A Comprehensive History of Chinese Customs: Liao, Jin, and Western Xia Volume

Author: Song Dejin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-01
Features: A grand historical narrative tracing the continuous life of the Chinese nation, and a vast scroll depicting the profound origins and long-standing traditions of Chinese customs. The connotation of customs is extremely broad, encompassing various aspects of material and spiritual life. Previous research works on the subject have often varied in scope. After multiple discussions and building upon the achievements of predecessors, we strive for innovation. Based on their content and form, we categorize customs into major areas such as diet, clothing, housing, transportation, marriage, funeral rites, birthday celebrations, health care, social interactions, economic production, entertainment, and religious beliefs. We also endeavor to explore the fundamental characteristics and evolutionary patterns of customs in each era.
This book is divided into twelve volumes by historical periods: Primitive Society, Xia and Shang Dynasties, Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou Dynasties, Qin and Han Dynasties, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui, Tang, and Five Dynasties, Song, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia, Ming, and Qing. It aims to comprehensively and systematically reflect the historical trajectory of Chinese customs. As for the chapter structure of each volume, guided by the principle of "seeking common ground while preserving minor differences," we strive to reflect the distinctive customs of each era.