this book lies in its preservation and documentation of the old rural farming practices, tools, and customs of the past. These once-commonplace items are now part of history, and their recording and interpretation undoubtedly preserve our nation's heritage. The old photographs in the book showcase "traditional rural society" and "traditional farmer society," allowing us to feel the profound sense of hometown pride and national unity, the ingenuity and cultural depth of various ethnic groups, the harmony between nature and humanity, the marvels of nature, and the boundless creativity of humankind.
Northeast China, historically known as Dongbei, Dongdong, Dongliang, or Dongsheng, encompasses Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces, as well as the eastern part of Inner Mongolia's Hulunbuir, Xing'an, Jilin, and Chifeng prefectures. Geographically, it stretches from 38°43′N to 53°34′N latitude and from 135°5′E to 115°37′E longitude, covering a total area of 1.2414 million square kilometers, which accounts for 12.9% of China's total land area. With a population exceeding 100 million, the Northeast has long been recognized as a vast and northern region, often referred to as the "Northeast Plain." If China's map is likened to a rooster, the Northeast lies precisely at the "comb" of the bird. This fertile and beautiful land has been home to numerous ethnic groups for generations, featuring mountains, plains, rivers, and lakes. With distinct seasons and abundant resources, it is highly suitable for human habitation and development. It is the birthplace of the Manchu people, the grasslands of the Mongols, the hunting grounds of the Ewenki, and the fishing waters of the Hezhe. The people of these ethnic groups, born and raised in this land, have created unique cultures shaped by their natural environments, contributing significantly to the history of the nation and the richness of Chinese culture. Ethnic customs are undoubtedly a vital part of cultural heritage, embodying the most vibrant, dynamic, and colorful aspects of a culture. They are extensive, covering nearly all aspects of social life; diverse, with vibrant styles; and profound, rich in wisdom. If you wish to explore Northeast Chinese culture and experience its charm, follow Yu Xuebin's Old Scenes of Northeast Charm to immerse yourself in this land, where you will feel the deep sense of hometown pride and national unity, the ingenuity and cultural depth of various ethnic groups, the harmony between nature and humanity, the wonders of nature, and the limitless creativity of humankind—the saying goes, "A land shapes its people." The unique geographical environment of the Northeast has nurtured its diverse ethnic groups, shaping their distinct personalities and customs. Over the long course of history, the ethnic groups of the Northeast have created cultures with regional characteristics, which have made significant contributions to the development of the Chinese nation. For example, the Manchu qipao has become a symbol of Chinese women, while the martial spirit and skilled horsemanship of the Northeast ethnic groups have played a crucial role in shaping the national spirit, maintaining national unity, and preserving territorial integrity. As the saying goes, "Different customs exist even a few miles apart." The Northeast, as a relatively independent regional concept, shares many cultural similarities among its ethnic groups, yet there are also differences in customs across various regions. Nearly half of China's 56 ethnic groups are found in the Northeast, with 11 groups—Han, Manchu, Mongolian, Hui, Korean, Daur, Ewenki, Hezhe, Sibo, and Kyrghyz—historically residing there. Though distinct in ethnicity, language, and culture, they inhabit different regions, engage in various livelihoods, and have unique customs. According to anthropological classifications, the Northeast has three major cultural types: agricultural culture (represented by the Han and Manchu), pastoral culture (represented by the Mongols), and hunting and fishing culture (represented by the Ewenki and Hezhe). Before the industrial era, all these cultural types were present in the Northeast, making its ethnic customs incredibly diverse and vibrant. As the saying goes, "When entering a country, inquire about its laws; when entering a village, learn its customs." China has long had a tradition of collecting folk culture, with folk customs serving as the foundation for governance throughout history. In contemporary times, the Party places great importance on the collection and preservation of folk culture, elevating it to a significant political level. China is a multi-ethnic nation composed of 56 groups, each with distinct lifestyles, marriage and funeral traditions, social structures, and religious beliefs. Understanding and mastering these customs is crucial for strengthening ethnic unity and fostering national confidence and pride.
Today, China has successfully joined the WTO and further integrated into the global community. While we strive to understand the world, we must also ensure the world knows us—not just our present but also our past, the contributions of the Chinese nation to world culture; not just our modernity but also our traditions, which are the roots of our identity. As the saying goes, "What is ethnic is global." For the Chinese nation to establish its place in the world, it must not only learn from Western advanced science and technology and ideas but also promote the essence of its own traditional culture, refining and preserving its best while discarding the rest. Only in this way can China maintain its cultural superiority while staying rooted, keeping pace with global development while retaining its ethnic identity. As China moves toward the world, it must remain true to itself. As the saying goes, "The more ethnic, the more global." When Yu Xuebin's Old Scenes of Northeast Charm was about to be published, he asked me to write a preface. I felt that the ethnic groups selected in this series are representative and typical, covering almost all types of Northeastern Chinese culture and serving as an invaluable resource for understanding and appreciating the region. What makes this series particularly precious is its adherence to China's traditional "left-image-right-history" approach, combining vivid illustrations with detailed text to create a dynamic and engaging experience. This is a of past ethnic life, a replay of stories lingering in collective memory. We document this rich cultural heritage for three reasons: preservation—when a culture vanishes or fades, its documentation becomes even more critical; commemoration—honoring the journey our nation has taken; and promotion—celebrating the excellence within our culture, which is our contribution to human history. As the book nears completion, I briefly jot down these thoughts in the hope of offering a meaningful preface.