Research on Shanxi Lehu

Author: Xiang Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-10-01
Features: The Leji system, which originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty and lasted until the first year of the Yongzheng reign in the Qing Dynasty, was a professional musician system centered around "lowly people," with those registered in the Leji classified as "Lehu." They served in the palace, government offices, military, and temples, providing various services related to "music." The main thread of Chinese musical culture was actually created and passed down by professional musicians centered around "lowly people." The Leji system, lasting for over a thousand years, contributed to the systematization of Chinese music. This book begins with field research on the descendants of Lehu in Shanxi Province, one of the most concentrated historical regions of the Leji system, and traces the traditional Chinese musical culture with the Leji system and Lehu as the main thread. From the perspectives of literature, sociology, folklore, musicology, history, and archaeology, it comprehensively studies the self-upward methods, social status, beliefs, organizational forms, and other aspects of this group in different historical periods, aiming to provide new interpretations.