A Comprehensive History of Chinese Customs (Volume on Xia and Shang Dynasties)

Author: Song Zhenhao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-01
Features: The connotation of folk customs is extremely broad, involving many aspects of material and spiritual life. Research works on this topic have varied in scope throughout history. After multiple discussions, we have strived for innovation while thoroughly absorbing the achievements of previous scholars. Based on their content and form, we have divided them into major categories such as diet, clothing, housing, transportation, marriage, funeral rites, birthday celebrations, health care, social interactions, economic production, entertainment, and religious beliefs. We have also made efforts to explore the basic characteristics and evolutionary patterns of folk customs in each era. This book is divided into twelve volumes according to historical periods: Primitive Society, Xia and Shang Dynasties, Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou Dynasties, Qin and Han Dynasties, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui and Five Dynasties, Song, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, as well as the Republic of China. It aims to comprehensively and systematically reflect the historical trajectory of Chinese folk customs. As for the chapter arrangements in each volume, guided by the principle of "seeking common ground while preserving minor differences," we strive to reflect the characteristics of folk customs in each era. After years of arduous effort, the wisdom and dedication of numerous Chinese historians have culminated in the publication of this monumental work, A Comprehensive History of Chinese Folk Customs, which traces the origins and inheritance of the folk customs of the Chinese nation.
This book is grand in scale, divided into twelve volumes based on historical periods: Primitive Society, Xia and Shang Dynasties, Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou Dynasties, Qin and Han Dynasties, Northern and Southern Dynasties, Sui and Five Dynasties, Song, Liao, Jin, and Western Xia, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, as well as the Republic of China. It aims to comprehensively, deeply, and systematically reflect the characteristics of folk customs in each era, while also presenting the differences in customs across different periods and regions. It delves into and discusses the key points and examples that reflect the social life and customs of each historical period, thereby providing an interpretation and perspective on the entire history of China from the perspective of folk customs.
A Comprehensive History of Chinese Folk Customs uses detailed archaeological and literary records, vivid narratives, and accurate descriptions to meticulously reveal and examine various aspects of ancient Chinese social life and customs. While engaging in rational discussions, it also incorporates a wealth of (emotional historical materials), employing appropriate literary notes, classical novels, and poetry as examples. The characters and scenes range from emperors to commoners, from imperial courts to the folk, giving the book a lively and accessible tone amidst a serious academic atmosphere. It vividly reflects the history of real-life Chinese people.