A Study of Historical Social Customs and Matters

Author: Shang Binghe (Editor)
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2002-07-01
Features: Shang Binghe (1870-1950), styled Ziyu, was a native of Xingtang, Hebei. The late master was a prolific scholar, achieving great heights in both the I Ching (Book of Changes) and historical studies. In the realm of the I Ching, he left behind works such as An Ancient I Ching Divination Study, Commentary on Jiao’s I Ching, and Annotations to Jiao’s I Ching Forest. In the field of history, his legacy includes Spring and Autumn Annals of Xinyin and Examination of Historical Social Customs and Affairs Across Dynasties. In the Biography of Master Zixi, when discussing the compilation of Examination of Historical Social Customs and Affairs Across Dynasties, the master remarked: “In the history of China, records are abundant concerning dynastic rises and falls, political successes and failures, and cultural institutions. However, the evolution of social customs, the differences in customs and fashion, and the living conditions of daily life—from the Three Dynasties to the Tang and Song—have often been obscure, leaving gaps in understanding when reading ancient texts. Yet, every object has its own history, and every affair has its own history, yet these are often overlooked. Therefore, in compiling this work, the master traced the origins, from the Three Dynasties to the late Qing Dynasty, and meticulously examined unrecorded aspects of historical social conditions and customs—such as clothing, food, housing, travel, marriage and funeral rites, games and pastimes, seasonal rituals, markets, and streets. Each topic was analyzed in detail, rigorously verified, and supported by references to over three hundred classical texts. For those who are passionate about traditional Chinese culture, especially those interested in understanding historical social customs, this is an invaluable and irreplaceable work that enriches intellect and insight."