The Study On The Folk Belief Of Matrimony And Fertility Customs In Zhou Dynasty

The folk belief as a normal phenomenon in culture, is not the existence of an abstract concept beyond social culture. The spirit-cultural factors among the beliefs are frequently active, kinking in colorful society and culture. And the folk belief related to matrimony and fertility occupies the core among the entire system of folk beliefs. More over, matrimony and fertility "carry on with ancestral temple and the next generation" (from Hunyi·Liji), relating to continuity, stability and prosperity of a family and even as well as a society.Therefore, studying on folk belief of matrimony and fertility in Zhou Dynasty is not only conducive to enriching the knowledge about the spiritual world of the Pre-Qin society, but also to understanding institutions involving society, politics, economy, life and culture. From the historical distance, the belief on matrimony and fertility in Zhou Dynasty is the origin of the beliefs and institutions on matrimony and fertility in China as a whole. So, studying of the origin is helpful to corroborate a lot of beliefs on matrimony and fertility, folk custom in modern society, and also to elucidate their origin and evolution. From three stages, ie. the love, marriage and childbearing, this article elucidates the symbols about folk beliefs on matrimony and fertility in Zhou Dynasty, trying to analyze its origin and influence. The article is mainly composed of five chapters.First of all, in the introduction the article expounds why to raise such a topic, what is the research goal, and reviews the research achievements of predecessors. And then, based on their achievements, the room to research is founded. More over, the article sets out analyses of the theoretical foundation.The text part is divided into four chapters. The first chapter expounds the connotation of the folk belief and analyzes the related theory. Based on which the folk belief in Zhou Dynasty is analyzed. As a term, the folk belief neither should be simply defined inside of the space and people belonging to non-government, nor should be simply summed up as common faith. The connotation of the folk belief depends on its context instead of social classes. Based on such a definition the article analyses the relationship between the folk belief and ritual system, witchcraft, taboo, divination, mythology, folklore and so on, and the historical position of the folk belief in Zhou Dynasty.The second chapter expounds and analyses the folk belief of showing love between man and woman. Beginning with kinds of symbols presenting love at that times, which is recorded in Pre-Qin classic works, the article analyses their historical origins, probing their rich-endowed cultural implication. This chapter is divided into three parts:belief in matter conductive outward, including fruit, tree, jade, picking plant, ect. Belief in conductive matter extended from body, including bridal veil, sleeve, underwear and other melee clothes. And belief in other symbol which is very similar with human reproduction, such as bird, fish and worm.The third chapter expounds folk beliefs in the wedding, which begins with some rituals in the process of marriage, such as taboo, intend and date confirming, going to the bride’s home to escort her, etc, analyzing symbol, performance, origin and its implication in the Pre-Qin wedding. No marriage within the same family name began in the Zhou Dynasty, which should be related to social development and management of Zhou Dynasty. However, six rituals in wedding recorded in Lishu are somehow different with the actual situation in the Spring and Autumn period and the Western Zhou Dynasty. No matter gift choice in wedding, footprint following and wood bounding in escorting, or sharing food in a bowl and temple meeting of ceremony in wedding, no doubt it is: First, the intend and obligations is confirmed. Second, best wishes is expressed for marriage. Third, it is clear that lessons are common in ritual system. Fourth, it reflects supplication of reproduction.The fourth chapter discusses the folk belief in childbearing. In term of the process of childbearing, the folk beliefs can be accordingly divided into three stages, including beliefs in prayer leading to pregnancy, in child delivery and in bring up. There are some mechanism throughout of these three phrases, but they have relatively independent space and form. From sorcerer worshiping belief, myths, legendary to formation of customs of later periods, the text is committed to analyze fertility belief in Zhou Dynasty, and its implied meaning, evolution and influence.In epilogue part, the article expounds the conclusion and the author’s overall understanding of the folk beliefs on matrimony and fertility in Zhou Dynasty. Traditionally, matrimony and fertility is regarded as the foundation of etiquette and ritual, which shows the status of it in Chinese traditional culture. Nevertheless, folk beliefs tend to be the most dynamic factor to reflect the social features, etiquette system and values, etc. at that time. In political culture of Zhou Dynasty, continuously increasing and decreasing, there are frequently active shadow of folk belief. Meanwhile folk belief, as a small tradition, is also generated by own sources and flows to develop. Its inheritance and evolution not only embodies colorful world of spirit in Zhou Dynasty but also reflects tracks of history developing and changing. And many folk beliefs even spread so far today, embodying powerful vitality of life. Therefore, profoundly implicated the folk beliefs on matrimony and fertility in Zhou Dynasty is so profoundly implicating that it is helpful to get the Book of Songs, an outstanding classics, to be born. And many long-lasting folk beliefs recorded in it, increasing or decreasing in content, go down until now.