Six Animals And Qin And Han Social Life Research

The six domestic animals,namely horse,cattle,sheep,chicken,dog and pig,were firstly domesticated and bred in humanity.During Qin and Han Dynasties,with the development of breeding industry,the six domestic animals' status in human social life were further highlighted.Basing on drawing the outline of the six domestic animals breeding industry,this thesis discusses the relationship between the six domestic animals and social life of Qin and Han Dynasties from the aspects of diet,medical treatment and entertainment,so as to reveal the significance of the six domestic animals in the history of Qin and Han Dynasties.The prosperity of six domestic animals breeding industry of Qin and Han Dynasties mainly focused on three aspects:the professionalization of breeding institutions,the personalization of breeding palces and the diversification of forage.Those stables and gardens which scattered in central and local areas were principal breeding institutions of Qin and Han Dynasties,where had professionals who took charge of all kinds of affairs.The central stables and gardens locating around capital mainly breeded six domestic animals for royal household.While the loal stables and gardens which distributed in different counties and states were responsible for planting animals,cultivating horses and faciliting commutation.The breeding places involved indoor and outdoor areas.The domestic people chose the direction,shape and layout of the animal houses acording to livestock's habit.Futhermore,the six domestic animal's daily accommodation were varies,whic could be devided into forage such as Chu,Gao,alfafa and wheat,such as millet,wheat,rice and beans.The six domestic animals have improved people's diet standard of Qin and Han Dynasties.The meat of Qin and Han Dynasties possessed numerous varieties.Beef and mutton were not only delicious food for the nomadic nation and the upper-layer citizen,but also precious gift for imperial court to rewarded his subjects.The custom of eating dog was popular in those areas such as Yanqi,Wuchu and Bashu.In addition,the price of chicken and pork were so cheap that even the cash-strapped families could get it.In order to improving the taste and color of all kinds of meats,the cooks were proficiently mastered different cooking skills,involving baking,boiling,making paste,drying and pickling.In addition,the taboo principle was reinforced during this period.The factors which could measure whether those meats were edible or not included the safety of food,eaters' religious belief and health condition.The six domestic animals have promoted social medicine enterprise of Qin and Han Dynasties.The professional veterinarians were generated in Western Zhou,while in Han Dynasty,those famous veterinarians who gained a good reputation were too numerous.They healed the six domestic animals' diseases by the means of medicine,operation,high-temperature disinfection and witchcraft.At the same time,the bones,meat,blood,viscera,hair and feces of six domestic animals were endowed with extremely high medical value,so those elements were widely used to treat various diseases in internal medicine,surgery,gynaecology,pediatrics and neurology.Even the medical treatment methods of Qin and Han Dynasties were abound in the factor of non-rationalism,but in general,it was a period when medicine has defeated witchcraft and science has overcome ignorance.The six domestic animals have accelerated the boom of recreational activities of Qin and Han Dynasties.In the cultural atmosphere of admiring mihgty and advocating prowess,many Qin-Han citizens addicted themselves to cockfighting.They even selected professionals to train roosters and spent a lot of money on building excellent weapons for the contestants.Bullfighting activities were also popular among people.The fighting between warrior and cow was exciting,which focusing on showing the strength and bravery of bullfighters.While the fighting between cattle and beast was thrilling,which aimed to attract audience.Meanwhile,The professional skill of horse control has contributed to the prevalence of horse racing and circus activities,which including individual talent display and group collaborative performance.This thrilling excitement was so amazing that has caused the luxury habit of rich people.In addition,hunting activities has occupied a preliminary scale in Qin Dynasty.When it came to Han Dynasty,the hunting system was be completed,the hunters was soared and the entertainment trend was more obvious.Accoding to Han Stone Relief in Shaanxi,Henan and Shandong,the hunting tools,hunters' dressing and prey were different,which reflected the diversity of recreational activities in regional culture.In summary,the hard working of Qin and Han people has promoted the prosperity of the six domestic breeding industry.At the same time,the thrive scene of six domestic animals has improved people's living conditions,advanced people's living standard and enriched people's social life in Qin and Han Dynasties.Excavating the cultural connotation which hidden behind the the six domestic animals and its social impact can not only help to explore the life profile of Qin and Han Dynasties,but also further to understand the independent relationship between people and animals.