Social Transformation Analyses From Evolution Of Burial Regulation And Customs

The Song dynasty is an important turning point in Chinese ancient history which is also a significant stage of Chinese feudal ages. An old saying says: "Treat the dead like treat to living." Burials which reflect the real life then and there in a certain time offer a reliable way for us to know about the policy, economy, culture and thought of the time. Therefore, based on characteristics of burial regulation and burial customs researching burials in Song China from the view of archaeology which can reflect the social transformations to some extent is meaningful to further study the history of the Song dynasty.With the development of basic construction, archaeological excavations about Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin have become more and more in recent years. Especially Sichuan tombs built of stone and of bricks are plentiful offerings for relative research. Based on excavated tombs and past achievements, after combing historical and cultural background then, the dissertation analyses typical tombs of Sichuan basin one by one, sums up characteristics of burial regulation and burial customs in the Song dynasty for each period and pursues corresponding social meanings.Firstly, typical tombs which are complete in shape, have plentiful burial articles, definite date or are especially typical in some regions are analyzed one by one to get representative characteristics. Secondly, after relative materials are sorted out, the evolution regulation for the Sichuan tombs in the Song dynasty is established, and evolution tendencies are concluded according to time and region. On one hand, periodic characteristics are summarized according to time. On the other hand, the Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin are compared with those in other primary regions especially in neighboring regions and regions beyond aiming at revealing common and particular characteristics for Sichuan tombs. Thirdly, based on analyses above, characteristics of burial regulation and burial customs of Sichuan tombs are generalized which indirectly reflect the social transformation from many aspects. Lastly, the dissertation further analyses internal reasons for the evolution of the Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin from aspects such as economy, policy, culture, religion and so on, and elaborates corresponding social transformations.The Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin are divided into three periods and six detailed stages. Firstly, tombs in the early Song dynasty last the style of those in later Tang dynasty. Secondly, from the middle North Song dynasty to the early South Song dynasty, interconnected double chamber tombs are popular. Thirdly, during the middle and later South Song dynasty, tombs with sculpture ornaments built of stone are well developed and cremation burials are popular. In a word, the Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin show noticeably social transformations in many aspects including ranks, funerary objects, funerary ornament, geomantic omen, couple joint burial graves , family joint burial graves etc. And mainly there are three points. Firstly, Burial rank is less severe. Secondly, people pay more attention to sacrifice instead of burials. Thirdly, purpose of burials is to emphasize people alive instead of the deceased. What's more, secularism, realism and utilitarianism are the clue and key point resulting in these transformations. At last, the dissertation points out that the essential reason for evolution of Song dynasty tombs in Sichuan basin is changed social classes, direct reason is influences of social custom and primary reason is mutual influences of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism which can be generalized and called social transformations of the Song dynasty.