The Investigation To Xiong Li's Application To The Diplomacy Relations During The Spring And Autumn Period

Xiong Li is a cover name for the etiquette of rescuing those in disaster and easing the suffered in the pre-Qin period, which is an important component of the Chinese ritual system. According to the words of Zhou Li,Xiong Li has five distinctive rituals, of which Diao,Gui and Xu are indispensable means in the course of the diplomatic activities during the Spring and Autumn Dynasty. Relevant discussions about them not only can promote the understanding of the evolution of the etiquette system,but also enrich the academic scope of the diplomatic relations during the Spring and Autumn period, thus have important academic values.This paper is divided into four parts as follows:The first part is a brief literature review of the academic history to find out the situation that since the Qin Dynasty, ancient scholars of Xiong Li have paid some attention, but unfortunately lacking a comprehensive investigation of the system, and few have interpreted Xiong Li through probing into the diplomats of the Spring and Autumn Dynasty. Therefore,there is still large room for research related to such a topic.The second part is a deep exploration to Xiong Li's diplomatic ceremonies. It analyses in detail Xiong Li's performance in diplomatic relations, basically including reports and the envoy from other countries for consolation. Limited by lack of historical data, only the rite of funeral has been documented, with all the rest of the etiquette losing their basis and meaning for existence, submerged in history due to the formation of the centralized state power of Qin and Han Autocratic system.The third part of the introduction to Xiong Li's diplomatic activities focuses on the features. This paper points out, with the power structure downward and the ritual system of Zongzhou collapsing, Xiong Li takes on new characteristics unique in that era, not only in various forms, but also with a dual character: both are the remaining rites of the etiquette system, but the utilitarianism is stained in brighter colors, which means that Xiong Li both complies to Zhou Li, and manifests the epitome of the utilitarian of that era. The fourth part of Xiong Li states the significance of Xiong Li application to the diplomatic relations in the Spring and Autumn Dynasty. During the Spring and Autumn period, neighboring Asian countries cared for each other to safeguard regional peace, making a positive contribution and having promoted social harmony and each other's economic development.In short, during the Spring and Autumn period, expressing sadness and pity or condolence, rescuing those in disaster and easing the suffered were prevalent etiquettes in the course of national diplomatic exchanges. Take the rite of funeral for example, to condole is to go through a complete and orderly process, indicating that throughout the late Spring and Autumn period, rescuing and easing suffering neighbors had become mature as a courtesy. However, although the rite of funeral has been preserved as folk customs, the other four cases of ceremony disappeared along with the collapse of the ruling and enfeoffment system. Nevertheless, as an indispensable component of national policies regarding diplomatic relations during the Spring and Autumn Dynasty, Xiong Li has its historical significance and has imposed positive impacts upon political practices. This paper therefore intends to make an attemptative study on this and stimulate more in-depth analysis and research from scholars.